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French Onion Dip made from scratch with cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, butter, garlic, and naturally sweetened, golden brown caramelized onions. Everyone’s favorite party or game day appetizer, this creamy homemade French onion dip is guaranteed to be more flavorful and delicious than any store-bought dip.
Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe
I grew up eating French onion dip. The kind where you mix Lipton French onion soup mix in a tub of sour cream. It was my mom’s favorite, so it was a weekend regular that she’d serve with her famous turkey sandwiches. Delicious? Absolutely! But homemade is better.
This recipe is really very easy, and the creamy onion flavor is so much better than anything you’ll get from those pre-made mixes. It’s the perfect creamy chip dip (Ruffles Potato Chips are by far the best chip to serve with any French onion dip), but it’s also wonderful with veggie sticks and spread over your favorite juicy grilled burgers.
Caramelizing Onions
Caramelized onions are key to homemade French onion dip. They’re time-consuming but worth every minute! Plus, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, use Vidalia or white onions. Most importantly, turning up the heat doesn’t caramelize onions faster. Don’t rush it, caramelizing onions is a science.
What’s in Homemade French Onion Dip
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Onions (shallots will also work)
- Fresh garlic
- Chives
- Salt (to taste)
How to Make French Onion Dip
1. Start by caramelizing the onions. Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan or skillet, then add the diced onions.
2. Cook the onions over medium-low heat for approximately 30-45 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slowly. At the very end of cooking, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Note: caramelizing onions is not the same as sautéeing them. Learn how to caramelize onions.
3. Switch off the heat and allow the onions to cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
5. Next, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper and mix until well combined. Set aside.
6. Once the onions and garlic are at room temperature, add them to the cream mixture and stir to combine.
7. Garnish with freshly minced chives and serve with potato chips, carrot sticks, or celery if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Greek yogurt: Use in place of sour cream or mayonnaise. I do not recommend replacing the cream cheese with Greek yogurt as the cream cheese has a thicker, creamier consistency.
- Fresh herbs: Mix some fresh herbs directly into the dip. Fresh parsley and fresh chives are my favorites in French onion dip.
- Onion powder: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for even more flavor.
Storage
How long does French onion dip last? This dip is delicious for up to 5-7 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I think it tastes even better the day after it’s been made. For best results, be sure to give it a good stir before re-serving.
Can you freeze French onion dip? No, it’s not recommended that this dip be frozen. The dairy in the cream cheese and especially the sour cream will separate after thawing.
What to Serve with French Onion Dip
This homemade dip is delicious with potato chips, crackers, and veggie sticks like carrots and celery. It’s also delicious spread over your favorite burgers or sandwiches or topped on warm fluffy baked potatoes.
More Delicious Dip Recipes
- Crab Rangoon Dip
- Rotel Dip
- Velveeta Cheese Dip with Sausage
- The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video)
- Hot Crab Artichoke Dip Recipe
If you try making this French Onion Dip Recipe, please leave me a comment below! I always love to read your thoughts and feedback!
French Onion Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 large Vidalia onion, (about 1 ½-2 cups) diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- fresh chives, minced, to garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and beat until smooth.
- Next, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper and mix until well combined. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter and add the diced onions.
- Cook the onions low and slow over medium-low heat for approximately 30 minutes. This will allow the onions to caramelize and sweeten. Stir as needed to prevent burning. At the very end, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Remove from heat and let the onions cool completely. Once at room temperature, add them to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Garnish with freshly minced chives and serve with potato chips, carrot sticks, or celery if desired.
Notes
- The onions can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to mix and enjoy.
- Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
- Serving size = 1 cup
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
