French Onion Dip

This ultimate, easy, homemade French Onion Dip will make your next party an event to remember.

A creamy, tangy base and deliciously sweet caramelized onions result in rich flavors that never disappoint. 

French Onion Dip recipe by Cheerful Cook.

French Onion Dip Recipe Highlights

HOMEMADE + FRESH – This homemade version is more delicious and cheaper than the French Onion Dip in the grocery store. For years, Trader Joe’s French Onion Dip was my go-to. But I realized I could make a much better version at home one day. And it’s so much better.

PARTY DIP – This recipe is a great, easy-to-prep-ahead party dip for movie night or game day.

EASY TO MAKE – Sauté the onions and mix them with the remaining ingredients. This is all you’ve got to do to make your own homemade French Onion Dip. Forget about the french onion soup mix dips. This recipe is so much tastier. 

SCALE – Got a big crowd? This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. You will need a large skillet, though. Or simply sauté the onions in batches.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients needed to make French Onion Dip.

ONIONS – Use sweet or yellow onions. They work well in this recipe because they caramelize so well. Follow the process, and you’ll be amazed at how sweet onions are.

What about Red Onions? When I tested my French Onion Soup recipe, I tried to find the perfect caramelized onion mixture. And I tried every onion I could get my hands on, from red to Vidalia onions.

Ultimately, sweet and yellow onions resulted in the most delicious caramelized onions.

BROWN SUGAR – It adds an extra layer of sweetness.

BALSAMIC VINEGAR – This is my “secret ingredient.” The one ingredient that puts this dip over the top. You can use any good quality balsamic vinegar. I happen to love the from Trader Joe’s.

GARLIC POWDER – Add a little punch without overpowering the dip.

CHIVES – Optional but a nice garnish that adds a pop of color.

SOUR CREAM and MAYONNAISE – The ultimate combination for a creamy base.

More Easy Dip Recipes

Variations

GREEK YOGURT – If you want to cut down on calories, you can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. To make it even healthier, you can replace sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek Yogurt.

CREAM CHEESE – Cream cheese is your best option if you like a firmer dip. And if you choose to use cream cheese, allow it to rise to room temperature.

BACON – If you want to turn this dip into the ultimate caramelized onion dip, fry three slices of bacon. Mix with the caramelized onions.

SCALLIONS – You might know scallions as green onions. They are quite literally the same thing. And another fun garnish option for this easy dip. 

WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE – I like simple flavors that work well together. Add a teaspoon or two to add more complexity and a bit of an umami flavor.

PEPPER – I don’t add any pepper to my dip. But if you want to add a bit of heat, try a dash of cayenne pepper.

Dipping a potato chip into a homemade French Onion Dip.

How To Make The Best French Onion Dip

  1. CARAMELIZED ONIONS. Add diced onions, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder to heat olive oil. Simmer until tender and deep golden brown color. About 20 minutes.
  2. CREAM BASE. In a large bowl, whisk sour cream and mayonnaise until well combined. Fold the lightly-cooled caramelized onions into the creamy sour cream base.
  3. GARNISH. Drizzle the dip with fresh chives or green onions.

TIP – Don’t rush the caramelization process. Keep the heat at low to medium-low.
Slow and steady wins the (flavor) race. This slowly allows the natural sweetness of the onion to shine.

French Onion Dip in a white bowl sprinkled with fresh chives

Serving Ideas

In my house, we like crinkle-cut potato chips. But you can use plain potato chips, bagel chips, or even pita chips.

Of course, you can also choose to dip your favorite veggies!

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More Easy And Delicious Dip Recipes

CUCUMBER DIP – great for dipping veggies and crackers

TACO DIP – perfect for game night

Warm Spinach Dip – ooey-gooey oven-baked dip

SMOKED SALMON DIP – three-ingredient creamy smoked salmon dip

CANNOLI DIP – Perfect sweet but not too sweet dip.

DUNAROO DIP – A recreation of a childhood favorite

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French Onion Dip

Author: Maike Corbett
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serving Size 6
This classic dip will quickly become your new favorite appetizer recipe! It's creamy, sweet, tangy, and full of flavor from caramelized onions.
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Ingredients

Garnish (optional)

  • ¼ cup chives finely chopped

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions.
  • Simmer onions gently over medium-low heat. Stir in brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder.
  • Continue to simmer for 20 minutes or until the onions are brown, sweet, and tender. If desired season with salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, and until well combined. Fold in caramelized onions. Garnish with chives.

Video

Nutritional Information

Calories: 243
Carbs: 9g
Fat: 23g
Protein: 2g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.

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