Description
A rich, creamy, and deeply savory party appetizer made with slow-cooked yellow onions, cream cheese, and smoky spices. This gluten-friendly dip is easier to make than it looks and tastes like it has been simmering all day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large yellow onions (about 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg), peeled and sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Cracked black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and slice onions into thin, even half-moons.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and salt. Cook for the first 5 minutes without stirring too much to allow browning, then stir and repeat until onions are deep golden brown and soft (20-25 minutes). Add a splash of water if sticking occurs.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat until smooth.
- Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and liquid smoke to the cream mixture. Mix well.
- Stir the caramelized onions into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until edges are bubbly and the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh chives and cracked black pepper. Serve warm with chips or vegetables.
Notes
For best results, ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. The dip thickens as it cools, so let it rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze as the texture may become grainy. For a spicy variation, add cayenne pepper or jalapeño.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: smoky caramelized onion dip, party appetizer, gluten-free dip, cream cheese dip, easy party food, smoky dip, onion dip recipe