Onion Dip with Chips

The first time I brought this onion dip to a friend's barbecue, I honestly thought about stopping at the grocery store for a tub of the stuff with the foil lid. Something made me keep driving, and twenty minutes of caramelizing onions later, my entire apartment smelled like the best French restaurant in town.

My roommate walked through the front door midcaramelization and actually asked what restaurant I'd ordered from. Seeing her face when I told her it was just onions and butter sold me forever on homemade dips.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Lets you control the salt level since butter brands vary so much in sodium
• Large yellow onions: Their natural sweetness develops into that golden caramelized magic we're after
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify the onion's natural flavors
• Sugar: Just enough to help the onions caramelize without making the dip sweet
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: This combo creates the perfect tangy creamy base
• Cream cheese: Adds body and helps the dip cling perfectly to each chip
• Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that adds depth and umami
• Fresh chives: Bright onion flavor that cuts through all that richness
• Thickcut potato chips: Sturdy enough to handle a generous scoop without breaking

Instructions

Caramelize the onions:

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add chopped onions with salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook stirring often until deeply golden brown and smelling incredible about 18 to 20 minutes. Let them cool completely or they'll melt your cream cheese into a weird separated situation.

Build the creamy base:

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped chives until completely smooth.

Combine everything:

Fold the cooled caramelized onions into the cream mixture and give it a thorough stir.

Let it rest:

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour because the flavors need time to really get to know each other.

Serve it up:

Spoon into your prettiest bowl, sprinkle with extra chives, and surround with mountains of potato chips.

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Now whenever there's a potluck or game night, this is the first thing people ask if I'm bringing. There's something about scraping every last bit from the bowl that tells you you've made something people actually care about.

Making It Your Own

I once added roasted garlic to the caramelized onions and ended up with something so good I ate it with a spoon when no one was watching. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne brings this whole situation into totally new territory too.

The Chip Situation

Regular chips will do in a pinch but thickcut ones hold up better to the weight of all that onion goodness. I've also served this with pretzels, veggie sticks, and even spread it on sandwiches the next day.

Storage and MakeAhead Tips

This dip keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two days and actually develops more flavor over time. The onions might weep a little liquid but just give it a stir and you're good to go.

• Make the onion mixture up to three days ahead and refrigerate until you're ready to mix with the dairy
• Bring the dip to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture
• If it seems too thick after chilling a splash of milk or lemon juice brings it right back to life

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Hope this becomes your goto dip for all the moments that matter.

Common Questions

→ How long should onions be caramelized for best flavor?

Cook onions over medium heat for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and sweet to develop deep caramelized flavors.

→ Can I prepare the dip in advance?

Yes, the dip can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

→ What alternatives can be used for sour cream?

Greek yogurt works well as a lighter substitute, providing similar creaminess and tang.

→ Are there seasoning variations to enhance the dip?

Adding garlic powder or smoked paprika can introduce extra depth and a subtle smoky undertone.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free snacking?

Yes, serving with gluten-free potato chips or vegetable sticks makes it gluten-free friendly.

→ What utensils are needed for preparation?

A large skillet for caramelizing onions, a mixing bowl for blending ingredients, and basic cutting tools are required.