Description
Ina Garten’s French Onion Dip delivers classic comfort with caramelized onion richness and creamy sour cream depth. Smooth, tangy, and irresistibly delicious, you’ll savor this crowd-pleasing appetizer that elevates any gathering with its simple yet sophisticated flavor profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups (590 ml) diced onions (2 to 3 onions) (brown, yellow, or white)
- 4 ounces (120 g) cream cheese, cold, cut into cubes
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (full-fat preferred, but low-fat or yogurt can be used)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
Fats and Seasonings:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare a frying pan and melt the butter over medium heat, creating a smooth, golden base for caramelizing onions.
- Introduce sliced onions to the melted butter, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Stir continuously for 5 minutes to distribute flavors evenly.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing onions to slowly transform into a rich, sweet, and golden delicacy. Continue stirring occasionally for 20 to 25 minutes until they reach a deep caramel color and develop a mellow, concentrated sweetness.
- Remove the caramelized onions from heat and let them cool to room temperature, allowing flavors to settle and intensify.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. If the cream cheese is too firm, briefly warm it in the microwave to achieve a smooth, homogeneous texture.
- Gently fold the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Transfer the dip to a sealed container and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
- Before serving, remove the dip from the refrigerator 30 minutes in advance to bring it to room temperature, which enhances its creamy consistency and flavor.
- Garnish with finely chopped chives for a fresh, aromatic touch. Serve alongside crisp, crinkle-cut potato chips for the perfect textural contrast.
Notes
- Slow-roast sweet onions on medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, developing deep caramel notes that transform the entire dip’s flavor profile.
- Gently warm cream cheese for smooth mixing, ensuring no lumps disrupt the silky texture of the final spread.
- Refrigerate the dip for minimum two hours, allowing complex flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more harmonious taste experience.
- Allow chilled dip to rest at room temperature for half an hour before serving, which softens the consistency and enhances overall taste.
- Choose full-fat dairy ingredients to guarantee maximum richness, creating a luxurious and indulgent appetizer that keeps guests coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg