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    Home » Recipes » Dips and Sauces

    French Onion Dip

    Published: Jan 21, 2022 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    A chip in a bowl of dip, with text: French Onion Dip.
    A bowl of dip, with text: How to make french onion dip.

    French Onion Dip is classic party food that's easy to make right at home! This recipe features caramelized onion and Greek yogurt for a flavor that will taste just like french onion soup. Serve with your favorite vegetables or chips for an appetizer that everyone will enjoy!

    A bowl of french onion dip, surrounded by chips and onions.

    French onion dip is a classic party food that's made from combining onions with cream cheese, seasonings, and Greek yogurt. The result is a tangy, herb-packed dip that's perfect for dipping - and the yogurt makes this version a little lighter.

    You can purchase store-bought french onion dip, but it's very easy to make at home. Making french onion dip from scratch means you can skip the preservatives and additives that can come in store-bought.

    This recipe is full of fresh, natural ingredients like caramelized yellow onions and Greek yogurt to give it a simple but satisfying flavor. You also get more control over how much or little garlic and seasonings you want to add which makes it easily customizable.

    I remember often having French onion dip when I was a child. It was on every buffet and we dunked crisps/potato chips into it.

    As soon as I dunked a carrot into this recipe, the memories of childhood parties came flooding back. I love how food, like smells, can so quickly unlock a memory.

    I instantly remembered the table that my parents put out at parties and the glass punch bowl that always made an appearance...

    So make a bowl full of nostalgia with this onion dip for your next party or game day.

    It's perfect as party food along with some mac and cheese balls, buffalo cauliflower dip and a pan of garlic and herb skillet rolls.

    This post was originally published on March 28, 2017. Republished with new text, photos, and slightly revised recipe on Jan 21, 2022.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to caramelize onions
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • Looking for more dip recipes?
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    Close up of a bowl of onion dip.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    It uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

    You can control the seasonings and add what you like and leave what you don't.

    The onion dip is tangy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping.

    It's a great recipe to make ahead of time so you have something quick and easy to serve at your next party.

    Ingredients

    • Yellow Onions - The star of this dip, yellow onions infuse the creamy base with fresh onion flavor. You'll need enough onion to pack one full cup pureed.
    • Butter -Helps caramelize the pureed onions and adds a rich buttery and sweet flavor to them.
    • Sugar - Cooked in the pan with the onions and butter, sugar helps enhance the naturally sweet flavor of the onions.
    • Garlic - Infuses the dish with garlic flavor which pairs well with the flavor of cooked onions.
    • Cream Cheese & Mayonnaise - Gives the dip a creamy and tangy base for all of the flavors to come together.
    • Greek Yogurt - Helps give the french onion dip an even thicker base with a more tangy flavor. Greek yogurt also adds protein to the dip.
    • Worcestershire Sauce - Adds a depth of savory salty flavor to the dip.
    • Garlic Powder - Used to enhance the garlic flavor in the dip.
    • Ground White Pepper - Adds a unique mild pepper flavor to the dip. You can substitute black pepper.
    • Salt - Helps balance and enhance all of the flavors in the dip. Use to taste.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    How to caramelize onions

    Take your time caramelizing the onions over a low heat. They want to be slowly browned to become lovely, fragrant, and sweet. Keep stirring and if they start to burn on the bottom of the pan, just add a tablespoon of water. You may not need to though.

    I saved time, and crying eyes, by slicing the onions in a food processor. Because life's too short to sob over the cutting board...

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make French Onion Dip? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Prepare the onions: Peel the papery skin off of the onions and remove the root with a knife. Finely slice the onions.

    Ingredients for making french onion dip.

    Cook the onions and garlic: In a saute pan, heat the butter over medium/low heat. Stir in the onions and sugar. Cook them for about 15 minutes or until the onions begin to brown and caramelize. Add the garlic in the last minute of cooking and stir. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool.

    Dip ingredients in a bowl.

    Make the creamy base: While the onions are cooling, add the rest of the ingredients to a large bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and combined. Stir in the cooled onions.

    Close up of a bowl of onion dip.

    Store and set: Add to a sealed container with a lid and store in the fridge for at least 12 hours to allow the flavors to blend together. Before serving, stir and add to a serving bowl or dish.

    Top tips

    Chop the onions very finely with a sharp knife.

    While cooking the onions, if the onions begin to burn, add a tablespoon of water and continue cooking.

    Be sure to add the garlic in the last minute of cooking to prevent it from burning as it could become bitter tasting.

    The flavor of this dip is best once it has a chance to sit for at least 12 hours or up to overnight.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve with veggies, chips, cubes of bread etc...

    Enjoy it as a party or game day appetizer.

    Use a toasted piece of Yeast-Free Naan Bread for dipping.

    Use as a spread on a bagel or sourdough toast.

    Slather it on a slice of golden Turmeric Bread for a hearty savory snack.

    Variations

    Make it a spicy French onion dip by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or chopped jalapenos.

    Add in a cup of shredded cheese, like cheddar or gruyere, for extra richness and flavor.

    Add any other ingredients you like, like chopped peppers or dried herbs for extra flavor and texture.

    For a vegan french onion dip, use vegan mayo, vegan cream cheese and vegan yogurt. You'll also need to use a Vegan Worchestershire sauce.

    If you're looking to lighten up the french onion dip, try using plain non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the mayonnaise and cream cheese.

    Storage

    How to store: Add the french onion dip to a sealed container with a lid and store in the fridge. The french onion dip will last in the fridge for up to one week. Give it a stir before serving.

    Freezing is not recommended.

    FAQs

    Can I use French onion soup mix instead?

    Yes, but the flavor will not be as fresh and the dip will contain preservatives.

    Do I have to use a food processor?

    No, but it will help chop the onions. If you don't own one already then just slice them finely.

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    Looking for more dip recipes?

    • Spinach and artichoke dip in a bread bowl!
    • Pea Hummus - bright green and full of great taste.
    • Beetroot Hummus - a beautiful purple dip!
    • Easy Nutella Dip
    • Buffalo Cauliflower Dip
    • Carrot Top White Bean Dip

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of french onion dip, surrounded by chips and onions.

    French Onion Dip

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    French Onion Dip is classic party food that's easy to make at home! This recipe features caramelized onions for a flavor just like the soup.
    5 from 31 votes
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    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Dips and Spreads
    Cuisine American, French
    Servings 15
    Calories 80 kcal

    Equipment

    • Bowl
    • skillet / frying pan

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 pound yellow onions (450g), 3 large or 4-5 small
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • 1 cup cream cheese (8 ounces, 225 grams)
    • ½ cup mayonnaise (115 grams)
    • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (115 grams) or cream cheese or more sour cream
    • 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Peel the onions and slice finely.
    • Heat the butter in a saute pan over a medium/low heat, then lower the heat to low and stir in the onions and sugar. Cook, stirring often, for 15 minutes or until golden brown and caramelized but not burned.
      TIP: If the onions begin to burn, add a tablespoon of water and continue cooking.
    • Stir in the garlic and cook for a further minute. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
    • Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, yogurt, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper and salt to a mixing bowl and stir well to combine. When the onions are cool, stir them in.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, for the flavors to blend.

    Notes

    Chop the onions very finely with a sharp knife.
    While cooking the onions, if the onions begin to burn, add a tablespoon of water and continue cooking.
    Be sure to add the garlic in the last minute of cooking to prevent it from burning as it could become bitter tasting.
    The flavor of this dip is best once it has a chance to sit for at least 12 hours or up to overnight.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 111mgPotassium: 127mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin C: 4.1mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 0.2mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      January 26, 2022 at 3:00 pm

      5 stars
      Just the recipe I was looking for -- it tasted light and not overly heavy. Thank you for sharing your recipe!

      Reply
    2. Dannii

      January 26, 2022 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      This dip looks amazing. It was perfect for the superbowl party we had.

      Reply
    3. Emily Flint

      January 21, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      5 stars
      French onion dip has a special place in my heart and I loved your lighter version! The caramelized onions were like candy!

      Reply
    4. Beth

      January 21, 2022 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      So much better than store bought dip. My family and I really enjoyed this. Thanks for the great recipe.

      Reply
    5. Cathleen

      January 21, 2022 at 2:44 pm

      5 stars
      Probably my favourite dip flavour. Second only to artichoke. I love that this version is lighter than most! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂

      Reply
    6. Paul Latham

      October 29, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      5 stars
      Nice dip

      Reply
    7. peter

      November 15, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      The caramelized onions make the dip. I have been lightening up more of my recipes so just used fat free yogurt. Thx for the recipe will make again.

      Reply
    8. molly may

      August 28, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      Oh I really love this. I love anything onion based and now i am a little obsessed with this dip.

      Reply
    9. Jemma

      August 08, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a lovely dip. I made it wiht my daughter for a party since we didn't want to use a soup mix or store bought so we could have less preservatives and chemicals. This scratch one was perfect. We chopped the onions in a blender.

      Reply
    10. Michelle Vita

      July 03, 2020 at 11:37 pm

      5 stars
      I just love this! Made it for a party and it was amazing!

      Reply
    11. Luci Morel

      January 02, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      tasty dip and we loved the flavor of the onions. All natural.

      Reply
    12. Christine

      September 12, 2019 at 3:17 am

      5 stars
      I make onion dip frequently this one is perfect!

      Reply
    13. Stephanie

      June 08, 2019 at 8:05 pm

      5 stars
      This dip was so good. I love caramelized onions so this was a must-try.

      Reply
    14. Liz

      March 18, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      Ohhh this dip was perfect for dunking veggies and chips! I love onion flavors! Easy and tasty. Especially the next day.

      Reply
    15. Hannah Healy

      February 08, 2019 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      this was the perfect party dip. Thanks

      Reply
    16. Binn

      January 20, 2019 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      I thought this was delicious. Caramelised onions add so much flavour. TY.

      Reply
    17. Janice

      April 18, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this. Added more garlic.

      Reply
    18. Hope

      March 28, 2017 at 11:05 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious looking dip, I could eat this any time of day!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

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    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Easter Recipes

    • Easter Rice Krispie Nests
    • Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
    • Mushroom Wellington
    • Nut Roast

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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