Caramelized Onion with Chives

There is something almost magical about the way a humble yellow onion transforms over low, patient heat—melting from sharp and pungent into something deeply golden, sweet, and savory. That slow alchemy is the heart of this Caramelized Onion Dip with Sour Cream and Chives, a creamy, crowd-pleasing classic that belongs on every appetizer table. Blended with tangy full-fat sour cream, rich mayonnaise, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and a generous handful of fresh chives, this dip is the kind of thing people hover around, chip in hand, until the bowl is scraped clean. Whether you are serving it alongside crispy potato chips, colorful crudités, or spreading it generously onto a sandwich, this recipe delivers comfort and sophistication in every single bite.

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The secret to this dip's irresistible depth lies entirely in taking your time with the onions. Two large yellow onions, finely diced and coaxed slowly in a blend of unsalted butter and olive oil, gradually surrender their sharpness and become deeply golden and tender over 30 to 35 minutes. A pinch of kosher salt, a touch of black pepper, and an optional half-teaspoon of sugar help the process along. Once cooled and folded into a smooth, well-seasoned base of sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, those caramelized onions become something truly extraordinary. A final chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour allows every flavor to meld together into a dip that feels like it has been made by someone who really, truly knows their way around a kitchen.

Ingredients

• Onions
  • 2 large yellow onions, finely diced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional, to aid caramelization)
• Dip Base
  • 1½ cups sour cream (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
• Fresh Herbs
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 — Start the onions

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Add the finely diced onions, kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to coat the onions evenly.

Step 2 — Caramelize slowly

Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and fully caramelized, about 30 to 35 minutes. If the onions begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat. Once done, remove from heat and allow the onions to cool to room temperature.

Step 3 — Make the dip base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4 — Combine

Fold in the cooled caramelized onions, fresh chives, and parsley if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly throughout the dip base.

Step 5 — Adjust seasoning

Taste the dip and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your preference.

Step 6 — Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully meld and develop.

Step 7 — Serve

Serve chilled, garnished with extra fresh chives, alongside chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables of your choice.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Beim Karamellisieren der Zwiebeln ist Geduld der wichtigste Faktor. Verwende unbedingt mittlere bis niedrige Hitze und rühre die Zwiebeln nur gelegentlich um — zu häufiges Rühren verlangsamt den Karamellisierungsprozess. Ein großer Gusseisenschwenkpan oder eine beschichtete Pfanne mit schwerem Boden sorgt für gleichmäßige Wärmeverteilung. Lass die Zwiebeln vollständig auf Raumtemperatur abkühlen, bevor du sie unter die Sauerrahmbasis hebst, damit die cremige Konsistenz erhalten bleibt. Für eine leichtere Variante kannst du die Hälfte des Sauerrahms durch griechischen Joghurt ersetzen, ohne dabei auf den charakteristischen säuerlichen Geschmack zu verzichten.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Diese Dip-Basis lässt sich wunderbar anpassen: Eine Prise Cayennepfeffer bringt angenehme Schärfe, während geräuchertes Paprikapulver dem Dip eine rauchige Tiefe verleiht. Wer einen leichteren Dip bevorzugt, ersetzt die Hälfte des Sauerrahms durch griechischen Joghurt. Die frische Petersilie ist optional, rundet den Geschmack aber mit einer leicht grasigen Note ab. Für eine noch intensivere Zwiebeltiefe kannst du einen Teelöffel Balsamico-Essig in den letzten Minuten des Karamellisierens einrühren. Stelle sicher, dass Worcestershire-Sauce und Mayonnaise glutenfrei und für Vegetarier geeignet sind, wenn du entsprechende Ernährungsanforderungen berücksichtigen möchtest.

Serviervorschläge

Serviere diesen cremigen Karamellzwiebel-Dip gut gekühlt in einer tiefen Schüssel, garniert mit frisch gehackten Schnittlauchringen. Er passt hervorragend zu knusprigen Kartoffelchips, Crackern oder einem bunten Gemüseteller mit Karotten, Sellerie und Paprikastreifen. Als Brotaufstrich auf Sandwiches oder Wraps ist er ebenso ein Genuss. Zum Trinken empfehlen sich ein prickelnder Sekt, ein leichtes Pilsner oder ein frischer, trockener Weißwein — allesamt wunderbare Begleiter zu den reichen, karamellisierten Aromen des Dips.

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This Caramelized Onion Dip with Sour Cream and Chives is proof that the most beloved recipes are often the simplest — built on patience, quality ingredients, and a generous hand with fresh herbs. With just 15 minutes of preparation and a leisurely 35 minutes at the stove, you will have a dip that tastes like it took all day. At 175 calories per serving across 8 generous portions, it fits comfortably into any gathering spread. Make it the night before, pull it from the refrigerator right before your guests arrive, and watch it disappear. This is the kind of recipe that earns requests, gets passed along, and becomes a fixture at every party you host from this point forward.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should onions be caramelized?

Onions should cook over medium-low heat for 30–35 minutes until deeply golden and soft to develop sweet caramelized flavors.

→ Can I use other fresh herbs besides chives?

Yes, parsley is an optional addition that complements chives, adding fresh, green notes to the dip.

→ What is the best way to serve this dip?

Serve chilled alongside chips, crackers, or vegetable crudités to highlight its creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.

→ Is there a way to lighten the creamy base?

Substituting half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt reduces fat while maintaining a creamy texture and tang.

→ How can I enhance the flavor profile?

Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can introduce heat or smoky depth to the dip’s rich sweetness.