Creamy Baked Caramelized Onion Dip (Easy Homemade Recipe)
You will love this rich, creamy caramelized onion dip, inspired by Gordon Ramsay’s style. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for game day, parties, or serving with chips and crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 60 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (optional, for extra richness)
- For Serving: Tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and sweet. Do not rush this step; slow caramelization builds the flavor.
- Finish Caramelization: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool slightly.
- Combine Dip Base: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. If you are adding Gruyere, mix it in now.
- Mix Ingredients: Fold the cooled caramelized onions and garlic mixture into the cream cheese base. Season with black pepper and taste. Add more salt if needed.
- Bake (Optional for Warm Dip): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the dip mixture to a small, oven-safe baking dish. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the dip is heated through and slightly bubbly around the edges.
- Serve: Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving warm. If you prefer a cold dip, chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve this best chip dip for gathering with your favorite dippers.
Notes
- For the deepest flavor, ensure your onions cook low and slow. If they start to burn, reduce the heat immediately.
- This dip tastes even better after chilling for several hours, allowing the flavors to fully meld.
- If you skip the baking step, this makes an excellent savory onion spread that is ready faster.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 65