Rich sour cream dip with deeply caramelized sweet onions
Caramelized Onion Dip
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10
2.5 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Caramelized Onion Dip
Rich sour cream dip with deeply caramelized sweet onions
★4.4(10)
A from-scratch onion dip with deeply caramelized sweet onions folded into tangy sour cream and cream cheese. The homemade upgrade to the Lipton packet classic.
10m
Prep Time
40m
Cook Time
50m
Total Time
10
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This onion dip replaces the Lipton soup packet with real caramelized onions—slow-cooked until sweet and jammy. The result is incomparably richer and more complex.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- 2
Cook onions, stirring every few minutes, for 35-40 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.
- 3
Let onions cool slightly, then roughly chop them.
- 4
Mix sour cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in caramelized onions.
- 5
Refrigerate at least 1 hour for flavors to meld. Serve with ridged potato chips.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor
Substitutions
Cream cheeseMore sour cream or Greek yogurt
Lighter but less creamy
Sweet onionsShallots for a more delicate flavor
Shallots caramelize beautifully and have a milder taste
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Don't rush the caramelization—keep the heat medium-low and stir occasionally for the best results.
A splash of balsamic vinegar in the onions during the last 5 minutes adds a tangy depth.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (20mg) · 10 servings
Calories130
LowModerateHigh
A light, low-calorie option · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein2g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat8g
Fiber140mg
Sugar1g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of onion?
- Yellow onions work but take longer to caramelize. Sweet onions like Vidalia are ideal.
- Can I make it ahead?
- Yes—it tastes even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors deepen.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →