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healthy french onion dip recipe
Milica

French Onion Dip Recipe (with Caramelized Onions)

There’s something magical about the creamy, rich flavor of French onion dip paired with the savory sweetness of caramelized onions.
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large sweet onion, finely diced about 2 cups
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese let it come to room temperature for easier mixing
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives plus extra for garnish
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Method
 

Caramelize the Onions
  1. Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large sauté pan over medium heat.
  2. The combination of oil and butter ensures the onions won’t burn while they develop their rich, sweet flavor.
  3. Add the finely diced sweet onion to the pan, along with a pinch of Kosher salt to help draw out the moisture.
  4. Stir occasionally to coat the onion evenly in the buttery mixture. Let the onions cook for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften and turn golden.
  5. Lower the heat to prevent burning and continue cooking for an additional 20–25 minutes.
  6. Stir every 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any caramelized bits. If the onions start to dry out, add a splash of water to keep them moist.
  7. You’ll know the onions are ready when they’re a deep amber color and incredibly fragrant. Remove them from the heat and let them cool completely before moving to the next step.
Blend the Creamy Base
  1. While the onions cool, prepare the creamy base. In a food processor, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Add a generous pinch of Kosher salt for seasoning. Blend the ingredients until they’re smooth and velvety.
  3. If you don’t have a food processor, an electric hand mixer works just as well.
  4. Simply place all the ingredients in a large bowl and beat them together until you achieve a creamy consistency.
Combine the Ingredients
  1. Once the onions are cool, transfer the creamy mixture to a large mixing bowl. Fold in the caramelized onions and chopped chives, stirring gently to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
  2. Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning with more salt or a few cracks of fresh black pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve
  1. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. For an added touch of elegance, sprinkle some extra sliced chives on top.
  2. Serve immediately with your favorite chips — classic Ruffles work beautifully — or a selection of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices.
  3. This dip can also be made a few hours ahead of time. Refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.
  4. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the creamy base.