If you’re a fan of creamy dips that are equal parts tangy and savory, then this Caramelized Onion Dip with Blue Cheese will be your new go-to! It's a game day hero, a holiday crowd-pleaser, and the ideal match for a bag of salty potato chips or crisp bagel chips.
Why You'll Love It
This creamy caramelized onion dip brings the best of sweet caramelized onions and funky blue cheese to the table in the most delicious way.
Think of it as a luxe upgrade on classic french onion dip with all the depth of flavor you crave in a creamy onion dip.
The sweetness of the caramelized onions mingles with the tangy sour cream and blue cheese to create a cheesy dip that’s perfectly balanced—thanks to a little patience and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
It’s a creamy base that’s every bit as complex as it is comforting. It's comfort food in a bowl and I know you're going to love it!
And the best part? This dip is forgiving to taste preferences, so you can adjust the salt, black pepper, and even add a dash of cayenne pepper if you want a little kick!
Serve it chilled or at room temperature in a big serving bowl. I personally love pairing it with my crispy everything bagel chips or some grilled wings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make this delicious recipe:
- Olive Oil: Use for sautéing the onions—cooking spray works in a pinch, but olive oil brings richer flavor. Butter will burn to fast so I do not recommend using it.
- Large Onions: Sweet onions add that perfect caramelized sweetness, but red onions or yellow onions work too.
- Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic glaze adds depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, a splash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of sugar. You could also use worcestershire sauce. or even a splash of water or white wine
- Sour Cream: This forms the creamy base, but you could swap with plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese with a splash of lemon juice for extra tang. If you want a vegan caramelized onion dip, swap the sour cream and blue cheese for your favorite non dairy alternative.
- Green Onions: These add even more onion flavor. If you don't have any, you could substitute chives, dlil or parsley in this delicious dip.
- Blue Cheese: Funky and flavorful; sub in gruyere cheese, swiss cheese, or parmesan cheese if you prefer. If you don't want a cheesy dip, just leave it out completely.
- Garlic Powder: Essential for that classic onion dip flavor. Try adding onion powder for more intensity.
- Vegetable Bouillon: Adds umami depth; can be replaced with a bit of onion soup mix, dehydrated onions, or seasoned salt if you’re in a pinch.
- Honey: For balancing the blue cheese, but brown sugar or even a pinch of could work.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning to taste; kosher salt and black pepper (or red pepper flakes or cay if you want a spicy hot dip) preferred.
- Optional Additions: Sometimes I add fresh thyme to my caramelized onions and it's always such a crowd pleaser. Pickled jalapenos would also be delicious in this tasty dip.
How to Make It
Making this easy caramelized onion dip is a breeze! Here's how you do it:
- Quick Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and large onions with a sprinkle of kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, for 20-25 minutes on medium-low heat. You want the onions to hit a deep golden brown color, which takes a bit of patience—worth it for that sweet flavor payoff! Add balsamic glaze and cook for another few minutes until they look like perfect golden caramelized onions. Remove from heat and let them cool to room temperature.
- Add Ingredients to Bowl: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, blue cheese, caramelized onion mixture, green onion, garlic powder, vegetable bouillon, and honey.
- Mix it all Up: Stir until well-mixed, then taste and season with black pepper or a touch more salt if needed.
- Chill: For the best results, let the dip rest for 30 minutes. Serve with salty potato chips or as a topping for buffalo wings!
- Serve or Save: Serve the end result room temperature in a big serving bowl, or chilled straight out of the fridge. You can place any leftovers of this perfect dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
What goes with Caramelized Onion Dip
Here are some of my favorite things to serve with this delicious creamy sour cream and caramelized onion dip recipe.
- Everything Bagel Chips
- Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sliders
- Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
Want more party dip ideas? Check out my creamy dip page here.
Recipe
Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe with Blue Cheese
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 large Sweet Onions finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze
- 1 16 oz tub Sour Cream (I recommend FAGE)
- 4 oz Blue Cheese crumbled
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Vegetable Bouillon
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large nonstick pan over medium heat, add olive oil and onions along with a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 20 minutes, stirring often, until they are soft and starting to brown.
- Stir in balsamic glaze and cook for a few more minutes or until they resemble caramelized onions. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add sour cream, blue cheese, the caramelized onions, garlic powder, vegetable bouillon, and honey and stir to combine.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes before serving with your favorite buffalo wings. Enjoy!