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Home » Recipe Index » Dips

Homemade Onion Dip

Published: Aug 26, 2020 · Updated: Aug 27, 2020 Author: Alexandra Cook

For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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ingredients in this recipe on a white background.
pinterest image with two photos of onion dip with text overlay in the centre.

My Homemade Onion Dip is a simple, quickly prepared dip which is ideal for easy entertaining and one that the whole family will enjoy. It’s creamy, delicious and full of flavour.

onion dip, on a white cloth background, with some crackers to the left of the bowl, and some sprigs of thyme to the right.

If you’re a fan of caramelised onions, and I’m fairly sure that’s most of us, you will love this dip in which they are the stars of the show. It is so quickly made and will outshine any onion dip that you can buy at the supermarket.

Why we love this recipe:

When I’m entertaining, I often make this Homemade Onion Dip. It is quick, it is easy, it is delicious – and it is a real crowd-pleaser. You can’t ask more from an appetiser.

I love food that has been designed for sharing. It is, without a doubt, my favourite way to eat and I am a firm believer that sharing food with loved ones is a wonderful bonding experience.

My Caramelised Onion Dip contains just five ingredients, (one of these being pepper!) all of which are readily available. If you’re entertaining a large group of people, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make a larger amount.

Ingredients in this recipe:

ingredients in this recipe on a white background.

Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

Sour cream – This is a cultured product which adds a delicious tang and creaminess to many dishes. I like the flavour of full-fat sour cream; reduced-fat creams often contain more sugar.

Cream cheese – Again, I prefer full fat for the best flavour and buy the familiar cream cheese block, readily available in the supermarket. You’ll need your cream cheese to be at room temperature for this recipe.

Caramelised onion jam – I use a top quality, locally made product; choose a similar product in your locality.

Thyme – Fresh thyme is a natural accompaniment to caramelised onion; it adds delicious earthy, slightly lemony flavour.

Black pepper – Always use freshly ground black pepper; the flavour of pre-ground pepper is flat and dull.

Step by step instructions:

first two steps in this recipe.

1. To begin, remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator at least a half hour in advance to bring it to room temperature and soften.

2. Place the softened cream cheese in a food processor and whiz until it is smooth.

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor and combine well.

4. Place the dip in a serving dish. Garnish with a little fresh thyme.

final two steps in this recipe.

Tips for success and FAQs:

Bring your cream cheese to room temperature before combining the ingredients. You will get the best result if the cream cheese has softened to a spreadable consistency.

Can I make it in advance?

Make it at least an hour or two in advance to allow the flavours to meld together; it can be made a day ahead if you prefer. Store it well covered in the refrigerator.

Can I use low fat sour cream and cream cheese?

Yes, you can if you prefer.

Can I make the dip without a food processor?

You can blend all the ingredients by hand. Just be sure to have the cream cheese at room temperature so that it is soft.

Can I make this dip in advance?

Yes, you can. The flavour is best on the first two days. Ideally, let it stand for a couple of hours before serving for the maximum flavour.

bowl of onion dip, on a white cloth. some crackers and carrots sit behind the bowl, and some thyme is sprinkled around the edge.

More delicious recipes for you to try:

Here are some more of our favourite dip recipes. Try a few of them today, and create a delicious dip platter!

  • Whipped Feta
  • Roasted Capsicum Pesto
  • Green Goddess Dip
  • Easy Hummus
  • The Best Baba Ganoush
  • Simple and Delicious Tuna Dip
  • Avocado, Yoghurt and Mint Dip
  • Roasted Carrot Hummus
  • Cannellini Bean Dip
  • Smoked Salmon Pate
  • Tuna and Cannellini Bean Dip
  • Red Kidney Bean Dip
  • Mediterranean Dipping Oil
  • Pea and Mint Dip
  • Grilled Zucchini Hummus

Enjoy this easily made Homemade Onion Dip as a snack or serve it at any celebration or gathering. It is always popular and will quickly disappear. I encourage you to skip the store-bought dips and make your own; homemade dips are vastly superior.

Serve it as part of a snack board. Put out some cheese, crackers, veggie sticks, olives; this makes for easy entertaining.

Alex xx

This post was originally published in October 2018. It has been updated with new photos and more information. The recipe remains the same.

onion dip, on a white cloth background, with some crackers to the left of the bowl, and some sprigs of thyme to the right.

Homemade Onion Dip (Caramelised Onion Dip)

My Caramelised Onion Dip is a simple, quickly prepared dip which is ideal for easy entertaining and one that the whole family will enjoy. It’s creamy, delicious and full of flavour.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Review
Course: Appetiser, Dip, Snack
Cuisine: International
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 178kcal
Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

Please note:

For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (225 g) cream cheese – at room temperature (softened) See Note 1
  • ⅔ cup caramelised onion jam See Note 2
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • freshly ground black pepper – to taste
  • a sprinkle of fresh thyme as a garnish – optional

Instructions

  • Add the softened cream cheese to a food processor, and blend until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients to the blender. Mix until well combined. Season to taste.
  • Place the dip in a serving dish, and garnish with fresh thyme.
    Serve with your choice of biscuits, chips or crudites. 

Notes

  1. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so it is soft enough to blend smoothly.
  2. I use a storebought Caramelised Onion Jam in this recipe, but you could certainly use homemade.
  3. Please note, the nutritional information is based on this dip being enjoyed as an appetiser by 6 people.
Made this recipe? We’d be so grateful if you could leave a comment and rating at the bottom of the page!

Nutrition Estimate:

Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 138mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional Disclaimer:

The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

pinterest image with two photos of onion dip with text overlay in the centre.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Christie

    August 28, 2020 at 6:44 am

    5 stars
    This dip is amazing Alex! I love caramelized onions!

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      October 02, 2020 at 2:44 pm

      Thank you, Christie! We do too 🙂

      Reply
  2. Erica

    November 02, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    5 stars
    This is my favorite recipe of yours

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      November 02, 2018 at 3:15 pm

      <3 So glad you love it

      Reply
  3. Maria Makar

    October 04, 2018 at 5:10 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! I love caramelized onions

    Reply
    • Alexandra

      October 04, 2018 at 10:41 pm

      Thanks Maria, agree with you there! 🙂

      Reply

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