Anyone can mix a packet of onion soup with a tub of sour cream to create an easy, two-ingredient chip dip. And there’s not a single thing wrong with that! I’ve made that dip many, many times as a last-minute potluck dish. But when I want to really show my guests how much I love them, I make homemade French onion dip. Nothing store-bought can compare to the flavor and texture of caramelized onions.
Caramelized onions are the things dreams are made of. The once-crisp texture of chopped raw onions softens until the pieces practically melt. All that pungent allium aroma fades, replaced with the sweet scent of caramel.
When the caramelized onions meet soft, smooth sour cream and mayonnaise, and a few seasonings join the mix, this French onion dip will be ready bring the party to your mouth.
How to Make French Onion Dip From Scratch
Homemade French onion dip takes more effort than the packet version, but we promise it’s worth it! It’s tackled in three easy steps: Caramelize the onions. Create a creamy base. Stir it all together. The only part that takes any time at all is the onions.
If you’ve never caramelized onions, you might be surprised that the process takes 30 to 40 minutes. When my mother makes French onion soup, she refers to this step as “babysitting” the onions. The onions require constant attention so they don’t burn or cook unevenly. You can’t just put them on the stovetop and walk away. (Of course, there’s always a shortcut, so feel free to make slow-cooker caramelized onions for a more hands-off approach.)
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in garlic and balsamic vinegar for added flavor. Then combine all the remaining ingredients, and chill the dip until you’re ready to serve. You could serve the dip straight away, but it will taste better if you chill it for at least an hour.
Ingredients for French Onion Dip
- Onions: Most types of onions can be used to make a caramelized onion dip. Vidalia, Walla Walla and Maui onions will create the sweetest caramelized onion dip. White and yellow onions will lend a stronger onion flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: If this recipe had a secret ingredient, it would be balsamic vinegar. This complex vinegar adds depth by lending a touch of acidity, sweetness and a near-savory, umami flavor to the onions.
- Sour cream: Sour cream is thick, creamy and tangy—the perfect base for a scoopable dip for chips. You could use Greek yogurt as a sour cream substitute. It would give the dip a lighter character and an even-tangier flavor.
- Mayonnaise: A little mayonnaise goes a long way in this recipe. It adds fat and flavor to the dip’s creamy base, contributing a velvety mouthfeel you won’t get from sour cream alone.
- Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, rosemary and garlic powder add a little oomph to this savory dip.
Directions
Step 1: Caramelize the onions
In a large skillet, saute the onions in oil until softened. Stir in the sugar, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Finish the onion mixture
Stir in the garlic and vinegar. Cook and stir for two minutes longer.
Step 3: Combine the French onion dip
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried rosemary and garlic powder. Stir in the onion mixture.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Recipe Variations
- Use onion soup mix: It won’t be the same—at all!—but you can use onion soup mix instead of making caramelized onions. You’ll need about 5 tablespoons soup mix for every 2 cups sour cream.
- Add fresh herbs: Top the dip with chopped herbs like parsley to give it a fresh finish.
- Caramelize the onions in the slow cooker: For slow-cooker caramelized onions, slow-cook the onions on high for five hours, stirring occasionally. Then cook them uncovered for one hour on low to let the liquid evaporate.
- Caramelize the onions in the oven: Line a baking sheet with parchment, and add the sliced onions. Roast the onions in a 400° oven for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even browning.
How long is French onion dip good for?
French onion dip is good for up to four days in the refrigerator. The dip will only get better with age as the flavors continue to meld together. If the dip starts to look a little watery, don’t worry. The whey in the sour cream will naturally separate as it sits. Fixing it is as easy as stirring the liquid back in.
Can you freeze French onion dip?
We don’t recommend freezing French onion dip. Sour cream will separate in the freezer, losing its creamy texture and gaining an unpleasant graininess.
French Onion Dip Tips
What is French onion dip?
The original version of French onion dip is said to hail from Los Angeles in the 1950s. Dehydrated onion soup mix was combined with sour cream to create an easy dip with the iconic flavors found in French onion soup. Homemade French onion dip recipes skip the mix and use caramelized onions instead. Sometimes, the sour cream base also contains other ingredients, like mayonnaise or cream cheese.
What do you serve with French onion dip?
French onion dip is one of those dips made for potato chips! Ridged potato chips are the classic accompaniment, but you can also serve French onion dip with crunchy veggies, crusty bread, pita triangles, corn chips and soft pretzels. The dip also tastes fantastic as a mayonnaise replacement in sandwiches, wraps and burgers.
