Homemade French Onion Dip is a creamy, tangy, and savory dip that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. Made with caramelized onions, sour cream, and cream cheese, this dip is far better than any store-bought version. The deep, rich flavor of the onions combined with the smooth, creamy base makes it an irresistible appetizer. Serve it with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for a simple but delicious snack.
| Servings | Total |
| 10 | 1hr 40mins |
History of French Onion Dip
French Onion Dip, also known as “California Dip,” was first created in the 1950s when Lipton’s instant onion soup mix was mixed with sour cream to create an easy party dip. Over the years, homemade versions using fresh onions, garlic, and creamy bases have become more popular for their rich, authentic flavor. Today, French Onion Dip is a must-have for game days, holiday gatherings, and casual family nights.
Why Homemade French Onion Dip?
- Better than Store-Bought: Fresh onions and real ingredients make it more flavorful.
- Simple Ingredients: No soup mix required—just fresh, real ingredients.
- Crowd Favorite: Always a hit at parties and gatherings.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
What is French Onion Dip Made of?
This dip is made with:
- Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked onions for a sweet, rich flavor.
- Sour Cream: The creamy, tangy base of the dip.
- Cream Cheese: Adds thickness and richness.
- Mayo: Adds creaminess and smooth texture.
- Garlic and Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
What to Have with French Onion Dip
Serve this dip with:
- Chips: Potato chips, pita chips, or veggie chips.
- Crackers: Butter crackers, pretzel crisps, or flatbreads.
- Vegetables: Carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, cucumbers, or broccoli florets.
- Bread: Serve with fresh baguette slices, sourdough, or breadsticks.
Is French Onion Dip Healthy?
French Onion Dip is a rich and indulgent snack. While it’s not the healthiest dip due to its use of sour cream, cream cheese, and mayonnaise, you can make it healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, light cream cheese, and reducing the mayonnaise. Serve it with fresh veggies instead of chips to make it a lighter option.
Kitchen Equipment
- Skillet or sauté pan (for caramelizing onions)
- Mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping onions)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to help caramelization)
For the Dip Base:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream (can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use light mayo)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt.
- Add the chopped onions, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, but it helps with caramelization).
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Lower the heat if they start to burn.
- Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the pan and let them cool.
Step 2: Make the Dip Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Onions
- Once the caramelized onions have cooled, chop them into smaller pieces (optional, if you prefer smaller onion bits in the dip).
- Add the onions to the creamy dip mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 4: Chill the Dip
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors blend.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the fridge, stir well, and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with chips, crackers, or veggies. Enjoy!
Tips
- Use Yellow Onions: Yellow onions caramelize better than white or red onions.
- Don’t Rush the Onions: Cook onions slowly over low heat to get that rich, caramelized flavor.
- Make It Ahead: The dip tastes even better after it chills overnight.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Add a Twist: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
This Homemade French Onion Dip is creamy, savory, and packed with rich caramelized onion flavor. Unlike store-bought dips, it’s made from fresh ingredients, so you get an unbeatable homemade taste. Perfect for chips, veggies, or crackers, it’s a crowd-favorite appetizer that’s easy to prepare. Make it ahead of time, let it chill, and watch it disappear at your next party or gathering.
MORE RECIPES
Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet or sauté pan (for caramelizing onions)
- Mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
- Knife and cutting board (for chopping onions)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions (chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to help caramelization)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream (can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use light mayo)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add 2 tbsp butter and let it melt.
- Add the chopped onions, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, but it helps with caramelization).
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Lower the heat if they start to burn.
- Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the pan and let them cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Once the caramelized onions have cooled, chop them into smaller pieces (optional, if you prefer smaller onion bits in the dip).
- Add the onions to the creamy dip mixture and stir until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors blend.
- Remove from the fridge, stir well, and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with chips, crackers, or veggies. Enjoy!