Caramelized Onion Dip

$- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - ½ cup mayonnaise - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Assorted vegetable sticks (like carrots and celery) or an assortment of crackers, for serving If you don't have yellow onions, you can use sweet onions or even red ones. Both options add a nice flavor. You can swap olive oil with avocado oil if you want a different taste. For a lighter dip, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. This swap adds protein and gives a nice tang. If you want a creamier dip, add more cream cheese. When choosing onions, look for firm ones without soft spots. The skin should be dry, not damp. Fresh thyme should smell strong and fragrant. For the best cream cheese, check for a smooth texture and freshness date. Always choose fresh vegetables for dipping. Crunchy carrots and crisp celery are great options. To start, grab a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the thinly sliced onions and the salt. Stir the onions well. Make sure they are fully coated in oil. This step helps them soften and start to release their sweet flavor. Next, lower the heat to low. Let the onions cook slowly. Stir them every few minutes. This part takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Watch the onions closely. You want them to turn a deep golden brown. This color shows they are caramelized. If they start to stick, add a splash of water. Scrape the pan to free them. After the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the sugar and thyme over them. Stir well and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step boosts the flavor, making it even better. Now, it's time to make the dip base. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic powder. Use a spatula to mix until everything is smooth. Ensure you break up any lumps. Next, add the cooled caramelized onions to the creamy mixture. Stir gently until well combined. Season with black pepper to taste. Adjust the pepper to how spicy you like it. This dip is now ready to chill in the refrigerator. Cover it and let it rest for at least one hour. This helps the flavors blend perfectly. To get sweet and rich caramelized onions, start with yellow onions. They have great flavor. Slice them thinly for even cooking. Use a large skillet to give them room to cook. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and salt. Stir to coat them well. Keep the heat low after that. Stir every few minutes. This slow cooking takes about 30-40 minutes. Look for a deep golden color. If they stick to the pan, add a splash of water. This will help loosen them. You can make your dip even tastier by adding new flavors. Fresh thyme gives a lovely herbal note. Use dried thyme if fresh is not available. A teaspoon of sugar helps with the sweet caramelization. For a kick, try adding garlic powder. You can also mix in some cheese, like cream cheese, for a richer texture. If you want more zest, add a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the dip and makes it pop. Serve your caramelized onion dip with fresh veggies. Crisp carrots and crunchy celery are great choices. If you prefer something else, use an assortment of crackers. Arrange them around the dip for a fun look. For a final touch, sprinkle more fresh thyme on top. This adds color and makes it more inviting. Enjoy your dip at parties or casual get-togethers. It’s perfect for sharing! {{image_4}} You can change up the flavor by adding herbs. Fresh rosemary or dill can add a nice touch. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the caramelized onions. Use about one tablespoon of fresh herbs or one teaspoon of dried herbs. This twist can make your dip even more special. Adding cheese can make your dip richer and creamier. Feta cheese adds a salty bite. Cheddar cheese gives a sharp flavor. You can mix in about half a cup of crumbled feta or shredded cheddar. Just fold it into the creamy base before adding the onions. This will create a tasty twist. Want a kick? Add some heat! Diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can spice things up. For jalapeños, use about one to two tablespoons, depending on your taste. If using hot sauce, start with a teaspoon and increase from there. This adds depth and excitement to your dip. To store leftover dip, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly. This keeps the dip fresh and prevents odors from other foods in the fridge. The dip will stay good for up to five days in the fridge. Always check for any changes in color or smell before using it. You can freeze this dip for later use. First, let the dip cool completely. Then, scoop it into a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. The dip can last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat the dip, take it out of the fridge or freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps it warm evenly. Heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir often to prevent burning. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture. Serve it warm with your favorite veggies or crackers. Enjoy every bite! Caramelized onion dip lasts about 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. After a few days, check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. The dip may get thicker as it sits, so you can mix in a little sour cream to restore its creaminess. Yes, you can use frozen onions for this dip. However, fresh onions provide the best flavor and texture. If you choose frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess water. This helps keep your dip from getting too watery. Serve caramelized onion dip with a variety of items. Here are some great options: - Assorted vegetable sticks (like carrots and celery) - Crackers (try different types for fun) - Pita chips for a crunchy touch - Toasted bread or baguette slices - Pretzels for a salty contrast These pairings add texture and flavor, making your dip experience even better! In this post, I covered everything you need to know about making delicious caramelized onion dip. We explored the right ingredients and their substitutes, plus tips for choosing fresh options. I shared clear steps for sautéing and caramelizing onions, along with flavor enhancements and serving ideas. You can even try fun variations and learn the best ways to store leftovers. Now, you can create a tasty dip that everyone will love! Enjoy making and sharing this simple treat!$

Indulge in the ultimate flavor experience with this Caramelized Onion Heaven Dip! With perfectly sautéed onions, creamy ingredients, and a hint of thyme, this dip is a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Serve it with crunchy vegetable sticks or your favorite crackers for a delicious appetizer. Ready to impress your guests? Click through for the full recipe and make this delightful dip a star of your next party!

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Ingredients

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

1 cup sour cream

1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

½ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Assorted vegetable sticks (like carrots and celery) or an assortment of crackers, for serving

Instructions

Sauté the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions along with the salt. Stir well to coat the onions evenly in the oil.

Caramelize the Onions: Reduce the heat to low and allow the onions to cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This process takes about 30-40 minutes. You're looking for a deep golden brown color that signifies caramelization. If at any point the onions begin to stick to the pan, deglaze by adding a splash of water and scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen them.

Add Sugar and Thyme: Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle the sugar and fresh thyme leaves over them. Stir well to combine and allow to cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors. Afterward, remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Combine the Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic powder. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

Incorporate the Onions: Add the cooled caramelized onion mixture to the creamy base. Stir gently until everything is well incorporated. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference for heat and flavor.

Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 1 hour. This resting time is crucial for the flavors to meld and develop fully.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Servings: 8-10

- Presentation Tips: When ready to serve, scoop the dip into a decorative bowl. Surround it with fresh vegetable sticks, such as crunchy carrots and crisp celery, or arrange an assortment of your favorite crackers around the bowl for dipping. For an attractive touch, garnish the dip with additional fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and visual appeal. Enjoy!