Piper Cooks

menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • EBOOKS

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • RECIPES
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • EBOOKS

×
Home » Recipes » Game Day & Party Food

Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Modified: Jan 8, 2024 · Published Jan 8, 2024 · by Jacqueline Piper · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our privacy policy.

365 shares
jump to recipe
A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips.
A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips with text for Pinterest.
A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips with text for Pinterest.
A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips with text for Pinterest.

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.

A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips.
Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions
  • How To Make This Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip
  • Tips for making homemade caramelized onion dip
  • What to serve with caramelized onion dip
  • Storage
  • FAQs
  • Recipe

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.

A hand holding a chip with onion dip on it.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

Ingredients for onion dip on a white marble counter.
  • 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. 
An icon with a black cast iron skillet and the word Tip in white handwritten font.

TIP: If you are using store-bought caramelized onions, 2 large onions and 2 shallots cook down to about a cup of caramelized onions.

Caramelized onions in a black skillet.

How To Make This Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip

Prep Tips

  • dice the onion and shred the cheese.

You'll start by caramelizing the onions. This takes some time and a little patience but it's really worth it in the end.

Onions cook in a skillet.
  1. 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. 
Onions are stirred in a skillet.
  1. 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.

Onions are stirred in a skillet.
  1. Once the water cooks off, add more. Repeat this for 20-30 minutes, or until the onions are where you want them. 
Caramelized onions in a black skillet.
  1. 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.

Shredded cheese is stirred into yogurt.
  1. Mix the rest of the ingredients together in a medium bowl.
Caramelized onions are added to a bowl of yogurt.
  1. 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.

A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips.

Tips for making homemade caramelized onion dip

  • Be patient. Onions take a long time for their natural sugars to come out and caramelize. It's worth it in the end for the flavor of the golden caramelized onions.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet to caramelize the onions. This will help them cook evenly and help prevent them from burning.
  • Balance the flavors to your preference. Feel free to add more spices, mix up the ratio of yogurt to mayo, or more or less cheese.
  • Let the onions cool for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the rest of the ingredients so the dip stays thick and doesn't turn watery.
  • Add some salty crispy bacon on top!

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. 

A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips.

FAQs

How long does it take to caramelize onions?

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.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes this dip is great made ahead of time and lasts in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Recipe

A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips.
5 from 3 votes

Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip

Author : Jacqueline Piper
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
This delicious dip will keep you coming back for the tangy, rich Greek yogurt, sweet caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar cheese.
RATE PRINT PIN SAVE Saved!

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

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.

Have you tried this recipe?Tag @pipercooksblog on Instagram so we can see it!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

This post was originally posted on March 13, 2019.

A yogurt dip in a bowl with onions in it and green onions on top beside potato chips with text for Pinterest.

SHARE THIS RECIPE

  • Share on Twitter Share on Twitter
  • Share on Facebook Share on Facebook
  • Share on Pinterest Share on Pinterest

Rating, commenting, and sharing my recipes really helps. Thanks for taking the time! Mention @pipercooksblog on Instagram.

An old photo from the original post.

Loaded Caramelized Onion Dip - PiperCooks

More Game Day & Party Food

  • Nachos on a plate topped with lettuce, tomato, beef, onions, pickles, and sauce with a small bowl of sauce.
    Big Mac Nachos
  • A plate of fries topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, beef, cheese, onion, and sauce with a bowl of sauce.
    Loaded Big Mac Fries
  • Breaded cauliflower coated in a sauce with sliced green onions on a plate.
    Air Fryer Crispy Honey Garlic Cauliflower
  • Breaded chicken strips on a plate with a bowl of dip.
    Air fryer Coconut Chicken Strips
365 shares
5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Profile photo of a brunette woman wearing glasses with a text logo 'pipercooks' where the second o is a cast iron pan.

Hi, I'm Jacqueline!

Welcome to Piper Cooks, where I've been sharing my homemade recipes for 10 years! I share simple, delicious recipes made from scratch, perfect for busy families and food lovers alike. Let's turn everyday meals into something fun and delicious!

more about me

Reader Favorites

Popular Recipes

  • Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats - PiperCooks
    Cinnamon Bun Overnight Oats

  • Light-colored coffee in a glass with a straw and ice cubes.
    How to Make Iced Coffee with Instant Coffee

  • two pink cocktails in blue rimmed glasses
    Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail

  • ground turkey skillet dinner in a bowl
    Quinoa Ground Turkey Skillet - One Pan Dinner

  • Quick Light Brioche Style Buns. All the rewards of freshly baked homemade bread, but you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen. Get the Recipe @pipercooks PiperCooks.com
    Quick & Light Brioche Buns

  • Creamy Dill Chicken on a plate with potatoes & carrots
    Creamy Dill Chicken

Favorite Grilling Recipes

  • Soft tacos with white corn tortillas, chicken, mango, black beans, and cilantro.
    Blackstone Chicken Tacos

  • Salad in a bowl topped with sauce, avocado, greens, and green onion flowers.
    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad Recipe

  • A halved stuffed tortilla on a plate.
    Blackstone Crunchwrap Supreme with Chicken

  • A burger topped with fried onions, sauce, cheese, and lettuce beside tortilla chips.
    Blackstone Smash Burgers

All photography and recipes on this site are Copyright © 2025 Jacqueline Piper + © Pipercooks except where stated and may not be used without permission.

Footer

as seen in:

A butterfly beside the letters msn.
the word noom.
the Word foodgawker.
The word Parade.
The words Reader's digest.
the word yahoo!
the word yummly.
Logo for Half Your Plate with a plate in the background and the text fruits & veggies! Half Your Plate halfyourplate.ca

↑ back to top | Home  | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Sign Up! for email updates | Copyright © 2025 Piper Cooks

featured in: Parade.com, Yahoo!, and MSN

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.