Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

One of my favorite party dips is a creamy onion dip, with just a hint of sweetness, a bit of savory depth, and a decadently thick texture. And today’s Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe hits all those notes. Whether paired with homemade crostini, homemade soft pretzels, or even as a side to a lush antipasto platter, this blissfully simple dip is one recipe every home chef should have in their repertoire.

As a nice bonus, this dip is incredibly easy to prepare and uses only affordable, simple ingredients that are readily available at your local supermarket. If you can caramelize some onions, and then mix them with yogurt and the spices listed below in the recipe card, you can make this dip, I promise.

Now, without further introduction, let’s make some dip. Read on for a printable recipe card, a complete ingredient checklist, and a recipe overview.

Recipe Overview – What to Expect

If you’ve read this far, I’ve probably piqued your interest, but you also probably still have a few questions. You might be wondering what this dip is like in terms of taste and texture. Or maybe you want to know how hard it is to make? Or perhaps what it pairs well with?

For the answer to those questions and more, read on.

• Taste and Texture:
  • The recipe starts off with caramelized onions, which bring both depth of flavor and mild sweetness. Caramelized with sugar before being added to the dip, the onions themselves should have an almost jam-like consistency. From there, we combine the onions with Greek yogurt, a bit of Worcestershire sauce, chives, mustard powder, and garlic. The result should be a dip that’s both savory and sweet, just a hint spicy, carried on a richly creamy texture.
• Difficulty Level:
  • It couldn’t be easier! This recipe is perfect for home chefs of all skill levels. If you can caramelize some onions, and then mix them with yogurt and some spices, you can make this dip. Seriously, it’s that easy.
• Preparation Process:
  • We start things off by slicing the onions. After that, we set them in a cast iron pan over medium-high heat with some sugar, and let them caramelize until they are soft and golden. As mentioned above, their consistency should be roughly jam-like. Once that’s done, we add in garlic and Worcestershire sauce, turn off the heat, and let the onions cool. Once the onions are cool, we mix them with yogurt, and the spices listed below, and then garnish with chives, and we’re done. Seriously, it doesn’t get any easier than this.
• Pairings:
  • All the usual game-day favorites apply here. Think crunchy kettle chips, corn chips, and simple crackers. If you’re feeling fancy, we’ve got some great crostini recipes right here. The dip would also go nicely with crusty homemade bread or as the side to hardy onion rings or French fries.

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

Perhaps the best thing about this recipe is that it uses only affordable, simple ingredients that are readily available at your local supermarket. With that in mind, here’s everything you’ll need.

• 1 large Vidalia onion, sliced thin
  • Tip: The reason I say to use Vidalia onions is because they are naturally sweet, making them perfect for caramelizing. If unavailable, yellow or white onions work too, though they may be slightly less sweet.
  • Tip 2: For this recipe, I cannot stress enough that you want to slice the onions as thinly as possible as this aids in caramelization.
• 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Note: For added sweetness, and to facilitate the caramelization process.
  • Tip: For added flavor, a drizzle of honey or natural maple syrup. However, plain, granulated sugar is all you need for caramelization.
• 3 cloves garlic
  • Tip: You want to add the garlic towards the end of the caramelizing process to avoid burning, and because we’re only adding the garlic for a bit of savory depth, as opposed to making it a leading flavor.
  • Substitution: If you prefer slightly less garlic bite, you can instead use a 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic isn’t available.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Note: The Worcestershire sauce adds some mild umami depth and what I’ll describe as “unique Worcestershire flavor.” It also helps to balance out the dip’s sweetness.
  • Substitution: If you don’t have Worcestershire on hand, you can substitute in a splash of soy sauce or tamari.
• 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
  • Tip: You want to use whole-fat, Greek yogurt for maximal creaminess. Also, the tangy Greek yogurt base works to complement the caramelized onions perfectly.
  • Substitution: Sour cream also works deliciously at a one-to-one ratio.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  • Note: Plain table salt is all you need here.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Tip: This is one recipe where freshly ground black pepper would make a noticeable difference, as the recipe is being consumed raw except for the caramelizing of the onions. Fresh cracked pepper really does enhance the aromatics.
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • Note: For a bit of mild, earthy spice, which together works to brighten up the flavor.
  • Substitution: If mustard powder isn’t available you can safely leave it out, or use a dash of cayenne and chili powder.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • Tip: Chives add color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the caramelized onions beautifully.
  • Substitution: If chives aren’t on hand, finely sliced green onion tops or parsley make a nice alternative.
• ¼ teaspoon onion flakes
  • Substitution: If you don't have onion flakes, you can also use garlic flakes. This is a perfect garnish alongside the fresh chives that tie the whole dip together.

Pairing Tips for Caramelized Onion Dip

1. Crunchy Chips and Crackers
   • Potato Chips: Naturally, the go-to pairings for any good onion dip are classic kettle-cooked or sea salt chips, and today’s recipe is no exception to the rule.
   • Pita Chips or Flatbread Crackers: Your choice of pita chips or flatbread crackers would also pair deliciously.
   • Crostini: If you are feeling fancy, homemade crostini would also pair deliciously, especially as part of a larger antipasto platter. See my recipes here and here for suggestions!
2. Fresh Veggie Sticks
   • Bell Peppers, Carrots, Celery, and Cucumbers: Onion dip and fresh veggies are a classic combo for a reason, and today’s onion dip is true to that rule. My go-to options would be fresh bell pepper slices, carrots, celery, or cucumbers.
3. Bread Options
   • Sourdough or Baguette Slices: Lightly toast for a warm, crisp base that holds up to the dip’s texture.
   • Homemade Flatbread: I never miss a chance to suggest making your own flatbreads because they are so easy and delicious, and it just so happens that today’s onion dip would be a delicious pairing.
   • Homemade Soft Pretzels: I’m a new fan of homemade soft pretzels and I can easily see dipping a homemade soft pretzel in today’s onion dip.
4. Cheese and Charcuterie Board Add-On
   • Antipasto Flare: A cheese and charcuterie board with things like crusty bread, and dipping oil, would be a great pairing for this dip.

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And that’s our Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe. If you enjoyed today’s recipe, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below, we always love hearing from you!

Happy Cooking!

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