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French Onion Dip is an easy crowd pleasing appetizer you can make in ahead in minutes! Caramelized onions are folded into a creamy dip for amazing flavor in every bite.
When I tell you this dip is lightyears ahead of the old fashioned version made with powdered soup mix, I mean it. I would never steer you wrong!
This dip will make you want to ditch the French onion soup mix forever. It’s worth the extra time to make this incredible update on an old fashioned favorite!
French onion dip is one of my favorite appetizers for get togethers and tailgates. It is always a crowd pleaser. In fact, when I was a caterer this was one of our most frequently requested appetizers.
It’s so simple to skip the mix and make homemade French onion dip! It’s rich and full of flavor and so simple to make. Once you make it from scratch, you can’t go back!
The secret to making this dip out-of-this-world-amazing is caramelized onions. They take the dip over the top! Each bite is packed full of incredible flavor.
In the 50’s it was referred to as California Dip. By the 80’s it seemed like it was almost exclusively made with a soup mix, but I’m here to tell you, it’s worth the little extra effort!
I love an amazing dip recipe! Don’t miss my incredible recipe round-up with 30+ of the BEST Dips for Parties – including my incredible healthy hummus recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love this French Onion Dip
- Rich, craveable flavor
- So easy to make
- Simple ingredients
- Elevated beyond the powdered version!
★★★★★
5 STAR REVIEW
“This dip was really good. I made it the night before Thanksgiving. It was even better the next day. Thanks for your yummy recipes that you share with us. It’s appreciated!”
— VALERIE —
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Yellow Onions – Yellow onions are full of flavor and when pan fried become slightly sweet. You can mix things up by using red or sweet onions, but yellow are my favorite for this recipe.
- Vegetable Oil – Makes the onion tender and moist. You can substitute canola oil, olive oil, avocado oil or butter.
- Butter – Salted butter adds a little flavor to the onions.
- Cayenne – Cayenne gives this dip a little heat.
- Black Pepper – Thick flakes of freshly cracked black pepper add a little spice and texture.
- Cream Cheese – Soften cream cheese for a luxuriously creamy dip. Read Can You Freeze Cream Cheese? for a guide to simplify this ingredient!
- Sour Cream – Sour cream is a classic dip base that adds a slight tanginess and freshness to the dip.
- Mayonnaise – I prefer to use a full fat olive oil mayonnaise which is really rich in flavor, but you can use a low fat variety if you prefer.
Variations
- Herbs – Fresh herbs, like chives, green onion or parsley work well with this dip.
- Lighten in Up – Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a richer and tangier dip that’s lower in calories.
How To Make
- Prep – Slice and halve the onions.
- Caramelize Onions – Don’t skip this step! It’s key in making this dip irresistible! Sauté them low and slow to achieve sweet flavor and golden color. Heat the oil and butter in a pan and add the onions, cayenne and pepper. Cook the onions down so that they are nice and soft.
- Combine – Mix in the rest of the ingredients and stir until smooth.
See how just how easy this recipe is by watching the video to learn how to make it, step-by-step. Get the full printable recipe card below for all the details!
Tips
- Caramelize Low and Slow – The secret to getting the most flavors out of the onions is to cook them slowly on a medium low heat. If you cook them on a high heat, they are more likely to burn, and it also destroys the molecules that release flavor.
- Ensure that your cream cheese is softened for the best creamy consistency. Learn how to soften cream cheese here.
- I like to serve it at room temperature, so i take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving.
- However, note that this dip can be served warm or cold – and it’s even better the next day!
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between French onion dip and regular onion dip?
Our French onion dip is made with rich caramelized onions, whereas a traditional onion dip is made with fresh or dried onions.
What’s the best chip for French onion dip?
Traditionally, all types of onion dips serve up beautifully with a crinkle cut potato chip. See more suggestions below!
Serving Suggestions
- Chips – Kettle chips, classic potato chips, crinkled chips, sweet potato chips, and beet chips
- Crackers – Water crackers, butter crackers, multi-grain crackers
- Crostini – Homemade or store bought.
- Veggies – Cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, jicama sticks
More Ideas
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Vegetarian
How to Store
- Room Temperature – Don’t leave this dip sitting out for more than two hours before refrigerating.
- Refrigerate – Once you have made the dip, let it cool to room temperature and keep it covered in the fridge. It will last well for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing this dip, as it will change the creamy consistency.
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French Onion Dip
Rich and flavorful French Onion Dip is a crowd pleasing appetizer for game day, get togethers and more! It is easy to make with simple ingredients to serve with chips and crudités. You'll love this make ahead dip!
Yield servings
Ingredients
- 2 yellow onions halved and sliced or diced
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- cracked pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium heat, warm oil and butter.
- Add onions, cayenne, and pepper. Sauté for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium low, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Fold in caramelized onions until well combined.
- Allow to marinate refrigerated 2+ hours. Serve at room temperature.
Tips
Substitutions
- Yellow Onions – Red or white onions and shallots also work well.
- Vegetable Oil – Substitute canola oil, olive oil, avocado oil or butter.
- Cream Cheese – Whole fat is preferable, but low fat can be substituted.
- Sour Cream – Substitute with greek yogurt or low fat sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Chips – Kettle chips, classic potato chips, ruffled chips, sweet potato chips, and beet chips
- Crackers – Water crackers, butter crackers, multi-grain crackers
- Veggies – Cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, jicama sticks
To Store
- Refrigerate – Once you have made the dip, let it cool to room temperature and keep it covered in the fridge. It will last well for 3 to 4 days. I like to serve it at room temperature, so i take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving.
Video
Nutrition Information
Calories: 195kcal (10%), Carbohydrates: 2g (1%), Protein: 1g (2%), Fat: 21g (32%), Saturated Fat: 10g (50%), Cholesterol: 29mg (10%), Sodium: 132mg (6%), Potassium: 53mg (2%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 2g (2%), Vitamin A: 342IU (7%), Vitamin C: 1mg (1%), Calcium: 25mg (3%), Iron: 1mg (6%)
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Ileana Keltz says
Looks absolutely delicious. I will be making this for my daughter’s 21st birthday!
jenna says
Was wondering how long does this stay good for in the fridge? And have you ever tried freezing this?
Julie says
It keeps for a few days…I don’t decrease anything but cookie dough & nuts, so I’m not too helpful, sorry! I love to eat too much for any to make it to the freezer.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Can’t think of a better appetizer to serve on NYE tomorow than this fried onion dip. It looks so delicious and I can definitely (and guiltily) see myself polishing off a whole bowlful with some potato chips.
KB says
Looks delish!
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The Cannary's says
Sounds and looks divine – love me some onions!