Caramelized Onion Dip

Sharing is caring!

Caramelized Onion Dip is a tantalizingly rich and savory appetizer that never fails to captivate taste buds and elevate any gathering. This delectable dip features a velvety blend of sweet, caramelized onions and a harmonious infusion of aromatic herbs and spices.

The result is a luscious dip that pairs perfectly with crunchy chips, toasted bread, or crisp vegetables, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any social occasion. 

What is the secret to caramelized onions?

The secret to caramelizing onions lies in patience and low heat. To achieve that deep, sweet flavor and rich brown color, start by slicing the onions thinly and evenly. Next, heat a generous amount of butter or oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan over low to medium-low heat. Add the onions to the pan, and make sure they are evenly distributed in a single layer.

Is it better to caramelize onions with oil or butter?

The choice between oil and butter for caramelizing onions depends on individual preferences and dietary considerations. Using oil, such as vegetable or olive oil, offers a non-dairy and vegan option, suitable for higher-heat cooking to achieve quicker caramelization. 

On the other hand, butter adds a rich and creamy flavor, enhancing the taste and texture of the onions with its browned milk solids. While both methods can yield delicious results, those seeking a dairy-free option may prefer oil, while butter aficionados might opt for its indulgent taste. 

Ultimately, achieving the perfect caramelized onions relies on low and slow cooking, allowing the natural sugars to transform into a luscious, sweet delight, regardless of the chosen cooking fat.

You might enjoy these posts:

• Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts with Spicy Mustard Dip
• Baked Coconut Shrimp with Avocado-Lime Dip
• The Perfect Warm Spinach Artichoke Dip with Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips

Does sugar help caramelize onions?

Adding a small amount of sugar can help expedite the caramelization process and enhance the sweetness of the onions. When you cook onions, the natural sugars within them undergo a chemical reaction known as the Maillard reaction, resulting in browning and the development of complex flavors. Adding a pinch of sugar can encourage this reaction and speed up the caramelization process, achieving the desired rich, sweet taste and color more quickly. 

What are the ingredients to make Caramelized Onion Dip? 

This recipe can be prepared in 15 minutes and cooked in 30 minutes. Here are the ingredients you’re going to need for 4 to 6 servings:

• Extra virgin olive oil – Adds a subtle fruity flavor to the dip.
• Unsalted butter – Enhances the richness and creaminess of the caramelized onions. 
• Yellow onion – Imparts a sweet and savory taste to the dip. 
• Dried rosemary – Adds an aromatic herbal note. 
• Sea salt and black pepper – Seasonings that enhance the overall taste. 
• Apple cider vinegar – Offers a tangy and slightly acidic element. 
• Real maple syrup – Introduces a natural and refined sweetness. 
• Cream cheese – Contributes a creamy and velvety texture to the dip. 
• Sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess. 
• Fresh chives – A finishing touch of freshness and color. 
• Vegetable crudités and/or gluten-free crackers – Serve your dip with these. 

How to make Caramelized Onion Dip?

It’s time to put this recipe together now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients.

Keep in mind that it takes approximately one hour to fully caramelize onions in order to achieve the rich, dark color and incredible flavor that make them such a welcome addition to so many dishes. 

However, that dark color won’t work for this recipe. Here, the onions are cooked just until they are a beautiful golden brown and then given a boost of flavor with the addition of apple cider vinegar and real maple syrup. The result is a visually appealing and tasty dip your friends and family are going to love!

Also, avoid slicing the onion too thin to prevent over-browning. Aim for consistent one-quarter-inch slices instead. 

Let’s now begin!

1. Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the onion and rosemary and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Then cook by stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden-brown for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. 
2. Next, deglaze the skillet by adding the apple cider vinegar and gently scrape up any brown bits off the bottom with a spatula. Drizzle the maple syrup on top and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the onions to a mixing bowl and add the cream cheese, sour cream, and one tablespoon of fresh chives. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste, and stir to combine.  
4. Lastly, transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining fresh chives. Serve immediately with an assortment of vegetable crudités and/or gluten-free crackers. Enjoy!

Now that you know all you need to know about Caramelized Onion Dip, it is time to print or save the recipe with the exact measurements.

Not ready to print? No problem! Save this pin in your Pinterest account by clicking the pin button located in the recipe card.