Perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy snack at home, homemade French Onion Dip will outshine any store-bought version! With caramelized onions, tangy sour cream, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that takes just a little bit of time to prepare!
Table of Contents
This homemade French Onion Dip recipe is all about simple ingredients that come together to create a tangy, creamy texture with the perfect balance of onion sweetness and umami from Worcestershire sauce. It pairs beautifully with kettle chips, pita chips, or even crispy potatoes, and is always a hit at football games or family gatherings!
You can easily make this recipe ahead of time, so it’s ready to go when your guests arrive. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together. Plus, the homemade version is free of additives, making it a healthier, cleaner option compared to the store-bought version!
If you can’t get enough oniony goodness, don’t miss my recipes for Classic French Onion Soup, Crispy Homemade Onion Rings, Outback Blooming Onion Sauce, Crispy Fried Onion Strings, and French Onion Pork Chops!
Why We Love This Recipe
- The caramelized onions add a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy base, making this dip taste more gourmet than any packet mix could offer.
- It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dippers, from crispy chips to fresh veggies, making it perfect for any occasion.
- You can prepare it ahead of time, and the flavors only improve as it sits in the fridge, making it a stress-free, make-ahead option for parties or game day.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Salted Butter – Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions to perfection.
- White or Yellow Onions – The star of the show! These give the dip its sweet, deep onion flavor when cooked down.
- Sour Cream – Provides a tangy, creamy base for the dip.
- Mayonnaise – Adds a little extra creaminess and richness to the texture.
- Cream Cheese – Softened to make the dip ultra-smooth and creamy.
- Chopped Fresh or Freeze-Dried Chives – Brings a subtle oniony freshness and a pop of color.
- Dried Parsley – Adds a hint of herbal flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dip.
- Black Pepper – A touch of spice that balances out the richness.
- Onion Powder – Boosts the onion flavor for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a subtle, savory note that complements the onions.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Brings a touch of umami that deepens the flavor.
- Better-than-Bouillon Beef Concentrate – Adds a savory, beefy depth that makes the dip truly unique.
How to Make French Onion Dip
- Caramelize onions. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 35 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. If the onions start to stick, add a tablespoon of water to keep things moving. Once caramelized, let the onions cool completely.
- Mix creamy base. While your onions cool, whisk together the creamy sour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, chives, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a medium-sized bowl until everything is smooth and well-combined.
- Add flavor. Once the onions are cooled to room temperature, stir them into the creamy mixture. Next, add the Worcestershire sauce and Better-than-Bouillon, and give it a good stir to fully incorporate the flavors.
- Chill and serve. Refrigerate the dip in an airtight container for at least an hour before serving. For the best flavor, let it sit for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve with your favorite dippers—crispy potato chips, veggies, or pita chips all work beautifully!
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can! While yellow or white onions work best, you can experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia for a slightly different flavor.
This dip will stay fresh in an airtight container for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
It’s not recommended to freeze this dip since the texture of sour cream and cream cheese can change when frozen.
Plain potato chips, pita chips, baby carrots, and crispy potatoes are all great options. It’s also delicious with cherry tomatoes or even on a burger!
Absolutely! In fact, the dip tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop, making it a perfect make-ahead option.
Tips for Success
- Always cook the onions on medium-low heat. Patience is key here for achieving that perfect deep golden brown color in the caramelization process without burning them.
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the dip for at least 24 hours. Trust me, the extra time really lets those flavors shine!
- If the onions start to stick while cooking, add a tablespoon of water to help them along without risking burning.
What to Serve with French Onion Dip
This French Onion Dip pairs wonderfully with classic plain potato chips, but don’t stop there!
It’s also amazing with kettle chips for that extra crunch or fresh veggies like baby carrots and cherry tomatoes.
You can even spread it on Crispy Smashed Potatoes or Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes for a hearty snack, or serve it alongside pita chips for a healthier option.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten up the dip without losing creaminess.
- Use Vidalia onions for a sweeter, more delicate onion flavor.
- Replace Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or dry sherry for a different umami twist.
- Add a bit of lemon juice for extra tang, especially if you prefer a brighter flavor profile.
More Delicious Dip Recipes You’ll Devour
- Million Dollar Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- 7 Layer Dip
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip
- Maryland Hot Crab Dip
- Trader Joe’s Lentil Bruschetta Feta Dip
- Hot Reuben Dip
- Smoked Salmon Dip
French Onion Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons salted butter
- 3 medium white or yellow onions diced
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh or freeze-dried chives
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons Better-than-Bouillon beef concentrate
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the onions. Cook the onions until they are caramelized and golden brown. This should take about 35 minutes. Stir every few minutes. If your onions start to stick to the pan, you can add about a tablespoon of water, as needed.3 Tablespoons salted butter, 3 medium white or yellow onions
- While your onions are cooking, whisk together the sour cream, mayo, cream cheese, chives, parsley, salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.1 ½ cups sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 ounces cream cheese, 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh or freeze-dried chives, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- Once your onions are done cooking, let them cool to room temperature.
- Mix in your onions followed by the Worcestershire sauce and better-than-bouillon.1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons Better-than-Bouillon beef concentrate
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving in an airtight container. For best results and flavor, refrigerate 24 hours before serving.
Notes
Storage & Make Ahead
- Store: Keep leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. Stir well before serving.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the creamy texture can separate upon thawing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare 24 hours in advance for the best flavor.
