Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade French onion dip is creamy, rich, and bursting with deep, caramelized onion flavor. The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise provides a smooth, tangy base, while the onions bring a sweet and savory depth to the dip. With just a few simple ingredients, including garlic powder and white pepper, you can make this classic dip from scratch and elevate your snack game. The slow cooking of the onions creates a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the richness of the creamy base.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ cups chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Caramelize the onions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and caramelized. Be sure to lower the heat if they start to brown too quickly to avoid burning. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Cool the onions:
- Once the onions are fully caramelized, remove the skillet from the heat and let the onions cool completely. You can speed up the process by transferring them to a separate plate.
Prepare the dip base:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and white pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Combine the onions and dip base:
- Once the onions have cooled, fold them into the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the caramelized onions throughout the dip.
Season to taste:
- Taste the dip and add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt if needed. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Chill the dip:
- Cover the dip and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
- Serve the dip chilled with potato chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add fresh herbs: For a twist, you can mix in some fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to add brightness and flavor to the dip.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to give the dip a bit of heat.
Greek yogurt version: Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier version of the dip that’s a bit lighter.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover French onion dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This dip is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make French onion dip ahead of time?

Yes, this dip is actually better when made ahead of time, as the flavors have a chance to meld together in the fridge. Make it up to a day before serving.

Can I use yellow onions instead of another variety?

Yes, yellow onions are the most common type used for French onion dip, as they have a natural sweetness when caramelized. However, you can use white or red onions if you prefer a slightly different flavor.

Can I use low-fat mayonnaise or sour cream?

Yes, you can use low-fat versions of mayonnaise or sour cream for a lighter version of the dip. However, the dip may have a slightly less creamy texture and flavor.

Can I make this dip spicy?

Yes! For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a little hot sauce to the dip mixture.

Can I freeze French onion dip?

It’s not recommended to freeze French onion dip, as the texture of the creamy base may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.

How do I know when the onions are caramelized?

The onions are done when they are a deep golden-brown color and have a rich, sweet aroma. They should be soft and tender to the bite.

Can I make French onion dip without caramelizing the onions?

While caramelizing the onions creates the signature deep flavor in this dip, you can skip this step and use finely chopped raw onions if you prefer a milder, sharper onion flavor.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip is perfect with crispy potato chips, fresh veggie sticks (like carrots, celery, and cucumber), or crackers. It also works well with toasted baguette slices.

Can I add cheese to the dip?

Yes! You can add grated Parmesan, shredded cheddar, or even some mozzarella to the dip for extra richness and flavor.

Can I use a store-bought caramelized onion mix?

While you can use a store-bought mix, making the caramelized onions from scratch adds a much richer flavor and makes the dip taste fresher. Plus, it’s easy to do!

Conclusion

This homemade French onion dip from scratch is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors, all brought together by the deep richness of caramelized onions. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to the store-bought kind again!

French Onion Dip From Scratch

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Homemade French Onion Dip from scratch is a creamy, savory treat made with caramelized onions, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Packed with rich flavors and a smooth, tangy base, this dip elevates any gathering with its deep, savory taste. It’s perfect for dipping chips, crackers, or fresh veggies and will surely be a crowd-pleaser at your next party or casual get-together.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ cups chopped onion

¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Caramelize the onions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Lower heat as needed to prevent burning.
Cool the onions:
- Remove skillet from heat and let the onions cool completely.
Prepare the dip base:
- In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
Combine the onions and dip base:
- Once cooled, fold the caramelized onions into the dip base. Stir until evenly distributed.
Season to taste:
- Taste the dip and add the remaining ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt if needed.
Chill the dip:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Serve:
- Serve chilled with potato chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Make Ahead: This dip is best made ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Prepare it up to a day before serving.

Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Greek Yogurt Version: Substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dip.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American