Caramelized Onion Dip
A shift in the weather has finally come to North Carolina. After a disgustingly hot Labor Day weekend, the last few days have been gloriously cool. I’m thrilled for fall to arrive, but sometimes, I think the transition into the season is almost more exhilarating than the heart of the season itself. Just a few months ago, I ached for the warmth of summer. I couldn’t wait to shed my scarves, jeans, and sweaters and swap them out for flip flops and tank tops. But now, as we teeter on the outer edge of a long, hot summer, I can’t wait to don my long-sleeved tees, comfy socks, and tall, brown boots.
Buuuut it’s still a bit warm for that. But there are still plenty of ways to get ready for fall. One of them is to add this rockin’ dip to your TO MAKE IMMEDIATELY list. Take it to your next football tailgate, Halloween party, or movie night. Seriously, I urge you to find any excuse.
I’ve “made” onion dip before. A packet of onion soup mix and a tub of sour cream and shazam! Chip & dip time! But this is unlike any onion dip I’ve ever had. probably because it actually features the fine, fine flavors of real onion. A LOT of onion. This recipe yields about three cups, but it starts with four full cups of raw onion. Then, aided by the deep and sultry additions of balsamic vinegar and brown sugar, those crisp raw onions transform until their decadent, caramelized selves.
Instead of sour cream, the bulk of this dip is made of Greek yogurt. I’ve recently been rather obsessed with using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream, and this recipe was a major success.
After that, the onions mix in and the dip is technically ready for snacking. However, a couple hours in the fridge allows the flavor to pull from the onions into the rest of the dip, so sneak a few chips and then allow the dip to chill for a while.
And then.
Break out the party plates and invite over your friends. And heck, go ahead and put on some jeans and a jacket. Fall is coming, and this dip wants you to celebrate.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Adapted from Simply Recipes
2 T olive oil
4 cups diced yellow onions, about 3 medium-sized onions
1 1/2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 T balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 c Greek yogurt
1/2 c mayonnaise
1/2 tsp garlic powder
splash of Worcestershire sauce
additional salt to taste
Place a large, heavy pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Heat until oil glistens. Add onions and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until onions are soft and are becoming translucent. Add brown sugar, sea salt, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar and mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook onions for 30 more minutes, uncovered, stirring frequently. Remove pot from the heat and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes to allow onions to cool a bit.
While onions are cooling, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce in a medium-sized bowl and mix well. Add onions and stir until all are coated with the yogurt mixture.
Dip can be served immediately, with tasty potato chips, but is even more dreamy after chilling for a couple of hours.
Katie
September 13, 2012 @ 9:06 am
This has just reminded me of a fantastic caramelized onion dip I made once that was mixed with garam masala. Now I’m off to dig up the recipe – or maybe just adapt yours! Happy fall :-)
Kristi @ 30 Pounds of Apples
September 13, 2012 @ 10:16 pm
With garam masala, huh? Interesting! That would definitely put a unique flavor on it.
Kate
September 13, 2012 @ 9:18 am
Ok, so this does look wonderful. But I’m strangely sad to think of replacing the onion dip/sour cream version…it’s like, family tradition! ;)
Kristi @ 30 Pounds of Apples
September 13, 2012 @ 10:15 pm
We’ll always have Velveeta and Rotel…
Eileen
September 13, 2012 @ 12:40 pm
Real from-scratch onion dip sounds like the best possible idea. I could probably eat an entire tub of it all by myself…
Kristi @ 30 Pounds of Apples
September 13, 2012 @ 10:15 pm
You probably can. I nearly did!
Sylvia
September 14, 2012 @ 4:05 pm
OMG!!! I made this yesterday because your pictures made it look soooooo good and I can’t remember the last time I had onion dip (I rarely eat chips). Anyway – it was delicious yesterday (right off the stove) and I’m just having some for lunch and it’s awesome — even though I screwed up the recipe (where I thought I had a 1/2 tsp. measuring spoon it was a 1 tsp.) and it still turned out delicious and was so simple to make!
I’d like to thank you for inspiring someone who seriously does not like to cook (but “has to” as I have kids to feed that I feel deserve fresh, healthy foods). I stumbled across your blog via a “homemade hot chocolate gifts” link and have been a huge fan ever since. I think my next project will be growing garlic following your experience.
Thanks again for the beautiful pictures, fun anecdotes, and delicious recipes. :-)
Kristi @ 30 Pounds of Apples
September 14, 2012 @ 5:30 pm
Sylvia, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I too try to keep chips out of the house, because if they’re here, I’ll DEFINITELY eat them.
I’m glad also that you are finding some inspiration from my little site. :) I certainly started this blog as a hobby for myself, but I’m thrilled that it’s a hobby I can share with you and other readers!
Keep cooking – you are definitely doing right by your kids!
Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies
November 3, 2012 @ 10:45 pm
Wow, hello! I do think that dip wants me to celebrate! I love caramelized onions so much. I would put them on just about anything. I’m seriously making this dip. Oh, and I’m including a link to it in an upcoming post.
Kristi @ 30 Pounds of Apples
November 4, 2012 @ 1:49 am
I find myself using caramelized onions more and more. I hope you enjoy the dip! And thanks in advance for your link!
Taco Dip | Jen's Favorite Cookies
November 9, 2012 @ 9:41 am
[…] Caramelized Onion Dip from 30 Pounds of Apples […]