Caramelized Onion with Chives (Printable)

A creamy blend of golden caramelized onions, tangy dairy, and fresh herbs for versatile snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Onions

01 - 2 large yellow onions, finely diced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
05 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - ½ teaspoon sugar

→ Dip Base

07 - 1½ cups sour cream, full-fat
08 - ½ cup mayonnaise
09 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ½ teaspoon onion powder

→ Fresh Herbs

12 - ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

# How To:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add diced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Reduce heat if onions brown too quickly. Allow to cool to room temperature.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and fully combined.
03 - Fold in the cooled caramelized onions, chives, and parsley. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh chives, alongside chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Deep, complex flavor — Thirty-plus minutes of slow caramelization coaxes out a rich, almost jammy sweetness from the onions that no shortcut can replicate.
  • Effortlessly easy — Rated easy in difficulty, this dip requires no special skills, just a little patience at the stove.
  • Make-ahead friendly — The flavors actually improve overnight, making it the perfect dish to prepare a full day before your gathering.
  • Crowd-pleasing versatility — Equally at home as a chip dip, a vegetable dip, or a savory sandwich spread.
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian — When using certified gluten-free ingredients, this dip suits a wide range of dietary needs.
02 -
  • Make it ahead — This dip can be prepared a full day in advance; the flavor deepens and improves significantly after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Don't rush the onions — If the onions start to brown too quickly, reduce the heat immediately. True caramelization takes 30 to 35 minutes on medium-low heat.
  • Cool completely before mixing — Adding warm onions to the sour cream base can cause the dip to become watery. Always allow the onions to reach room temperature first.
  • Check your labels — Worcestershire sauce may contain fish; choose a vegetarian-certified brand if needed. For a fully gluten-free dip, ensure all ingredients including mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
  • Customize the heat and depth — A pinch of cayenne pepper adds gentle heat, while smoked paprika introduces a pleasant smoky complexity to the finished dip.
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