Ina Garten’s Irresistible Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Caramelized onion dip transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable culinary adventures with its rich, complex flavor profile.

Sweet, deeply browned onions meld seamlessly with creamy ingredients to create an irresistible appetizer sensation.

Slow-cooking golden onions develops an intense, almost magical depth that elevates this classic party staple.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the dip speaks to both casual snackers and serious food enthusiasts.

Tangy dairy components balance the caramelized onions’ natural sweetness, producing a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this dip an ideal choice for home cooks seeking maximum impact with minimal effort.

Weekend warriors and kitchen novices alike can master this crowd-pleasing recipe with confidence: get ready to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love Ina’s Bold Onion Dip

• Savor Rich Caramelized Flavors: The slow cooking process transforms ordinary onions into deeply sweet, golden-brown delights that create an incredibly complex and intense taste profile.
• Creamy Comfort Texture Delight: Smooth cream cheese and sour cream blend perfectly with tender caramelized onions, delivering a luxuriously velvety dip that spreads beautifully on crackers or chips.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: Despite looking impressive, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and uses simple techniques that even beginner home cooks can master with confidence, turning basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality appetizer in under an hour.
• Versatile Party Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or sophisticated cocktail parties, this dip offers a gourmet twist on classic onion dips that will surprise and delight guests with its rich, sophisticated flavor profile.

What Goes In for That Caramelized Kick

Main Ingredients:

• Onions: Sweet, mellow flavor that becomes rich and caramelized when slowly cooked; yellow or white varieties work best for deep, sweet taste.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creamy base that provides smooth, tangy texture and helps bind ingredients together; full-fat versions recommended for best flavor.

• Cayenne Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dip; adjust amount based on spice preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile and balance sweetness of caramelized onions.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps caramelize onions; combination ensures even browning and prevents burning.

Stirring Up Dip That Disappears Fast

Step 1: Prepare Onions

Slice onions lengthwise, then cut into thin half-rounds about 1/8 inch thick. This will yield approximately 3 cups of onions.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

• Cooking oil
• Butter

• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

Reduce heat to medium-low. Continue cooking and stirring periodically for 20 minutes until onions turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor. Remove from heat and let onions cool completely.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cream cheese

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Fold cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer dip to a serving bowl. Allow to reach room temperature for optimal flavor. Serve with crispy chips, fresh vegetables, or toasted bread.

Onion Dip Hacks Every Party Host Needs

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife to cut onions into uniform, thin slices for consistent and golden caramelization that ensures every bite is perfectly sweet and rich.
• Patience Pays Off: Caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring every 5-10 minutes to develop deep, complex flavors without burning or scorching.
• Cool Down Method: Let caramelized onions cool completely before mixing with creamy ingredients to maintain the dip's ideal texture and prevent unwanted separation.
• Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs gradually, remembering that caramelized onions already bring natural sweetness and depth to the dip.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare caramelized onions and dip base a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator for an even more delicious appetizer.

Dip Storage Tips That Save the Day

• Refrigerator Method: Seal dip in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Place at the back of the refrigerator where temperature remains most consistent, away from door areas with temperature fluctuations.
• Freezer Method: Transfer dip into a freezer-safe plastic container with minimal air space to prevent freezer burn. Label container with date and contents, ensuring flat storage to maximize space and maintain even freezing.
• Thawing Method: Remove frozen dip from freezer and slowly defrost in refrigerator overnight. Gently stir after thawing to restore original creamy texture, discarding if any separation or unusual odors occur. Consume within 24 hours of complete thawing for best quality and food safety.

Go Bold—Add Heat, Herbs, or Crunch

• Smoky Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced green chiles and smoked paprika for a zesty southwestern flavor profile. Swap cream cheese with pepper jack for extra heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix in chopped fresh basil, oregano, and crumbled feta cheese. Add roasted garlic cloves to enhance the aromatic depth of the dip.
• Caramelized Bacon Crunch: Fold crispy chopped bacon pieces into the dip. Sprinkle additional bacon bits on top for a savory, crunchy texture that elevates the creamy base.
• Roasted Vegetable Remix: Blend in fire-roasted bell peppers and caramelized leeks alongside the onions. Garnish with fresh chives and a drizzle of olive oil for a garden-fresh sensation.

The Last Scoop of Ina’s Onion Magic

Ina Garten’s caramelized onion dip transforms ordinary gatherings into culinary celebrations.

Silky smooth textures blend with rich, golden-brown onion notes that dance across palates.

Creamy cheese and tangy sour cream create luxurious depth in each spoonful.

Subtle cayenne whispers warmth beneath layers of complex flavor profiles.

Guests will crave this irresistible appetizer that elevates simple entertaining.

Passionate cooks can unlock gourmet magic with this simple yet sophisticated recipe – sharing brings connections, laughter lingers, memories sparkle when deliciousness meets community.

Ina Garten Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s caramelized onion dip delivers rich, complex flavors from slowly mellowed onions blended with creamy ingredients. Guests will savor each luxurious spoonful of this sophisticated appetizer that elevates classic party fare with elegant French-inspired cooking techniques.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 large yellow onions
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise

Fats and Oils:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully slice onions lengthwise into thin half-rounds approximately 1/8 inch (0.3 centimeters) thick, yielding approximately of prepared onions.
2. Heat a large sauté pan over medium temperature, adding olive oil and butter simultaneously. Introduce sliced onions, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and ground black pepper into the pan.
3. Sauté the onion mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, continuing to cook the onions for an additional 20 minutes. Stir periodically, allowing the onions to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown color.
5. Remove the caramelized onions from heat and allow them to cool completely to room temperature.
6. Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, blend melted mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and fully incorporated.
7. Gently fold the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the dip.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed to enhance the flavor profile.
9. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and let it rest at room temperature for optimal taste and texture before serving.

Notes

• Caramelizing transforms ordinary onions into sweet, golden treasures with intense flavor depth.
• Patience matters when slowly cooking onions over low heat, allowing natural sugars to develop rich brown color.
• Butter and olive oil combination creates perfect caramelization, helping onions brown evenly without burning.
• Selecting sweet Vidalia or yellow onions guarantees the most delectable caramelized results.
• Wooden spoon technique helps scrape delicious browned bits from pan bottom, ensuring maximum flavor extraction.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg