This French Onion Dip recipe has been a party favorite forever! It is also perfect for game day, movie night, or any gathering with its creamy oniony flavors from caramelized onions, mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices. Grab the chips and veggies and dig in!!
Want more party ideas? Try our Olive Oil Popcorn (Garlic and Rosemary), Baked Knorr Spinach Dip, Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket, or Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites.
Where did French Onion Dip Originate?
This French Onion Dip was invented in the 1950s in Los Angeles and spread rapidly in popularity when it was printed in the newspaper. It was originally made with a dried soup mix and sour cream. It was one of my favorite dips in the 1960s growing up when Kraft started to sell it.
Helpful Items For This Recipe
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Non-Stick 14-Inch Skillet with Helper Handle, Black
What is French Onion Chip Dip Made of?
All of these store-bought ingredients for this homemade French onion dip are easily found in any grocery store. The results of using caramelized onions in this dip are truly amazing. A classic dip that I loved as a child and still do so today. I have made an onion dip using the package of the French onion soup mix or grabbed a store-bought dip, but this recipe is far superior.
Ingredients
Yellow onion, diced – Use 1/2 to 1 large onion, or whatever equals about 1 1/4 cups of chopped onions.
Butter – This is used to caramelize the onions and gives a richer flavor to the dip.
Sour cream – I like to use sour cream, but you can use either a lower-fat version or a full-fat, whichever you prefer. Greek yogurt, which has more protein, can be substituted.
Mayonnaise – Full-fat mayonnaise or the lighter version can also be used but use a good quality mayonnaise.
Cayenne – This adds just a bit of heat in the background; you can omit it if you like.
Garlic powder – You can use granulated garlic if you prefer, but you will need about twice as much as powdered garlic. A little onion powder can also be added to this dip.
Salt – You can use table salt for this recipe or Kosher, keeping in mind you will need a bit more Kosher in measurement than table salt.
Black pepper – Fresh ground pepper is always the best.
Worcestershire sauce – It adds that tangy, savory, sweet, and salty flavor to the dip.
Fresh Chives – These make a great garnish for this dip, and it keeps with the onion flavor.
How to make French Onion Dip
This recipe is really better using fresh ingredients as opposed to adding in dried onions or dried herbs. The only herb I like is the fresh chives on top. Try this recipe, and I am sure you will agree.
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add butter and onions.
Stir together until the onions are dark caramelized. Stir often. This can take a while, don’t rush it, as you want them caramelized but not burnt. Cook for about 25-30 minutes at least.
While onions are cooking, add sour cream, mayo, cayenne, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to a medium mixing bowl.
Add the caramelized onions to the mayo and sour cream mixture when the onions are done.
Stir until well combined.
Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Serve with chips or veggies or both!
Storage Instructions
Store in the refrigerator in a covered bowl or airtight container. It will keep for up to a week refrigerated.
Recipe Pro Tips!
Can I eat these warm or cold?
This is best served chilled from the refrigerator. Don’t leave the dip sitting out in the sun, as it won’t be good to eat.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
What substitutions can I make?
Instead of sour cream, you could use plain Greek yogurt.
You can also use cream cheese for the recipe; it will be thicker, and then use sour cream, mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt to make it creamy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You could make it ahead of time, but I wouldn’t freeze it. The flavors I find are best the day it is made, giving it a few hours to meld. Always refrigerate and serve cold.
You can also make the caramelized onions ahead of time too. Then prepare the dip on the day of serving.
What should I serve with French onion dip?
Served with your favorite chips, pita chips, crackers, or your favorite vegetables. A crinkle-cut potato chip brings me back to Friday night pop and chips as a kid.
Lastly, this also makes for a great topping on a burger or sandwich.
MORE DIPS TO ADD TO THE PARTY!
Here are some of our favorite dips for you to try; both warm and cold they are all party hits.
French Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 1/2 large yellow onion diced (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup of sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add butter and onions.
- Stir together until the onions are dark caramelized. Stir often. This can take a while, don’t rush it, as you want them caramelized but not burnt. Cook for about 25-30 minutes at least.
- While onions are cooking, add sour cream, mayo, cayenne, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add the caramelized onions to the mayo and sour cream mixture when the onions are done.
- Stir until well combined.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with chips or veggies or both!
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