Crispy Onion French Dip Recipe

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

• 4 cups finely chopped yellow onions
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Dip Base

• 2 cups sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

Instructions

1. Set a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, then add the olive oil, brown sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
2. Immediately add in the chopped onions and stir to coat them well with the butter mixture. Sauté while frequently stirring until the onions begin to soften and lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the onions are evenly browned, about 10 minutes more.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pot, stirring and scraping the bottom to deglaze the pan. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the remaining water and repeat deglazing. Continue cooking until the liquid reduces and onions deepen in color, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the onions and stir frequently until fragrant and the onions turn a deep brown color, about 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the caramelized onion mixture to a medium bowl and refrigerate until completely cool, about 10 minutes.
6. To the cooled onions in the medium bowl, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped chives. Serve immediately with chips or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

• Store the dip in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• For a Worcestershire sauce substitute, use 1 teaspoon soy sauce mixed with ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar.
• Use yellow or sweet onions for best caramelization and balanced flavor.
• Allow the caramelized onions to cool fully before mixing to maintain the dip’s texture and flavor.
• Adjust seasoning gradually to avoid over-salting the dip.

Nutrition

Serving: ¼ cup | Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 230mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g