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Creamy homemade French onion dip is easy to make and so much better than the stuff that comes in a can. Golden, caramelized onions combine with cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream for a flavorful savory dip that is perfect for game day, parties, or snacking at home.
For more delicious dip recipes check out my buffalo chicken dip, layered taco dip, and 3-ingredient cream cheese rotel dip.
Nothing satisfies a snack attack like chips and dip. And as far as chip dips go, French onion dip is a personal favorite. I’ve had it from a can, from a jar, from those little plastic containers, and a semi-homemade version using a packet of onion soup mix (often called California dip). None of them can match the flavor and creaminess of making your own French onion dip with fresh onions. It’s totally addictive.
Savory, creamy, and incredibly versatile, it pairs beautifully with crinkle-cut potato chips, crackers, corn chips, veggie sticks, and even crusty ciabatta bread. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the store-bought dip again.
Can’t get enough of that French onion flavor? Try these French Onion Pork Chops smothered in a rich gravy over a big pile of mashed potatoes.
Fun Fact: Did you know that French onion dip is the most popular dip in the states of South Dakota and Vermont (per Taste of Home)?
For now, let’s get started on this creamy dip by gathering the ingredients and tools below.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Olive Oil — To sauté the onions in. Butter can be used instead if you prefer.
- Sweet Onion — I recommend using sweet onions for this recipe. Sweet onions, such as Vidalia onions or walla walla onions, are milder and sweeter than white onions or yellow onions.
- Sugar — Pure granulated sugar is used to add a little more sweetness to the onions, but you don’t need much at all. It also helps with the browning process.
- Salt & Pepper— Kosher salt and black pepper add depth of flavor.
- Mayonnaise — I use full fat mayonnaise, but if you’d like to save some calories, light mayo could work. Mayo adds creaminess and flavor to the dip.
- Cream Cheese — This serves as the creamy, tangy base for the dip. Cream cheese is a great option because it holds up well when combined with onions.
- Sour Cream — Use this ingredient to add tang and to cut through the richness a little. Greek yogurt can be used instead if you prefer.
- Garlic — Minced garlic adds another layer of flavor. You can sub garlic powder if you don’t enjoy raw garlic.
- Chives — An optional ingredient used for garnish.
Equipment You’ll Need
Gather the following kitchen tools to make this creamy caramelized onion dip:
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Garlic press
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Plastic wrap
How to MakeHomemade French Onion Dip
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Step 1 – Caramelize the onions: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onions, salt, sugar, and pepper. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Cook until the onions are golden brown. Remove the cooked onions from the heat and let them cool to room temperature.
Step 2 – Just whip it: Grab a large mixing bowl and your electric hand mixer. Whip together the mayo, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic until smooth.
Step 3 – Bring it all together and chill: Add the cooled onions to the bowl, and stir them into the cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream mixture. Cover the dip tightly with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours. Chilling overnight is best so the flavors can meld.
Step 4 – Serve it up: Serve the chilled dip with chips or any of the other dippers listed below. Garnish with fresh chives right before serving, if desired.
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Chip Dip
Wondering what to eat with this easy French onion dip recipe? Here are some of our favorite pairings!
- Plain potato chips
- Wavy chips
- Wheat thins
- Crackers (Ritz, saltines, etc.)
- Fresh vegetables (like baby carrots, cucumber slices, or celery sticks)
- Crusty bread
- Pretzels
- Bagel chips
Storage and Freezing
Refrigerator: Store leftover dip in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.
Freezer: I do not recommend freezing this creamy homemade French onion dip. The texture will not be the same after thawing.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Cool the onions faster by transferring them to a plate and placing them in the fridge.
- Resist the temptation to turn the heat up to speed things along. Your onions will burn, which won’t be very tasty. Caramelized onions are worth the wait — I promise!
- The caramelization process may take a little longer than 25 minutes. Just make sure the onions are golden brown and soft before removing them from the heat.
- For best results, make the dip a day before you plan on serving it and let it chill overnight so that the flavors can really meld together. It taste so much better the next day!
- This recipe can be easily doubled for serving a crowd.
Additions and Variations
Add fresh herbs. Parsley or thyme can be used as a garnish instead of the chives or added directly to the dip because more fresh herbs are always delicious.
Turn up the heat. A little cayenne pepper or hot sauce can add depth of flavor. Just use a little bit though, if you decide to try it. You want the caramelized onions to be the dominant flavor.
Reduce the fat. Use low-fat mayo, low-fat cream cheese, and low-fat sour cream to cut some of the fat out of this recipe.
Add Worcestershire. Trying adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the onions while they cook. I haven’t personally tried this yet but have heard that it is a delicious addition.
Homemade French Onion Dip Recipe FAQ
How long does French onion dip last in the fridge?
You can keep this caramelized onion dip recipe in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Is French onion dip made with sour cream?
Yes, this savory dip does contain sour cream. It’s also made with cream cheese to result in a thicker, richer party dip.
What do you dip in French onion dip?
Serve this classic onion dip up with a variety of dippers like potato chips, pretzels, crackers, crusty bread, or veggies.
What is the best chip for French onion dip?
Wavy or ruffled chips are great for grabbing onto the dip. Pita chips or corn chips are great choices, too. French onion dip is extremely versatile.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I recommend it. Like dill dip, the flavor intensifies the longer the dip chills, so making it a day or two in advance of a party is perfect.
More Homemade Dips and Appetizers
Need more dips, finger foods, and appetizers to keep the party going? Try these recipes!
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip – incredible dip perfect for serving with crusty bread
- Cream Cheese Fruit Dip – only 4 ingredients and makes your fruit trays even sweeter
- Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls – buffalo chicken and ranch flavor in bite-sized meatballs
- Pretzel Dogs – a great appetizer for watching the big game at home
- Buffalo Chicken Jalapeno Poppers – a delicious twist on traditional jalapeno poppers
Recipe
Recipe
5 from 5 votes
Easy French Onion Dip
Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 10 minutes mins
Cook: 25 minutes mins
Chill Time 2 hours hrs
Total: 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Golden, caramelized onions are combined with cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream for a flavorful and creamy French onion dip. You'll never go back to the canned or jarred stuff again!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups diced sweet onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- fresh sliced chives for garnish optional
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, salt, sugar, and pepper. Cook, occasionally stirring, for 2 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are golden brown (about 20-25 minutes). Take off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, whip together the mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic until smooth with an electric hand mixer.
Add the cooled onions and stir them in. Cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best) so the flavors can meld.
Serve with chips or your favorite dippers and add a garnish of chives if desired.
Notes
- This dip is best when chilled overnight to let the flavors come together. It will not be as flavorful if it's served the same day it's made.
- If you don't like raw garlic in dip, use garlic powder instead. Use ¼ teaspoon per clove of garlic.
- Serve dip with wavy potato chips, wheat thins, or veggies.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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