Save This dish features a rich, creamy onion dip made by caramelizing yellow onions and blending them with sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh chives. The accompanying potato chips are thinly sliced russet potatoes fried to a golden crisp and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. Together, they create a perfect balance of smooth, tangy dip and crunchy, flavorful chips ideal for sharing during game days, parties, or casual snacking. The preparation involves careful slow-cooking of onions for deep flavor and precise frying techniques for chip crispness, delivering a homemade touch to classic comfort food.
The smell of onions hitting hot butter always pulls me into the kitchen, no matter what I am doing. My college roommate used to make this dip on Friday afternoons while we studied, and the entire apartment would smell like sweet caramelized goodness for hours. Now whenever I simmer onions low and slow, I remember those lazy afternoons and how something so simple could bring everyone to the table.
I brought this to a Super Bowl party last year, and honestly, people ignored the takeout wings. Everyone kept circling back to the coffee table, dipping and chatting, until the bowl was scraped clean. My friend Sarah finally admitted she ate three servings and took the recipe home that same night.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Butter gives the onions a rich base that oil alone cannot achieve, so do not skip it
- Large yellow onions: Yellow onions caramelize beautifully and develop the sweetest flavor profile
- Sour cream and mayonnaise: This classic combination creates the perfect tangy creamy dip foundation
- Fresh chives: Fresh herbs add a bright finish that dried ones cannot replicate
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes fry up into the crispiest chips every single time
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is essential for even frying
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions:
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onions with salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir frequently until they turn a deep golden brown, which takes about 15 to 18 minutes of patient cooking.
- Mix the dip base:
- While the onions cool completely, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and chives in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and chill:
- Fold the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy base, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Prep the potatoes:
- Peel the russet potatoes and slice them very thin, about the thickness of a coin. Rinse the slices in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Fry the chips:
- Heat the oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees and fry the potato slices in small batches. They should be golden and crisp after about 2 to 3 minutes in the hot oil.
- Season and serve:
- Transfer the warm chips to paper towels to drain, sprinkle with salt and pepper right away, then serve alongside the chilled onion dip.
Save This recipe became my go to for potlucks after my grandmother tasted it at a family reunion and asked for the recipe before dessert was even served. Now I double the batch because the bowl empties faster than you would believe possible.
Making Ahead
The onion dip actually tastes better after sitting in the refrigerator overnight, so I always make it the day before a party. The chips, however, are best served fresh and warm from the fryer.
Frying Safely
Hot oil demands respect and attention, so keep a close eye on the temperature and never leave the kitchen while the oil is heating. I keep a lid nearby just in case and never overcrowd the pot, which causes the oil temperature to drop dangerously.
Serving Suggestions
This onion dip works wonderfully with fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips and carrot sticks for a lighter option. You can also serve it alongside pretzels or even use it as a spread for burgers and sandwiches the next day.
- Set out small bowls for guests to avoid double dipping
- Keep the dip chilled over ice during outdoor parties
- Offer a spicy version with added cayenne for adventurous eaters
Save There is something deeply satisfying about making your own chips and dip from scratch. Once you taste the difference, the store bought versions just will not hit the same way again.
Common Questions
- → How do you achieve the perfect caramelized onions?
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Cook chopped onions slowly over medium heat with butter, salt, pepper, and sugar, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown, usually 15–18 minutes.
- → What type of potatoes work best for crispy chips?
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Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which helps achieve a crisp texture when fried thinly.
- → How should potato slices be prepared before frying?
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Slice potatoes thinly and rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly for better crispiness.
- → Can the dip flavors be enhanced or adjusted?
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Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne or substituting some sour cream with Greek yogurt adds a spicy or lighter touch without sacrificing creaminess.
- → What is the best way to serve this onion dip and chips?
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Serve the chilled onion dip garnished with chopped fresh chives alongside warm, freshly fried potato chips for optimal texture and flavor contrast.
