This homemade French Onion Dip delivers all the creamy, savory goodness you love in just one hour. Perfect for casual gatherings or game-day celebrations, this versatile dip packs rich flavors while keeping the nutrition in check at only 103 calories per serving.
The magic happens as sweet onions caramelize for 30 minutes, developing deep, complex flavors that make store-bought versions pale in comparison. After a quick chill in the refrigerator, you’ll have an irresistible party favorite that pairs perfectly with chips, veggies, or crackers.
Ingredients Section
- Butter & Oil: 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons oil for perfect onion caramelization
- Sweet Onions: 2 large ones, finely chopped for the best flavor development
- Dairy Base: 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ cup sour cream, and ½ cup mayonnaise for creamy texture
- Aromatics: 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons fresh chives for depth
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions Section
- Onion Preparation: Heat butter and oil in a pan over low heat, add chopped onions and cook for 30 minutes until golden. Stir occasionally for even caramelization
- Create Base: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, chives, and salt
- Combine: Mix in the cooled caramelized onions, leaving some aside for garnish if desired
- Season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste
- Chill: Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to let flavors meld together
- Serve: Enjoy with chips, pretzels, pita bread, or fresh vegetables
Mastering Caramelized Onions
The magic of this dip happens during the onion caramelization! Keep your heat low and be patient – rushing this step won’t give you those sweet, golden-brown onions that make this dip special.
While stirring every few minutes, watch as your onions slowly transform from crisp and white to soft and amber. Don’t worry if it takes longer than 30 minutes; some days, onions need extra time to reach that perfect caramel color.
Smart Substitutions
Want to lighten up this dip? You can use all Greek yogurt instead of the sour cream and mayo mix. Looking for extra tang? Try swapping the sweet onions for red onions.
No fresh chives? Green onions work great too! If you’re out of fresh garlic, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder can pinch-hit for the fresh cloves. Each swap might change the taste a bit, but your dip will still be amazing!
Serving Ideas
This dip loves to party! Beyond chips and veggies, try it spread on a warm grilled cheese sandwich or dolloped on a baked potato. It makes burger night extra special, and don’t forget about spreading it on your favorite sandwich wrap.
For a fun appetizer spread, serve it in a bread bowl surrounded by cubes of crusty bread. The thick, creamy texture holds up beautifully with whatever you pair it with!
Make-Ahead Tips
This dip gets better with time! The flavors blend and develop as it sits in the fridge. You can make the caramelized onions up to 3 days ahead – just keep them covered in the fridge.
The completed dip stays fresh for 5 days when stored in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and add a sprinkle of fresh chives on top to make it look like you just made it!
French Onion Dip
Equipment
- Saute pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Dip
- 1 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons oil
- 2 large sweet onions finely chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chives chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter and oil in a sauté pan over low heat. Add onions. Cook, stirring every few minutes, for about 30 minutes, until caramelized and deep rich golden color. Remove to bowl to cool.
- In a mixing bowl add Greek yogurt, sour cream, mayo, garlic, chives and salt. Stir in caramelized onions. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
