This Baked French Onion Dip is a creamy delight that combines rich sour cream with flavorful caramelized onions. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for sharing!
Honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one scoop! I love serving it with crunchy chips or fresh veggies. It’s always a hit at parties, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love gooey cheese? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: They’re perfect for caramelizing as they turn sweet and soft. If you only have red onions, they can work too, but the flavor will be slightly different – a bit more pungent.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese gives a rich taste. If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese is a great swap. You could try mozzarella for a milder option too.
Sour Cream: For a tangy kick, sour cream is fantastic. If you want a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute, just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened!
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess. You can swap it for extra sour cream or Greek yogurt if needed!
Fresh Thyme: This herb brings a lovely aroma. If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works, but use half the amount as it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key for this dip’s success. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet to medium and melt the butter with olive oil. This combo prevents burning while adding flavor.
- Add the sliced onions and sprinkle them with sugar. The sugar helps with caramelization!
- Cook low and slow, stirring occasionally for about 25-30 minutes. Be patient; rush this, and you’ll just end up with warmed onions instead of richly flavored caramelized ones.
- Add garlic and thyme in the last few minutes of cooking for maximum flavor without burning them.
With these insights and tips, you’re all set to make a delicious Baked French Onion Dip! Enjoy your cooking!
Baked French Onion Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Slices of toasted baguette or crostini, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 40-50 minutes in total: about 10 minutes for prep and about 30-40 minutes for cooking and baking. It’s super simple but totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s hot and ready when you need to bake the dip!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Next, add the sliced onions and sprinkle them with sugar. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deep golden brown and caramelized. This step adds lots of flavor, so don’t rush it!
3. Add Garlic and Thyme:
When the onions are nicely caramelized, add the minced garlic and thyme in the last few minutes of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Mix the Cream Cheese Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or mixer to blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with Onions:
Gently fold the caramelized onions into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens!
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese evenly over the surface.
7. Bake:
Put the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish:
After taking it out of the oven, let the dip cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a pop of color.
9. Serve Your Dip:
Enjoy your warm, creamy Baked French Onion Dip with toasted baguette slices or crostini. You might want to serve extra for everyone to dip into—it’s that good!
This dip is perfect for parties, game nights, or cozy gatherings with friends and family. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are best for caramelizing, you can also use sweet onions, like Vidalias, for a milder flavor. Red onions can be used too, but they will give a slightly different taste.
How Can I Make This Dip Lighter?
To lighten this dip, consider reducing the amount of cream cheese and mayonnaise, using low-fat versions, or substituting plain Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream and mayonnaise.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance! Just assemble everything, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, and add a splash of cream or milk to help restore its creamy texture if needed.
