Homemade Onion Dip

Name: Homemade Onion Dip (Caramelised Onion Dip)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) cream cheese - at room temperature (softened) (See Note 1); 2/3 cup caramelised onion jam (See Note 2); 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped; freshly ground black pepper - to taste; a sprinkle of fresh thyme as a garnish - optional

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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:

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:

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.

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!

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.