Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip

Onions cook low and slow here until they turn deeply golden and jammy, forming the flavor base for a rich, baked dip built on cream cheese, sour cream, and plenty of nutty Gruyère. A short trip in the oven finishes it off bubbly and browned on top, ready to scoop up with bread or crackers. The caramelizing takes patience, but everything else comes together quickly.

Slow-caramelized onions folded into a baked cream cheese and Gruyère dip.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast: ready in about 55 minutes (15 min prep, 40 min cook)
• Simple: 10 everyday ingredients
• Feeds the family: 8 servings
• Light: about 220 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
• 2 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sour cream (or mayonnaise)
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese (shredded (reserve ½ cup for topping))
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated (optional, for topping))
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and half a teaspoon of salt, cooking slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden brown and jammy.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and one and a half cups of the Gruyère in a mixing bowl, stirring until smooth.
5. Fold in the caramelized onions, thyme, remaining salt, and black pepper.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
7. Sprinkle with the reserved Gruyère and Parmesan if using.
8. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
10. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
11. Serve warm with bread, crackers, chips, or vegetables.

Cooking Tips

• Keep the heat low while caramelizing the onions so they cook evenly without burning.
• Stir occasionally rather than constantly, letting the onions sit and develop color between stirs.
• Let the caramelized onions cool slightly before mixing them into the cream cheese base, so they don't melt it prematurely.

Substitutions

• Swiss cheese can replace Gruyère.
• Mayonnaise can replace sour cream.
• Shallots can replace or mix in with the yellow onions for a milder flavor.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven to bring back the bubbly texture.
• Freeze the caramelized onions separately for up to 2 months if you want to prep ahead.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with sliced baguette or crackers.
• Add fresh vegetables for a lighter dipping option.
• Garnish with extra fresh thyme before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal

You Might Also Like

• Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Garlic Bread with Slice Bread
• Pull Apart Garlic Bread
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Caramelized Onion Butternut Squash Tart
• Easy Lasagna Cups (Just 30 Minutes!)