Homemade French Onion Dip

Balsamic caramelized onions are mixed with sour cream and mayo for a flavor-filled French onion dip. Serve with chips for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated January 10, 2023
Elise Bauer
French Onion Dip in a scalloped bowl surrounded by potato chips

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

I've always been a fan of onion dip, have you?

Especially with ruffled potato chips.

Most of the flavor in the onion dip with which many of us are familiar comes from a package of dried onion soup, which works if you have only 2 minutes to put together a dip.

But if you are looking for something a little more special, you can make your own French onion dip from scratch! The key is to caramelize the onions first.

Caramelize Onions for the Best French Onion Dip

When onions cook for a long time, their natural sugars start to caramelize. The onions lose their harshness, their sweetness intensifies, and they turn a deep, rich brown color, loaded with flavor.

If you cook the onions with a little balsamic and a touch of brown sugar, it not only speeds up the process, but makes the flavors are even more intense.

French Onion Dip in a scalloped bowl surrounded by potato chips

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

A Party Favorite

This French onion dip is easy to put together!

The only thing that takes time is caramelizing the onions, which you can do on a back burner while preparing something else. You can also prepare the onions a couple days in advance if necessary.

I love this dip. You know the sign that the dip is good? Your hand reaches for another chip with some dip without you even noticing. And you have to consciously tell yourself to stop.

Do you make your own onion dip from scratch? If so, tell us about it in the comments.

French Onion Dip in a scalloped bowl

Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer

Dips for All Occasions

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Homemade French Onion Dip

Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Servings 6 servings
Yield 2 1/2 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 4 cups chopped yellow onions (about 2 to 3 onions)

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Method

  1. Caramelize the onions:

    Heat the olive oil in a large, thick-bottomed deep pot (I used a 5-quart Dutch oven) on medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent and starting to brown, about 10 minutes.

    If at any point during the cooking of the onions they start to dry out, add a tablespoon of water to the pot.

    Stir in the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and cook gently, uncovered, for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are nicely caramelized.

    Set aside. Let cool a bit before adding to the other ingredients.

    Simple Tip!

    You can caramelize the onions up to 2 days ahead and chill until you make the dip.

    cook chopped onions in a pot for caramelized onion dip
    Elise Bauer
    caramelize chopped onions in a pot to make a dip
    Elise Bauer
  2. Combine with remaining ingredients:

    In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and mayonnaise (a rubber spatula works well for this). Stir in the cooled caramelized onions. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Taste for seasoning.

    Chill until ready to serve. Serve with potato chips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
314 Calories
26g Fat
19g Carbs
3g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 314
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 7g 34%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 242mg 11%
Total Carbohydrate 19g 7%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 10g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 8mg 41%
Calcium 76mg 6%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 313mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.