This rich and decadent caramelized onion dip is a show-stopper for any gathering. Featuring jammy, sweet onions paired with nutty Gruyere and creamy ingredients, itโs a warm and gooey appetizer thatโs perfect for dipping with crusty bread, chips, or crackers.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for gatherings: This dip is the ultimate party dish, guaranteed to impress your guests.
- Irresistibly flavorful: The caramelized onions add a sweet-savory depth, complemented by the melty Gruyere cheese.
- Simple to make: While the onions take time to caramelize, the process is straightforward and the results are worth every minute.
- Versatile: Serve it with chips, fresh veggies, or even use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Yellow onions
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Sugar (optional, for speeding up caramelization)
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Gruyere cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Caramelize the onions:
- Slice the onions thinly. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions, a pinch of salt, and sugar (if using). Stir occasionally, cooking for about 30โ40 minutes until deeply golden and jammy.
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Grease a small baking dish.
- Combine the ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in the caramelized onions, shredded Gruyere, and grated Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20โ25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired, and serve hot with your favorite dippers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings as an appetizer.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 45โ60 minutes (including caramelizing onions)
- Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Add bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon can add a smoky twist to the dip.
- Try different cheeses: Swap Gruyere with Swiss or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeรฑos for some heat.
- Use caramelized shallots: Replace onions with shallots for a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm the dip in a 350ยฐF oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
How do I caramelize onions faster?
You can add a small amount of sugar to the onions while cooking to speed up caramelization, but be careful not to burn them.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dip up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving.
Whatโs the best way to shred Gruyere cheese?
Use a box grater or food processor for evenly shredded cheese. Cold cheese is easier to grate.
Can I use pre-caramelized onions from the store?
Yes, but freshly caramelized onions provide the best flavor.
What are some good dipping options?
Crusty bread, pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, and fresh veggies like celery or carrots all work great.
Can I freeze this dip?
Itโs not recommended to freeze this dip, as the creamy texture may change when thawed.
Whatโs a good substitute for Gruyere cheese?
Swiss cheese or a mild white cheddar are good alternatives.
How can I make this dip vegetarian-friendly?
It already is! Just ensure your cheeses and other ingredients are vegetarian-certified if necessary.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, but the dip may be less rich and creamy.
How long can this dip sit out at room temperature?
For food safety, avoid leaving the dip out for more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Gruyere is a must-have for any party or cozy gathering. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible appetizer thatโs sure to be a hit. Whether youโre entertaining friends or treating yourself, this dip is an easy way to elevate any occasion.
Print
Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Gruyere
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich, savory dip combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the creamy decadence of Gruyere cheese. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as an indulgent appetizer, this dip is served warm, bubbling, and golden brown from the oven. Pair it with crackers, bread, or veggies for the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
For the Dip:
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and jammy. Reduce heat if they begin to burn.
- Stir in sugar (if using) and balsamic vinegar. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Dip Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, black pepper, and thyme. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in half of the shredded Gruyere and the caramelized onions (reserve some for topping, if desired).
- Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh thyme and the reserved caramelized onions.
- Serve warm with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a twist, try adding crispy bacon bits to the dip mixture before baking.
- Make this dip ahead by assembling it in the dish, covering it tightly, and refrigerating for up to 2 days. Bake when ready to serve.
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