Caramelized Shallot Dip is an easy appetizer that is so hearty and bursting with deep, rich flavor. Caramelized shallot adds a delicious flavor to this dip that makes it memorable (and so addicting)!

It’s perfect for holiday entertaining, family get togethers and game day! You’ll love this savory dip that works beautifully with a wide variety of dippers – from crackers, to veggies and so much more.

A white bowl of caramelized shallot dip surrounded by crackers
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Add this to your line up of incredible Game Day Dips and Super Bowl Recipes! It’s a fabulous mixture of savory flavors that is so easy to make and serve for parties.

I love that while it’s simple to create and serve, it’s full of a depth of flavor that can only be achieved with the slow caramelizing of shallots. Caramelizing can be a little time consuming, of course, but it’s worth every single minute.

Plus, it really is so simple to cook the shallots down slowly into caramelized perfection. Brown sugar is the perfect complement to shallots, as the onions caramelize it turns into a shallot jam. It blends seamlessly into a dip when combined with cream cheese and mayonnaise.

The brown sugar helps create the most delectable and unexpected sweet and savory finish in this dip – I think you’re going to love this recipe!

A white bowl of caramelized shallot dip surrounded by crackers

What are Shallots?

Shallots are one of my favorite ingredients to enhance a dish. They’re the perfect addition to burgers, steaks, potatoes, pizzas, sandwiches, omelets, green beans and dips!

Shallots are type of onion that are rich and sweet – they are not as strong as a yellow, red or white onion and have less crunch, which makes them perfect for caramelizing.

If you’re interested in trying shallots in other recipes, I use them often and love to share with you! Check out this Chicken with Garlic Sauce and Shallots, Caramelized Shallot Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans with Shallot Butter.

A white bowl of caramelized shallot dip, crackers in the background

Caramelized Shallot Dip Ingredients

  • Shallots – sliced thin. I like to buy the larger shallots, the better, because they are easier to grip as you slice.
  • Butter – Salted butter is perfect for this recipe as a match to the caramelized sweetness.
  • Brown sugar – packed brown sugar – dark brown sugar or light brown sugar works well.
  • Cream cheese – softened. Learn how to soften cream cheese here! And don’t skip Can You Freeze Cream Cheese? You might be surprised!
  • Mayonnaise – I like olive oil mayonnaise, but anything you have on hand will work. In fact, you can even learn how to make your own Homemade Mayonnaise, it’s surprisingly easy!

Variations

  • Try this dip with sour cream instead of cream cheese for more of a tart bite against the sweetness.
  • Instead of mayo, sub with Greek yogurt.
  • Add a teaspoon of chopped fresh herbs, like rosemary or sage.
  • Add fresh cracked pepper across the top!
Ingredients for a dip recipe with caramelized shallots laid out on a marble surface

How to Caramelize Shallots

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add sliced shallots and brown sugar. Stir to coat. A wooden cutting board with a shallot being sliced by a knife Shallots in a pant, being caramelized
  3. Cook until soft and light brown in color (about 10 minutes). Shallots in a pant, being caramelized

How to Make Caramelized Shallot Dip

  • Follow directions above to caramelize your shallots beautifully!
  • Blend the shallots with cream cheese and mayonnaise. Refrigerate until serving.
A white bowl of dip surrounded by crackers, a hand dipping one

Tips

  • For best results, bring the cream cheese to room temperature before incorporating with the shallots and mayonnaise. If you’re in a rush, you can soften it in the microwave.
  • After combining the caramelized shallot, cream cheese and mayonnaise, allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
  • This incredible Caramelized Shallot Dip is best served at room temperature.

Make Ahead Shallot Dip

This dip is perfect for making ahead as it allows the flavors to marinate – it might even be better on the second day! Simply take it out of the fridge to allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

A white bowl of caramelized shallot dip surrounded by crackers

How to Serve

  • Crackers
  • Pita Chips
  • Crostini
  • Miniature Toasts
  • Pretzels
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Pepper Strips
  • Broccoli
  • Jicama
A white bowl of caramelized shallot dip surrounded by crackers

How to Store this Shallot Dip

  • Room Temperature – As with any dip, it’s best enjoyed chilled and consumed within two hours.
  • Refrigerate – Store refrigerated in an airtight container or covered for up to three days.
  • Freezer – This dip doesn’t freeze well because it contains dairy (sour cream and mayonnaise).

Dietary Considerations

  • Gluten Free
  • Nut Free
  • Vegetarian

More Appetizers

shallot dip
5 from 13 votes

Caramelized Shallot Dip

Caramelized Shallot Dip is an easy appetizer that can be served with crackers or vegetables. It's perfect for holiday entertaining, family get togethers and game day!
Prep: 15 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 12
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Ingredients  

Instructions 

  • In a sauce pan over low heat, melt butter.
  • Add shallots and brown sugar. Caramelize until soft and brown in color, stirring occasionally.
  • Blend with cream cheese and mayonnaise. 

Julie’s Tips

  • For best results, bring the cream cheese to room temperature before incorporating with the shallots and mayonnaise. If you’re in a rush, you can soften it in the microwave.
  • After combining the caramelized shallot, cream cheese and mayonnaise, allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
  • This incredible Caramelized Shallot Dip is best served at room temperature.

Video

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 155mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this for a birthday party…guests raved! So much better than the usual onion dip.

    1. Hi Christine!
      I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Now I’m craving this dip!
      Have a great afternoon,
      Julie

  2. 5 stars
    This is an absolute winner! I substituted soured cream for the cream cheese and Greek yoghurt for the mayo soo yummy I was asked for the recipe

    1. Hi Claudine,
      Thank you so much for your kind words and notes about the substitutions you used, that always helps others when they are preparing to make a recipe.
      Have a beautiful week,
      Julie

  3. 5 stars
    this recipe is SO good. We use it with all our leftover veggies and I even used it as a spread on a bagel. Pure perfection.