Swap the store-bought spice packets in place of this fast and oh-so-fresh recipe for Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip made with just six ingredients. Elevate your snack game with real caramelized onions for an irresistible dip that’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
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Few things are more satisfying to me in the kitchen than recreating a store-bought classic from scratch. While some things are inevitably just better when bought versus made, sour cream and onion dip (a.k.a. French onion dip or caramelized onion dip) belongs on the other side of the spectrum. Homemade is absolutely, undeniably, totally worth the (minimal) effort.
I’ve recreated the classic soup mix-turned-dip with just six simple ingredients, and it all begins with slowly caramelized onions that make up the majority of the fresh flavor of this recipe.
Best of all, this homemade sour cream and onion dip can be whipped up a day in advance and stashed in the fridge to give the flavors even more time to mingle before you commence your dipping and dunking with chips (homemade barbecue potato chips are an insane indulgence), crudité or perhaps just a spoon!
An ingredient in the list below might surprise you…
- Caramelized onions: Onions are the star of the show, bringing a sweet and savory depth to the dip through caramelization. Use white or yellow onions. Time-saving tip: Make them in advance! Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Sour cream: This provides the creamy base of our dip.
- Soy sauce: My secret ingredient! It adds the perfect amount of salty, rich flavor to balance out the sweetness of the onions. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so it isn’t too salty.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential hint of savory garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
There are just two steps to making this homemade French onion dip: caramelizing the onions and mixing together the sour cream base. It’s that easy! But, to achieve sweet, caramelized onion perfection, you’ll need a little bit of time and patience. You want the onions to reach a deep golden brown color, a process that takes at least 30 minutes to achieve.
All that’s left to do is add the cooled caramelized onions to a bowl with the sour cream, soy sauce, garlic powder and a dash of pepper. Mix it all together and serve immediately or stash it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors of this dip only get better the longer it has a chance to chill out in the fridge!
Kelly’s Note: You risk the sour cream curdling if you don’t allow the onions to cool. So don’t skip this step!
- Caramelization is Key: Take your time caramelizing the onions; this is the foundation of a rich, flavorful dip.
- Chill for Intensified Flavors: If time allows, I highly recommend letting the dip chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to intensify the flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste along the way and adjust the soy sauce, garlic powder or any other seasonings to match your taste buds. It’s your dip, so make it just how you like it!
- Make Extra Caramelized Onions: Whenever I make this recipe, I double the amount of onions I’m caramelizing. Then, I stash the extras in the freezer. They’ll last for several months and can be used in a variety of dishes, from French onion mac and cheese to pizza and even this cheesy tomato tart.
- Storage Tip: Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to a 3 days, but with its irresistible taste, chances are it won’t last that long!
How to Caramelize Onions Like a Pro
Before you dive into making this French onion dip, let me share a few pro tips for caramelizing onions:
- Stir Occasionally: Stir the onions occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
- Deglaze the Pan if Necessary: If the pan becomes too dry or if the onions start to stick, you can deglaze the pan by adding a tablespoon of water, broth or wine. Scrape up those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra deliciousness.
- Watch for Color Change: As the onions continue to cook, you’ll notice them gradually turning golden brown. This is a sign that the natural sugars are caramelizing.
- Go for Deep Golden Brown: Patience is key! Keep cooking until the onions reach a deep golden brown color. The longer you cook, the sweeter and richer the caramelized flavor will be.
FAQs
The classic pairing is crinkle-cut potato chips (my personal fave!) but any classic potato chip, tortilla chip or even pita chip works, too.
Sure! Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Try fresh veggies, pita bread, pretzel bites, or even as a spread on sandwiches and burgers.
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Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes, meal plans and a newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups minced onions (white or yellow)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 2 1/2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the oil to a large nonstick sauté pan set over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, until the onions are caramelized, about 30 minutes.
- Set the caramelized onions aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the sour cream, soy sauce, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon pepper and the cooled caramelized onions.
- Cover the dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Kelly’s Notes
- Take your time caramelizing the onions; this is the foundation of a rich, flavorful dip.
- For the best flavor, prepare the dip one day in advance and keep it refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap.
- Storage: Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to a 3 days, but with its irresistible taste, chances are it won’t last that long!
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
This onion dip was wonderful. It is easy to make and I had people ask me for the recipe. This is always a plus in my book. I did add some onion powder to taste at the end…
Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!