Description

This rich and flavorful Caramelized Onion Dip is a creamy, savory appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Slow-cooked sweet onions develop deep golden caramelization, combined with tangy cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise to create a luscious dip. Enhanced with garlic, white wine, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, this dip offers complex layers of taste that pair beautifully with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds sweet onions, halved and sliced
1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Dip Base

4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

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Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add the halved and sliced sweet onions along with the brown sugar. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions turn a deep golden brown and have caramelized fully, about 45 to 55 minutes.
Add Garlic: Stir the minced garlic into the caramelized onions and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavorful residue. Then remove the skillet from heat.
Incorporate Vinegar and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the balsamic vinegar and Worcestershire sauce to add tangy and savory depth to the onions.
Cool the Onions: Let the caramelized onion mixture cool completely. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the caramelized onions separately for garnish if desired.
Prepare the Dip Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and well blended.
Mix in Caramelized Onions: Stir the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Serve or Chill: Serve the dip immediately garnished with the reserved caramelized onions and chopped fresh chives, or cover and chill for up to 3 days to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

Use sweet onions such as Vidalia or Walla Walla for optimal caramelization and natural sweetness.
Cooking the onions low and slow is key to developing rich caramel flavor without burning.
The dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Pair this dip with sturdy chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh cut vegetables.
Adjust the Worcestershire sauce to taste for more or less savory tang.