This Caramelized French Onion Dip is rich, creamy, and loaded with slow-cooked onions for tons of flavor. It’s made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and mayo for the perfect balance of tangy and indulgent. Serve it with potato chips, crostini, or veggie sticks—no matter what, this dip is always the first thing gone at the party.
If you love onions (I think most people do, but won’t admit to it!) then you’ll enjoy my French Onion Mac & Cheese! It is super cheesy and cooked from start to finish in one pot.
Want a main dish recipe? Try my French Onion Chicken Bake! This dish is loaded with caramelized onion and is inspired by french onion soup. Serve it over mashed potatoes for the perfect comfort food dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Real Caramelized Onions: No shortcuts here! The onions cook low and slow until they’re jammy, golden, and full of flavor.
- Creamy, Tangy, Savory: A combo of Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and mayo makes the dip ultra luscious but not too heavy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
- Perfect for Parties: Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Salted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps with browning. Unsalted butter works too—just add a pinch more salt to taste.
- Yellow Onions: These caramelize beautifully and have a natural sweetness. You can also use white onions or a mix of sweet and yellow onions for extra depth.
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the sweetness of the caramelized onions. Freshly cracked pepper has a more pronounced, complex flavor than pre-ground—use a generous amount to season the onions while they cook, and add more to taste when mixing the dip.
- Honey: Helps boost the natural sweetness of the onions. Maple syrup or brown sugar can be used in a pinch.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and depth. Soy sauce alone can work, but Worcestershire has a unique tangy-sweet flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Brings salt and savoriness. Use tamari for a gluten-free version or coconut aminos if preferred.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat is best for richness. Low-fat can work but will be slightly less creamy.
- Nonfat Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and protein. Nonfat isn’t as thick, giving the dip a better texture.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a touch of sweetness. Use your favorite brand.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and complexity. You could use whole grain or yellow mustard in a pinch.
- Onion Powder: Enhances the overall onion flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Fresh Garlic: Adds punchy, aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Caramelized French Onion Dip
Quick Overview
- Caramelize onions.
- Add sauces.
- Make the base of the dip.
- Add remaining ingredients.
Step by Step Instructions
Quick Tip From Bri
Don’t rush the onions! Cooking them low and slow (30–40 minutes) is what gives this dip its deep, rich flavor.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, honey, and a generous amount of fresh cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. If the pan starts to dry out or the onions begin to stick, add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons at a time) to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Do this as needed, 2–3 times throughout cooking, to prevent burning and boost flavor.
- Finish with Worcestershire and Soy Sauce: Once the onions are deeply caramelized, stir in the Worcestershire and soy sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Beat Onions and Cream Cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer and large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, grated garlic, and caramelized onions. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Mix on low speed until everything is fully incorporated and the dip is creamy. Taste and season with more black pepper or a pinch of salt, if desired. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
This dip is perfect for game day or summer BBQs! There are a few other appetizers I would serve alongside it:
- Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas: This recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and quick to make!
- Bacon Zucchini Fritters: These fritters are loaded with veggies and super crispy.
- Bisquick Sausage Balls: This recipe is a staple at my house during the holidays and on game day.
- Bruschetta with Mozzarella: This is the perfect cold summer appetizer.
Expert Tips
- Use an Electric Mixer: Be sure to use an electric mixer so the dip is smooth and not grainy.
- Low & Slow is Key: Caramelizing onions takes time. Resist the urge to crank up the heat—this process builds a deep sweet & savory flavor that’s worth every minute.
- Deglaze with Water: Don’t let your onions burn! Splash in a bit of water and scrape up those browned bits as you go. It keeps things juicy and flavorful.
- Let it Chill: This dip tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for an hour or more. It gives the flavors time to meld together and intensify.
Most Common Mistakes
- Cooking Onions Too Fast: Turning the heat too high will brown (or burn) the onions before they soften. Keep it low and slow for the best texture and flavor.
- Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly. Let it sit out for 30–60 minutes before mixing.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Warm dip can taste flat. Letting it chill helps all the flavors develop and gives it the thick, scoopable texture you’re after.
Additions & Variations
- Add Chopped Fresh Herbs: Stir in a handful of chives, parsley, or thyme for freshness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
- Bacon Bits: Crispy chopped bacon folded into the dip adds smoky crunch.
- Make it Lighter: Use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayo for a tangier, higher-protein dip.
- Serve it Warm: Transfer the finished dip to a small baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden.
The 10 Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes
Worcestershire sauce, with its unique blend of flavors, adds depth and richness to many dishes. It enhances everything, from marinades…
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Homemade Caramelized French Onion Dip
This Caramelized French Onion Dip is rich, creamy, and loaded with slow-cooked onions for tons of flavor. It’s made with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, and mayo for the perfect balance of tangy and indulgent. Serve it with potato chips, crostini, or veggie sticks—no matter what, this dip is always the first thing gone at the party.
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3-4 medium yellow onions, sliced thinly
- fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 Tablespoon worcestershire
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 8- ounce cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cup nonfat greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2-3 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, honey, and a generous amount of fresh cracked black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. If the pan starts to dry out or the onions begin to stick, add a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons at a time) to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Do this as needed, 2–3 times throughout cooking, to prevent burning and boost flavor.4 Tablespoons salted butter, 3-4 medium yellow onions,, fresh cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon honey
- Finish with Worcestershire and Soy Sauce: Once the onions are deeply caramelized, stir in the Worcestershire and soy sauce. Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.1 Tablespoon worcestershire, 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- Beat Onions and Cream Cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer and large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, grated garlic, and caramelized onions. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides as needed.1 8- ounce cream cheese,, 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2-3 cloves garlic,
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Mix on low speed until everything is fully incorporated and the dip is creamy. Taste and season with more black pepper or a pinch of salt, if desired. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.1 1/2 cup nonfat greek yogurt, 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Notes
- Low & Slow is Key: Caramelizing onions takes time. Resist the urge to crank up the heat—this process builds a deep sweet & savory flavor that’s worth every minute.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly. Let it sit out for 30–60 minutes before mixing.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Warm dip can taste flat. Letting it chill helps all the flavors develop and gives it the thick, scoopable texture you’re after.
Nutrition
Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 424mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
