Description
Creamy french onion dip blends caramelized onions with sour cream for an irresistible appetizer. Smooth, tangy flavors complement crisp chips and fresh vegetables when serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups sour cream (light) or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 medium yellow or white onions (peeled and diced)
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Caramelization: Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and slowly caramelize through frequent stirring, transforming them into a rich, deep golden brown color. Prevent scorching by occasionally adding small amounts of water.
- Flavor Infusion: Introduce minced garlic to the caramelized onions, sautéing briefly to release its aromatic essence. Set aside a portion of the caramelized onions for garnishing, then transfer the remaining mixture to a mixing bowl and cool to room temperature.
- Dip Preparation: Blend cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, chives, salt, and pepper into the cooled onion mixture until achieving a smooth, harmonious consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to perfect the flavor profile.
- Serving: Plate the dip immediately, elegantly garnishing with reserved caramelized onions and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Alternatively, store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- Master Caramelization Technique: Slow-cook onions over medium-high heat, stirring frequently and adding water to prevent burning, achieving a rich golden-brown color that develops deep, complex flavor.
- Flavor Layering Strategy: Allow caramelized onion mixture to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients, ensuring maximum taste integration and preventing cream cheese from becoming runny.
- Seasoning Precision: Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, understanding that Worcestershire sauce and chives can dramatically transform the dip’s overall flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Refrigerate dip for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, making it an excellent prepare-in-advance party appetizer or game day snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg