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    Home » Dinner » Appetizers

    Caramelized Onion Dip

    Published: Dec 27, 2019 · Modified: Nov 3, 2023 · 1 Comment

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Jump to Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    This easy caramelized onion dip is made with onion, shallot, garlic, yogurt, and fresh chives. Try it for a healthy twist on the classic chip dip!

    This easy caramelized onion dip is made with onion, shallot, garlic, yogurt, and fresh chives. Try it for a healthy twist on the classic chip dip!

    caramelized onion dip with potato chips

    I like to think that I live a healthy life.

    I eat my vegetables.

    Work out.

    Spend time outdoors.

    Ya know, I make an effort.

    But guys, every so often, my husband will walk into the kitchen with a tub of French onion dip and ruffled potato chips.

    And I cannot stop myself from eating like... half the tub.

    It's really kind of ridiculous.

    Each time I devour this oh-so-processed dip, I know that I need to make a version of it myself. A healthier onion dip.

    Recently, while listening to the Bon Appetit podcast, I heard them talking about how to make something amazing-- a caramelized onion dip.

    I rushed home and started cooking.

    This caramelized onion dip is inspired by Bon Appetit's, with a few tweaks to make it healthier. And creamier.

    Make this oh-so-delicious onion dip for your next party, and set it on the appetizer table next to this roasted red pepper dip and some chipotle hummus.

    Do I Need a Special Pot or Pan for Caramelizing onions?

    I like to use enameled cast-iron pots or pans, because they're excellent for caramelizing onions. The heat distributes easily, and they're easy to deglaze.

    Not sure what deglazing is? It's when you use an acidic liquid (like lemon juice or wine) to pull browned bits of food (in this case, onions) off the pan and back into the main dish.

    If you don't have enameled cast iron cookware, you can use a stainless steel pot or pan instead, but watch your onions closely. They'll brown more quickly.

    If you're shopping for cookware, I use this Lodge enameled cast-iron skillet and this Lodge enameled cast-iron Dutch oven. Either piece will work perfectly for this recipe.

    How to Make Caramelized Onion Dip

    Start by dicing an onion and a shallot.

    Shallots should be easy to find, and will be right next to the onions at the grocery store.

    Add the onion, shallot, and salt to a heavy pot or pan along with a couple sprigs of fresh thyme.

    Add Onion, Shallot, + Thyme to a Heavy Pot
    Add Onion, Shallot, + Thyme to a Heavy Pot

    Cook the onions over low heat until they begin to brown.

    Add some diced garlic, and cook a few more minutes.

    When the onions are a deep amber color and the garlic is fragrant, add some lemon juice and deglaze the pan.

    Caramelize the Onions
    Caramelize the Onions

    Turn off the heat and pull out the thyme.

    Let the onions cool to room temperature, and then blend the onions together with some plain yogurt.

    Blend Onion Mixture with Greek Yogurt
    Blend Onion Mixture with Greek Yogurt

    Mix in some fresh chives, and set the dip in the fridge to chill.

    Add Chives + Refrigerate
    Add Chives + Refrigerate

    Can I Skip Blending This Dip?

    You sure can!

    I prefer my dips to be creamy and smooth, but if you don't have a blender or food processor, simply skip that step.

    If you're shopping for a food processor and aren't sure which one to get, I love my extra-compact Cuisinart mini food processor. It doesn't take up much room, and is the perfect size for dips like this!

    Can I Make The Dip Ahead of Time?

    Yes! Make it up to three days before serving.

    What Should I Serve With This Caramelized Onion Dip?

    Personally, I love it with classic, unflavored ruffled potato chips.

    However, if you want a healthier option, try using this as a veggie dip. Slice up some radishes, carrots, and celery.

    If you serve this dip with veggies, it's even works for guests on a keto diet!

    caramelized onion dip with potato chips

    Serve this onion dip at your next party, or save it all for yourself as a late-night snack!

    caramelized onion dip with potato chips
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    5 from 3 votes

    Caramelized Onion Dip

    This easy caramelized onion dip is made with onion, shallot, garlic, yogurt, and fresh chives. Try it for a healthy twist on the classic chip dip!
    Author: Sarah Trenalone
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time35 minutes mins
    Chill Time (Divided)40 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American, French
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Servings: 16 people
    Calories: 25kcal
    Freezer Friendly?
    No
    Will It Keep?
    3 Days (Fridge)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • enameled cast-iron Dutch oven (I use a Lodge)
    • food processor or blender

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 1 shallot, diced
    • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, still on stem
    • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste (if desired)
    • 2 cloves garlic, diced
    • 1 lemon, juiced
    • 1 ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk)
    • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives

    Instructions

    • Heat oil over low heat. Add the onions, shallot, thyme, and salt.
      Add Onion, Shallot, + Thyme to a Heavy Pot
    • Cook on low heat until the onions begin to brown, stirring occasionally. (About 30 minutes.)
    • Add the garlic and cook 2-3 more minutes. Remove the thyme. Squeeze the lemon juice into the pot, and use a wooden spoon to scrape all the brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
      Allow the onions to cool to room temperature.
      Caramelize the Onions
    • Optional (for a Creamy Dip): Add the onion mixture and yogurt to a food processor or blender and blend until creamy.
      Blend Onion Mixture with Greek Yogurt
    • Stir in the chives.
      Refrigerate the dip at least 30 minutes before serving, or up to 3 days. Taste before serving and add more salt to taste if desired. Serve with vegetables, chips, or other side of choice.
      Add Chives + Refrigerate

    Nutrition

    Calories: 25kcal (1%) | Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) | Protein: 2g (4%) | Fat: 1g (2%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 153mg (7%) | Potassium: 54mg (2%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 30IU (1%) | Vitamin C: 5mg (6%) | Calcium: 26mg (3%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

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    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Comments

    1. Carmy says

      January 13, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Showed this to my partner and he needs us to make this as soon as possible hahahaha. We're obsessed with the flavours here!!

      Reply
    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

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