Once you try homemade french onion dip, you’ll never want dip made from a packet again! Rich and creamy, with plenty of sweet golden brown caramelized onions and savory bacon pieces. It’s the perfect dip for a party, and great to make ahead!
This is one of my Dip recipes I know you’ll want to keep on hand!
If you’ve ever been to a party before, you’ve probably had a version of this dip.
Onion dip has been around for decades, and it’s stayed a top choice of dips that people bring!
For good reason too! The savory/sweetness of the onions combined with the ultra creaminess, and the crunchy dippers… it’s a winner everytime.
However, the classic onion dip was typically made with sour cream and a packet of french onion soup mix. Nothing against those packets (because they sure are convenient!), but they’re also loaded with sodium and preservatives that I can’t even pronounce.
So this version is made from scratch with a deliciously creamy base, perfectly seasoned, plus the addition of chives and bacon, and loaded with golden brown caramelized onions!
How to make a homemade french onion dip?
This is just an overview; the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card toward the bottom of this post.
- Caramelize onions. This isn’t difficult, but just takes time and patience. Let them cool.
- Whisk dairy and spices. No appliances necessary, just a bowl and whisk/rubber spatula.
- Stir. Add the chives, onion, and bacon and stir everything together.
- Chill. Cover tightly and refrigerate.
- Serve. Serve cold, with chips or your preferred dippers.
Helpful Tip!
While this dip can certainly be enjoyed right after making it, I find that this dip tastes best when it’s chilled for at least 1-2 hours. All the flavors really have a chance to blend together.
Variations of this recipe
- Sour cream – if you’d prefer to lighten this recipe up a bit, feel free to use plain Greek yogurt in place of all or some of the sour cream.
- Sour cream/mayo – please feel free to play around with the ratio of sour cream to mayo.
- Onions – we love to use regular yellow onions for this recipe. Sweet onions will also work well, as would white onions, but they may take longer to caramelize.
- Chives – green onions can be used in place of the chives.
- Bacon – this recipe can be made without the bacon if you’d prefer a vegetarian dip.
FAQ’s
Due to the dairy, I don’t recommend freezing onion dip. Dairy can sometimes separate during the freezing/thawing process, which is unappetizing. However, if you wanted to freeze the caramelized onions, those will freeze well. Then just thaw and use as directed!
This dip goes really well with chips (wavy or ruffled are my favorite!), pita chips, crackers, pretzels, and veggies (such as carrots or celery).
Making onion dip ahead of time
I love this recipe because it’s actually better when you make it ahead!
The flavors really get a chance to meld together this way. I like to make this dip the night before I want to serve it.
Storage
Leftover dip should be refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoyed within 4-5 days.
My Favorite Mixing Bowls!
I love these mixing bowls for two main reasons: the non-slip bottoms make mixing easier, and the airtight lids mean you don’t have to transfer the contents to another container to refrigerate!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 – 3 medium yellow onions diced
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar optional but recommended
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh chives
- 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Garnishes
- additional cooked and crumbled bacon
- additional minced fresh chives
Instructions
Caramelize onions
- To a large skillet, add butter and heat over MED LOW heat.
- Once butter is melted, add diced onions and 1/4 tsp of the salt then cook, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes, or until soft and golden brown (caramelized).
- Set aside to cool.
Combine
- To a mixing bowl, add sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, remaining salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
- Add chives, bacon, and caramelized onions and stir well to combine.
Chill
- Cover the mixing bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
Serve
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional bacon pieces and chives if desired, with chips or whichever dippers you prefer.
Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!
Chef Tips
- I’ve estimated this dip will serve 6, but the exact serving size is up to you.
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Kym McKalip says
Can’t wait to try it !
Catalina says
I go crazy over French onion. I am so glad to make this dip at home!
Erin says
Looks beyond delicious! It’s a surely hit on our table!
Beth says
MmmMMM! I love French onion dip, and yours looks exceptionally delicious. It’s so rich!
Sue says
This is such a wonderful dip! Thanks Chef!