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Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip: The Ultimate Gooey, Cheesy Party Dip

Imagine sweet, deeply caramelized onions, slow-cooked until they reach a jammy perfection, blended into a creamy, cheesy base and baked until golden brown and irresistibly bubbly. That’s exactly what this Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip delivers!

This dip is rich, savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying, making it the perfect appetizer for game days, holiday gatherings, or cozy nights in. Serve it with crunchy bread, crackers, or chips, and watch it disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Dip

✔ Deeply Caramelized Flavor – The onions turn sweet and jammy, adding incredible depth.
✔ Gooey, Cheesy Goodness – A blend of melted cheeses makes every bite smooth and indulgent.
✔ Perfect Party Food – A true crowd-pleaser for game nights, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
✔ Easy to Make Ahead – Prepare in advance and bake when ready to serve.
✔ Pairs with Everything – Crackers, bread, chips, or veggies—you name it!

What is Caramelized Onion Dip?

Caramelized Onion Dip is a rich, creamy dip made by slow-cooking onions until jammy and golden brown, then blending them into a mix of cheeses, sour cream, and seasonings. The result? A deeply flavorful, cheesy, savory-sweet appetizer that’s perfect for scooping up with crispy bread or chips.

This hot, baked version takes the classic French onion dip to a whole new level by adding bubbling cheese and golden edges, making it impossible to resist.

Ingredients for the Best Caramelized Onion Dip

This recipe uses simple ingredients that combine for a flavor explosion.

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce (adds depth)

For the Dip Base:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley
  • Extra Parmesan for garnish

For Serving:

  • Toasted baguette slices, crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar, and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the onions turn deep golden brown and jammy, add balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce and stir.
  4. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
  2. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Stir in shredded mozzarella, Gruyère (or Swiss), and Parmesan.

Step 3: Assemble the Dip

  1. Fold the caramelized onions into the cheese mixture, stirring well.
  2. Transfer to an oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly.
  3. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan on top for a golden crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the dip for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
  3. Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Serve immediately with crusty bread, crackers, or chips.
  2. Dip in, pull up the gooey cheese, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Caramelized Onion Dip

✔ Take Your Time Caramelizing the Onions – The slower you cook them, the sweeter and deeper the flavor.
✔ Use a Mix of Cheeses – Gruyère, Swiss, and mozzarella create the ultimate creamy, melty texture.
✔ Make It Ahead – Prepare the dip in advance, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.
✔ Add a Little Heat – A dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can enhance the richness.
✔ Pair It with the Right Dippers – Crusty bread, pita chips, and toasted baguettes hold up best to the creamy dip.

Variations & Add-Ons

Want to customize your dip? Try these fun variations:

1. Bacon & Onion Dip

  • Stir in ½ cup crispy bacon bits for an extra smoky kick.

2. Mushroom & Onion Dip

  • Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms with the onions for extra umami.

3. Spicy Onion Dip

  • Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

4. Vegan Caramelized Onion Dip

  • Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

5. French Onion Soup-Inspired Dip

  • Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for classic French onion soup flavor.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigeration:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

  • Freeze assembled but unbaked dip for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

What to Serve with Caramelized Onion Dip

This hot, cheesy dip pairs perfectly with:

  • Toasted baguette slices 🥖
  • Pita chips or naan wedges
  • Tortilla chips or pretzels
  • Raw veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers
  • Crackers or breadsticks

For a fancy appetizer platter, serve it alongside charcuterie meats, olives, and fruit! 🍇🧀

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to 2 days in advance and bake when needed.

2. Can I use red onions instead of yellow?

Yes, but red onions have a sharper taste, while yellow onions caramelize sweeter.

3. What’s the best cheese for this dip?

Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, and Parmesan give the best mix of creamy and melty textures.

4. Can I make this dip without mayonnaise?

Yes! Replace mayo with more sour cream or Greek yogurt.

5. What’s the best way to caramelize onions faster?

Add a splash of water or broth to the onions while cooking to speed up caramelization.

Final Thoughts

This Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip is a must-have for cheese lovers. It’s creamy, cheesy, rich, and packed with deeply caramelized onions—everything you want in a warm, comforting dip.

So whether you’re making it for a party, game night, holiday gathering, or just a snack to enjoy solo, this dip is guaranteed to be a hit!

Get your bread, crackers, or chips ready, and dig into the most indulgent, cheesy dip ever!

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