Creamy Caramelized Onion Dip with Sour Cream and Cream Cheese
This creamy caramelized onion dip is rich, savory, and packed with deep onion flavor. Slowly cooked onions are melted down in butter until golden and sweet, then blended into a smooth base of sour cream and cream cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
What makes this dip special is the low-and-slow caramelization process. The onions develop natural sweetness and complexity before being loosened from the pan with a splash of white wine. Finished with a touch of parsley, the result is a beautifully balanced dip that’s perfect for scooping with chips.
Creamy Caramelized Onion Dip with Sour Cream and Cream Cheese
Course: Snack, AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
6
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
30
minutesCalories
~180
kcalIngredients
Onion
Butter, melted
Sour cream
Cream cheese
White wine (for deglazing)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt (optional)
Directions
- Dice the Onion
After cutting the onion in half, remove and discard the outer layer. Slice along the perimeter, then make downward cuts to create small pieces. The onion will fall away into a quick, even dice. - Start Caramelizing in Butter
Place melted butter in a pan and add the diced onions. Coat them well so they’re fully covered in the butter. Let them begin cooking. - Cook Low and Slow
Allow the onions to cook for about 30 minutes. At first they will sweat, releasing moisture and turning translucent. After that, reduce the heat so they brown gradually without burning. Stir occasionally, but don’t overwork them—steady contact with gentle heat helps the sugars caramelize. - Mix Sour Cream and Cream Cheese
While the onions cook, combine sour cream and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Stir until the cream cheese softens and loosens, making it easier to incorporate the onions later. - Deglaze the Pan
Once the onions are caramelized and there are browned bits on the bottom of the pan, pour in a small amount of white wine—just enough to cover the surface. Scrape the pan to release those flavorful bits into the onions. - Combine with the Creamy Base
Add the caramelized onions and the deglazing liquid to the sour cream and cream cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly until evenly blended. - Add Parsley
Mix in a little chopped parsley to brighten the flavor and add color. - Transfer and Finish
Spoon the dip into a serving bowl and sprinkle more chopped parsley on top. Taste and add salt if desired, though it may not be necessary.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Patience makes all the difference—rushing the onions with high heat can burn them before their natural sweetness has time to develop.