Caramelized onion dip. This, my friends, is that rare creation — subtly sweet, deeply savory, outrageously moreish. No appetizer spread feels complete without it lurking somewhere in the background, quietly outshining the loud chips and flashy salsa. You don’t need an occasion — sometimes the occasion is simply “I want to eat something truly delicious, maybe with a cold drink, maybe with no one around to judge how much I consume.” You get the picture. If you’ve never made caramelised French onion dip from scratch, you’re about to see what all the fuss is about. It’s not hard, and the payoff is magnificent.

Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

This isn’t one of those 50-ingredient wonders. You keep it real, you keep it honest, you get great results. For my version, you’ll need:

• 3 hefty yellow onions (the kind that bite back)
• A little olive oil
• A slab of vegan butter (or go regular, who am I to stop you?)
• Pinch of salt; pinch of ground black pepper
• Just a smidge of brown sugar — trust me, it works
• Balsamic vinegar, because a splash of tart brings it alive
• 300 grams of dairy-free cream cheese, or swap for the classic
• 150 grams vegan sour cream (traditionalists, use the regular)
• A dusting of garlic powder

Don’t start with substitutions — try it this way at least once. The caramelised onion dip recipe deserves that respect.

Instructions

Preparation

You’ll want to slice those onions thin; thinner than you think. No chunky rings, we’re not making burgers here. Lay everything out, because there’s a certain magic in knowing you’ve got your battalion of ingredients lined up and ready to go. Take the cream cheese and sour cream out ahead of time — room temp is easier to wrangle.

Cooking

Big skillet. Medium-low flame. Oil and butter together — because life’s too short to pick just one. Toss in onions, salt, and pepper. You need patience here. Stir occasionally, not constantly. You want browning, not burning. After about twenty minutes, the whole kitchen smells like a French bistro and the onions start relaxing. Now, add brown sugar and balsamic, and let it all mingle. Forty minutes might sound like forever; it’s worth every second. The onions should be deep gold, soft, almost jammy.

Cool ‘em off. Mix the onions with cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. You want smooth, not lumpy. Mix with vigor.

Serving

Spoon it out. Garnish with chives if you’re feeling civilised. You can serve with almost anything, but if you want a shortcut to bliss:

• Crisp veggies (carrots, celery, cucumber)
• Sturdy crackers, pita chips, or — go bold — fresh baguette slices

Or, for the wild at heart:

• Roasted chickpeas
• Rice chips, especially if you’re trying to stay gluten-free

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 130
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 2g

Tips and Variations

This isn’t a dip that likes to be rushed. You can make it a few days in advance, stash it in the fridge, and stir before serving. The flavors deepen, which is hardly a problem.

If you want something extra, try these:

• For old-school French onion dip vibes, regular sour cream and a little Worcestershire sauce will have you there in a snap
• Chopped onions give a chunkier dip if that’s your style
• Add a handful of chopped parsley or a scatter of thyme leaves for freshness

Conclusion

This French onion dip with caramelized onions isn’t just a recipe — it’s a statement. Whether you’re making a dairy free caramelized onion dip for your most demanding friends or sticking to the tried-and-true classic, what you’re really doing is setting the bar impossibly high for every dip that follows. Take your time, let the onions do their thing, and don’t expect leftovers.

Hungry for more? Explore our handpicked collection of delicious appetizers recipes.