A homemade French onion dip recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet and savory cravings all in one. This caramelized onion dip comes together quickly, uses just a few common ingredients, and is perfect for parties. With real caramelized onions and a flavor similar to French onion chicken and French onion soup (but made creamy!), this easy dish isn’t your average grocery store tub of onion dip — it’s better!
What Is French Onion Dip?
French onion dip is a creamy caramelized onion dip made with onions, sour cream, and cream cheese. Most store-bought onion dips and onion dip mixes (and even some homemade onion dip recipes!) contain added thickeners, cornstarch substitutes, MSG, processed oils, or hidden fillers. You can avoid all of them by making a healthier homemade French onion dip recipe from scratch with real ingredients instead!
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for French onion dip, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Salted Butter – The key to caramelizing the onions while adding a buttery flavor is to use salted butter. If all you have is unsalted, you can just add salt separately.Onions – Obviously the main part of this caramelized onion dip recipe. I like to use vidalia or similar sweet yellow onions, but you could also use white or red onions as well. If you want extra onion flavor, you could even add some onion powder.Beef Bone Broth – You can also use regular beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth, but I love the richness that bone broth adds.Garlic – Adding garlic gives this dip a great savory flavor and depth. Use fresh garlic or jarred minced garlic to save time. If you don’t have garlic on hand, you can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder — add it to the creamy ingredients instead of sauteing.Sour Cream – The base of this french onion dip is sour cream. It makes it creamy and delicious. Nonfat plain Greek yogurt or mayo make an easy substitutes if needed.Cream Cheese – Helps thicken the dip. Let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften before using in this French onion dip recipe.Blackstrap Molasses – This is optional, but just 1/2 teaspoon in the entire recipe adds a surprising amount of flavor. If you don’t have any a couple teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce would make a decent substitute.Fresh Thyme – The addition of thyme really makes the dip. Fresh chives or parsley would also work well. Fresh herbs work best here, but if you must substitute dried, use 2 teaspoons dried in place of 2 tablespoons fresh.Sea Salt – Brings out the flavors. Feel free to add some white or black pepper as well if you like.
How To Make French Onion Dip
This section shows how to make onion dip, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep this easy homemade French onion dip recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.Meal prep: This is a great make-ahead appetizer. Simply make the dip a few days ahead of time, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a stir before serving.
Can You Freeze French Onion Dip?
You can freeze dip for up to 3 months. Place dip in an airtight container or heavy duty freezer bag, and store in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight and stir before serving. As the broth sizzles away, add more broth, 2 tablespoons at a time. Reduce heat if they start to brown too much. The broth will keep the caramelized onions moist, plus it imparts amazing flavor. This also helps the flavors develop, but is not required.
What To Serve With Caramelized Onion Dip
There are so many ways to serve this caramelized onion dip. I love to serve it with a variety of dippers for scooping! Here are a few of my favorites:
Crackers – Almond flour crackers or flax seed crackers are a nutritious alternative to wheat-based crackers, but any kind you like will work.Chips – This dip is perfect for potato chips or tortilla chips (or low carb tortilla chips). But, it also is great for dipping zucchini chips, homemade kale chips, or pepperoni chips. Veggies – Add some color to your homemade French onion dip with a platter of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. Fresh cucumber slices, celery, or carrots would also pair perfectly with this dish.
More Creamy Dip Recipes
While store-bought dips can be tempting, homemade always tastes better! Here are a few of my favorite homemade dip recipes that are sure to please your taste buds: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
