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Homemade French Onion Dip

This French Onion Dip Recipe will be a hit at your next gathering. The irresistible tangy and creamy notes are well accompanied with the sweet caramelized hints of onion. From potato chips to crunchy veggies, there are no limits to enjoying your french onion dip.

bowl of dip surrounded by potato chips

Homemade French Onion Dip

Of course the picturesque cookout has burgers and hotdogs, but how could we forget about the essential French onion dip and potato chips? This smooth and chip-dipping classic is sure to be gone by the end of the night, or before you even set it out!

There are the classics of tortilla chips and salsa, hotdogs and ketchup, burgers and cheese, but French onion dip has my heart. If you like it as much as I do you will love my French Onion Meatballs and French Onion Seasoned Pretzels.

When I was gathering ingredients for my last cookout, I had a stare down with the pre-packaged (and let’s be honest, weird) French onion dip at the store.

The type where you have to peel off that plastic sheet and stir in any liquid sitting at the top. Yuck! Instead of going for the easy route, I created my own homemade recipe which is much more delicious than store bought.

Pulling this out to your next cookout you go to will surely secure another invite. I would always recommend serving yourself before anyone else though, it won’t be in that serving dish for long!

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labeled picture of ingredients for French Onion Dip

Ingredients Needed

Butter – Unsalted is best!

Onions – Vidalia onions are the best and sweetest, but you can sub yellow or white onions.

Garlic – Fresh minced in best but you can substitute garlic powder in a pinch.

Sour cream – Use full fat, low fat, or fat free. Substitute Greek yogurt if desired.

Mayo – Duke’s is my favorite brand and adds a richness to the dip.

Worcestershire sauce – This is a must!

Spices – black pepper and celery salt. Add onion powder for more onion flavor.

Garnish – Fresh chives make the best garnishes but you can use green onions too.

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How to make French Onion Dip

FIRST: Over medium heat in a large skillet, melt butter. Add the onions and caramelize by stirring occasionally for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and soft.

SECOND: Add the garlic and cook for two to three more minutes. Remove from heat and put aside in a bowl to prevent overcooking.

THIRD: In a separate bowl add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Stir to combine, then stir in onions and garlic. Chill for at least an hour.

FOURTH: Garnish with fresh chopped chives, then serve with crackers or potato chips. Enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

bowl of french onion dip garnished with chives and a chip

Is French onion dip the same as sour cream and onion dip?

Yes, French Onion Dip is the same as Onion dip or sour cream-onion dip. It’s sometimes also called California dip. But with caramelized onions instead of raw. It gives it a richer flavor.

How long does it last?

You can store your homemade french onion dip for up to 4-5 days without losing any flavor. This way, you get to enjoy it for as long as possible and try it out in different ways.

Don’t forget to give it a quick stir each time you serve as it will loosen over the next few days.

How To Store:

So the impossible happened; there are leftovers! This homemade french onion dip will still be delicious in an airtight container in your refrigerator for three to five days.

Give it a quick stir, and liven it back up with freshly cut chives to top it all off.

chip scooping out dip

What Goes with French Onion Dip?

As I’ve said before, this is going to be your best friend at any cookout or any game night. Burgers, hotdogs, salads, barbecue– you name it and French onion dip will be a great best friend to any plate!

For dipping, I am a sucker for classic, wavy potato chips but pita chips are a close second. Besides chips, I recommend a clean veggie like cherry tomatoes, carrots, or even bell pepper slices.

Is There an Alternative for Caramelizing?

Okay, in a dream world you would be willing to stand there and caramelize these onions to perfection. But not everyone has the time, or the desire, to stand and stir for a long period.

Heat your oven to 400°F and toss together your onions with olive oil and water, stirring every ten minutes for 40 to 50 minutes.

The water will help steam your onions, while the olive oil will brown your onions for a flavorful punch. You can also make a large batch in your slow cooker.

Check out this recipe for Crockpot Caramelized Onions.

bowl of dip with a chip stuck in it

Why does French Onion Dip get watery?

While you can keep your french onion dip tightly covered and stored for about 5 days, it can get watery due to the dairy used as a base.

The watery phase happens faster when you dip food into the storage container like chips, carrots etc.

Where does French Onion Dip get its name?

From the delicious soup of the same name. They both have sweet caramelized onions as the star!

What’s good with French Onion Dip?

  • potato chips
  • crackers
  • bread
  • pretzels
  • veggies

This homemade French onion dip is going to make everyone wishing they had your recipe. Or, this refreshing dip will make everyone invite you to their next backyard cookout!

collage of pics of bowls with red banner and white text

Love to make dips with sour cream? I do because of the creamy texture and tangy flavor! Check out all my favorite Sour Cream Dip Recipes!

bowl of dip topped with caramelized onions and a potato chip

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Bring the cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Cook the onions slowly so they don’t burn. You want them to be tender and sweet with a light brown color.
  • Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Prepare the onions ahead of time and store until ready to use. I like to make mine in a batches and freeze until ready to use.
  • Chill for at least an hour before serving for maximum flavor.
  • If your dip isn’t to the thickness you are looking for, try adding a tablespoon of greek yogurt.
  • French onion dip is best served cold, so at the cookout don’t leave it out for too long. No one likes room temperature dip!
  • Freshen your dip up after storing with a quick stir, and a natural garnish of chopped chives.
  • Freezing French onion dip will throw the entire consistency off, but it can be refrigerated for up to five days.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

bowl of dip with text "French Onion Dip"

With this homemade French Onion Dip recipe on hand, you can serve this delicious and creamy dip at your next get together or tailgate party. It pairs perfectly with potato chips, veggies, and even spread on a grilled burger!

bowl of French Onion Dip with a potato chip

French Onion Dip

Yield: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

From potato chips to crunchy veggies, there are no limits to enjoying your french onion dip.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
  • 2 large Vidalia or sweet onions (diced small)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • ½ teaspoon celery salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt butter. Add the onions and caramelize, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes or until the onions are golden and soft.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and pour the onions into a bowl so they don’t continue to cook in the pan.
  4. In a separate bowl, add the sour cream, mayo, W sauce, and spices. Stir to combine.
  5. Stir in the onion and garlic mixture.
  6. Stir to combine.
  7. Chill for at least 1 hour.
  8. Garnish with fresh chopped chives. Serve with crackers or chips.
  9. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Bring the cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Cook the onions slowly so they don't burn. You want them to be tender and sweet with a light brown color.
  • Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  • Prepare the onions ahead of time and store until ready to use. I like to make mine in a batches and freeze until ready to use.
  • Chill for at least an hour before serving for maximum flavor.
  • If your dip isn’t to the thickness you are looking for, try adding a tablespoon of greek yogurt.
  • French onion dip is best served cold, so at the cookout don’t leave it out for too long. No one likes room temperature dip!
  • Freshen your dip up after storing with a quick stir, and a natural garnish of chopped chives.
  • Freezing French onion dip will throw the entire consistency off, but it can be refrigerated for up to five days.
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 248Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 215mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g

    This nutrition information was generated via a third party. I can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

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