Description
This Caramelized Onion Dip is a rich and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. It features deeply caramelized yellow onions sautéed in butter with just the right balance of salt and sugar, then combined with creamy sour cream and softened cream cheese. Enhanced with fresh parsley and a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce, this dip can be enjoyed warm or cold, offering irresistible savory depth and smooth texture.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions
- 3 medium yellow onions
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
Dip Base
- 12 ounces sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove fresh garlic, grated (optional)
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced, to taste
- A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Peel the onions and slice them very thinly, ideally using a mandoline slicer to ensure uniform thin slices for even caramelization.
- Sauté: Heat the salted butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
- Deglaze and Continue Cooking: Pour in a little of the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, letting it sizzle off. Stir and add wine in increments, allowing it to reduce between additions. Continue this process, cooking the onions for about 30 minutes total until they become deeply golden brown and fragrant.
- Chop Onions: Transfer the caramelized onions onto a cutting board and chop coarsely into small pieces, or alternatively, use kitchen scissors to snip them directly in the pan.
- Mix Dip Base: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream using a hand mixer or spoon until smooth.
- Combine and Season: Stir the chopped caramelized onions and minced fresh parsley into the cream mixture. Taste the dip, then add a small splash (about a tablespoon or less) of Worcestershire or soy sauce and the grated garlic if using, to enhance the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the dip warm or cold as preferred. It pairs wonderfully with chips, crackers, or raw vegetables.
Notes
- Using a mandoline ensures very thin and even onion slices, promoting uniform caramelization.
- Be patient with caramelizing the onions; slow cooking is key to developing deep flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Worcestershire or soy sauce to taste; a little adds umami without overpowering.
- Dip can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, then served chilled or gently warmed before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, try substituting sour cream and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
