Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip - This delicious dip will keep you coming back for more with its tangy, rich Greek yogurt, sweet caramelized onion, and sharp cheddar cheese. Great party dip for game day and other get-togethers.
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This creamy caramelized onion dip is the perfect easy appetizer for any of your party needs.
Caramelizing onions brings out their sweetness and flavor and they really are the star of this dish. Caramelizing onions takes time, but it's not hard, and I promise it's worth it.
This creamy dip is so perfect for scooping up with salty potato chips or crispy pita chips. You'll love this dip, it's a real crowd pleaser with its creamy base, the sweetness of the caramelized onions, savory seasonings, and grated cheese.
If you're not the hugest fan of onions and want just a hint, try using just one onion instead of three. I used to make this dip that way but found the onion taste a little to mild and as the years have gone by I've added more onion. Play around with it and see what you like.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- onion: 3 large onions seems like a lot but they cook down to a much lesser volume when caramelized. Use sweet onions or regular yellow onions. You could even try red onions.
- yogurt: I use plain Greek yogurt in my recipes - it's thick and creamy, making this dip luscious.
- mayo: adds some smooth richness
- Worcestershire: adds a savory umami flavor.
- garlic powder and onion powder: adds to the onion flavor and introduces a subtle garlic flavor. Try a few roasted garlic cloves instead, or raw garlic for a sharper flavor.
- cheese: cheddar cheese or white cheddar cheese, the sharper the better. I like it finely grated so it mixes into the dip better.
- parsley: for a fresh garnish.
- salt and black pepper: to season. Taste and season the dip until it's perfect.
You can change these ratios of mayo and yogurt. I like dips with less mayo - mayo feels more fatty and oily on my tongue the yogurt feels more creamy and fresh. Totally up to you and your taste preferences.
Substitutions
- Greek yogurt: I think any combination of thick Greek yogurt, sour cream, and mayo would work for the creamy base of this dip so use what pleases you or what you have in the house that day.
- Vegan: To make this dip vegan, use vegan products for the mayo, yogurt, cheese, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Try balsamic vinegar or soy sauce instead.
- Cheese: Use whatever cheese you prefer.
- Parsley: use green onions instead.
- Onions: Add a few shallots in if you have them. Not into spending 45 minutes stirring onions? Try using a store-bought jar of caramelized onions instead. My grocery store sells them so check yours. It won't have the same deep flavor but it is a really good shortcut.
TIP: If you are using store-bought caramelized onions, 2 large onions and 2 shallots cook down to about a cup of caramelized onions.
How To Make This Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip
Prep Tips
You'll start by caramelizing the onions. This takes some time and a little patience but it's really worth it in the end.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of oil. Add the diced onions, spread them out, and let them cook for about 8 minutes or so without stirring them.
- They'll get brown crispy edges. Once they do, switch to a medium-low heat and add a bit of water.
I usually set a mason jar of water beside the stovetop. Just pour some water in, stir the onions, and let them cook again. The water will loosen up all the brown flavor-filled bits at the bottom of the pan.
- Once the water cooks off, add more. Repeat this for 20-30 minutes, or until the onions are where you want them.
- When the onions are done they will be a deep golden brown color, and really soft and sticky and jammy. These ones cooked for an hour.
Try a spoonful of the onions, they are so sweet and flavorful!
Let the onions cool to room temperature.
- Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Add the onions once they have cooled.
Taste the dip and then season it with salt and pepper.
I find that I usually don't need much salt. But I always add pepper. I love black pepper.
Garnish with green onions and serve right away of refrigerate until needed.
Tips for making homemade caramelized onion dip
What to serve with caramelized onion dip
Serve this easy caramelized onion dip with whatever you love for dipping like potato chips, air-fried pita chips, tortilla chips, fresh vegetables, bagel chips, or crackers.
Love yogurt based dips? Try my tzatziki sauce next.
Storage
Store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Before serving, let the dip sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
FAQs
At a minimum, it takes 30-45 minutes to caramelize the onions. Cook them for closer to 45 minutes and you'll get more depth of flavor. I cook mine for an hour. For a quick fix, buy a jar of caramelized onions instead.
Yes this dip is great made ahead of time and lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Recipe
Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 3 large onions finely diced
- 1 teaspoon oil
- ⅔ cups plain Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 50 grams cheddar cheese grated, about ½ cup
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions. Heat a pan over medium heat and add a teaspoon of oil and then the diced onion. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, undisturbed until there are brown crispy edges to most of the onions. Stir them, then add a bit of water and turn the heat down to medium-low. Continue cooking until the water cooks away and then continue the process of stirring and adding water when the pan looks dry, and then cooking it away for about 20-30 minutes – or until the onions look nice and brown and caramelized to your preference. I like to cook mine for an hour for sweeter onions.
- Let the onions cool.
- Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Add the onions and mix well.
- Taste and then season with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions and serve.
Video
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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This post was originally posted on March 13, 2019.
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