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Alton Brown Caramelized Onion Dip - recipe card

Alton Brown Caramelized Onion Dip

  • Author: Anabelle McLean
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 50
  • Total Time: 125
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A rich and creamy dip featuring deeply caramelized sweet onions, balanced with tangy sour cream and cream cheese. A touch of Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth, making this an irresistible appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large yellow or sweet onions (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g total), halved and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 8 ounces (226 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the butter and olive oil in a large (12-inch / 30 cm) heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Set over medium heat until the butter melts and the foam subsides, about 1 minute. Swirl the pan to combine.
  2. Add the sliced onions to the hot fat and toss with tongs to coat every strand. Spread them into an even layer. Reduce the heat to low — this is critical; cooking on too high heat will burn the sugars before they caramelize.
  3. Cook the onions undisturbed for 10 minutes. They will begin to soften and release their moisture. After 10 minutes, stir gently with a wooden spoon, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring every 8 to 10 minutes, for a total cooking time of 40 to 45 minutes. The onions should become a deep golden-brown, almost the color of honey. If they start to stick, add 1 tablespoon of water and scrape up the fond — this adds flavor.
  5. Once the onions are deeply caramelized and reduced to about one-third of their original volume, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat. Transfer the onions to a plate and let cool completely to room temperature (about 20 minutes).
  6. While the onions cool, in a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated — there should be no lumps of cream cheese.
  7. Add the cooled caramelized onions to the cream cheese mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until the onions are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken to a spreadable consistency.
  9. Before serving, stir the dip once more. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley if desired (not included in nutrition). Serve with potato chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités.
  10. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze — the dairy-based dip will separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended as the texture will become grainy. To serve, simply stir and bring to a slightly softened consistency (about 10 minutes at room temperature) if it has firmed up too much in the fridge. Pair with sturdy potato chips, kettle chips, or fresh-cut vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 475mg
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 45g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 91mg

Keywords: caramelized onion dip, Alton Brown recipe, homemade onion dip, creamy appetizer, party dip, onion dip, stovetop dip, cream cheese dip, savory dip, easy appetizer

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Find it online: https://bellesbestbites.com/alton-brown-caramelized-onion-dip/