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French Onion Dip: imagine sinking a piece of bread into the rich, sweet flavours of brown sugar caramelized onions with a creamy base that includes cream cheese, sour cream, and loads of shredded gruyère. This French Onion Dip recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury and is the most delicious appetizer for around the holidays.
SO, I accidentally made the best recipe ever you guys!? This French Onion Dip is truly perfection. Each bite is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury and the flavours balance so well together. The jammy caramelized onions with the creamy base, which includes cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise creates the most delicious creamy texture to the dip. Perfect for around the holidays, game day, or a dinner party where you want to wow your guests.
French Onion Dip recipe at a glance
- Rooted in flavour: the combination of caramelized onions brings out a natural sweetness, while the richness of cream cheese and sour cream creates the most rich and delicious texture.
- Comfort food: at its finest! Warm, rich, creamy, everything you could want in an appetizer during the winter months.
- Versatile pairings: crisp veggies, warm bread or tortilla chips all pair really well, so take your pick.
French Onion Dip ingredients
Here is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need to make my French Onion Dip. For the exact detailed measurements and ingredients, scroll to the bottom of this page to review my recipe card.
- olive oil
- butter
- yellow onions
- brandy or cognac
- balsamic vinegar
- brown sugar
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- mayonnaise
- gruyère
- mozzarella
- dried thyme
- garlic powder
- black pepper
- salt
Want more onion recipes?
Check out my French Onion Chicken, One Pan French Onion Orzo, French Onion Pasta, or Easy French Onion Soup.
Looking for more appetizers?
Who doesn’t need a few good go-to appetizers? Check out a few of my most popular ones right here on my blog:
- Homemade Ricotta
- Fried Red Tomatoes
- Italian Rice Balls
- Whipped Feta with Maple Bacon and Toasted Walnuts
- Smoked Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
- Fried Garlic and Sambuca Shrimp
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Salami Bites
- Easy Bruschetta
- Whipped Ricotta Crostini
- Baked Brie with Jam
- Brie Bites with Red Pepper Jelly
Getting perfectly caramelized onions
Salt Sear Savour has a good write up on their blog on how to achieve the perfect caramelized onions: linked here!
FAQ’s
Can I make this recipe the day before?
YES! Just prepare it up until the instructions tell you to bake it. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and let sit in your fridge overnight.
Can I use greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Go for it; I just prefer the taste of the sour cream in this recipe.
Do I need to use the alcohol in this recipe?
Certainly not, just remove it from the recipe all together or add 2 tbsp of beef broth instead.
Can I serve this dip cold?
You sure can! I would recommend slicing the onions into smaller pieces if you decide to serve this one cold.
Did you like this French Onion Dip recipe?
If so, please consider leaving me a 5 star rating and review below, it means so much to me!
French Onion Dip
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
- 2 tbsp butter
- 5 yellow onions, sliced thin
- 3 tbsp brandy or cognac
- 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 2½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 block cream cheese (250 grams), room temperature
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1½ cups gruyère, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, to the cream cheese mixture
- salt
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and slicing the onions.
- To a large non stick pan set to low heat, add the olive oil and butter.
- Add the sliced onions and begin cooking on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring often. Sammy's tip: be sure to cook the onions on low heat to avoid them from burning. If you notice the onions have little moisture left and appear to be burning, reduce the heat and deglaze with a tsp or so of water.
- After the onions have been cooking for about 20 minutes deglaze the pan with the brandy and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the brandy to reduce, about 2 minutes.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar and let simmer until the brown sugar has melted and the onions are coated.
- Once the onions are a deeply golden, thick, and have a jam-like consistency, with most of the liquid evaporated, remove from the heat and set aside until ready to use.
- To a large mixing bowl combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
- Using a hand blender or large wooden spoon, mix to combine until you reach a smooth creamy consistency.
- Add the gruyère, mozzarella, dried thyme, garlic powder, black pepper and caramelized onions and gently mix to combine.Taste to see if you want to add any salt.
- Pour into a large baking dish, cover, and bake in a 375 °F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling.
- Serve with bread, tortilla chips, or fresh veggies.
- Enjoy warm.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Let’s stay connected!
Keep in touch with me and my recipes on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest! Also, if you do make this recipe (or any recipe of mine for that matter) be sure to tag #sammymontgoms so I can see your recreations!
Sammy, your recipes always work. Thank you for sharing these with us.
Thank you, Lori! That is such a nice comment! – Sammy
Your recipes are amazing
Thank you, Sharon!
This was the hit of the party! I made it in the morning and then sprinkled some Gruyรจre on top and baked it before the party. So delicious and goes with veggies and chips. Thank you for an amazing recipe that I will be making on repeat.
Hi Brenda! Thank you for this review! I am so happy you loved the recipe! – Sammy
What kind of brandy do you use or recommend?
I used a VSOP – but honestly, any will work!
Aaaaaaaaamazing!
Hi Dana, thank you for this review! Happy you enjoyed this one ๐ -Sammy
Hi there- this recipe looks incredible!! I want to make it for Xmas eve
Question : do you think I can make ahead, wrap up and refrigerate and then bake a few hours later?
Hi Anita, absolutely I do!
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was fantastic! Such a crowd pleaser!
Iโd love to make it again but my kiddo is allergic to eggs and canโt have the mayo. What substitute would you recommend?
Hi Kelsey, you can try full fat plain greek yogurt!
Hi! Hoping to make this for Christmas Eve! Wondering if I can cook it in a crockpot instead of baking it in the oven? Or, could I bake it then transfer to a crockpot to keep warm? Thank you!
Hi Maria! You can totally pop this into a crockpot after assembling! Just keep it on low and allow it to cook for about an hour or 2. Just until it’s warm throughout, and slightly bubbly. I hope you enjoy – Sammy
Want to make this for Christmas, any substitution for the brandy/cognac?
I recommend using a splash of apple cider vinegar in place! Hope this helps – Sammy
If I could give this 10 stars I would. I made this for our friends holiday party and my god, no one could step away, it was that good. I’m making this again for an xmas day app!