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- 2 large onions, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar - 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature - 1 cup cream cheese, softened for easy blending - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste If you run out of sour cream, use Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and tang. For cream cheese, cottage cheese works well too. Blend it until smooth. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be a quick option. Use half the amount since dried herbs are stronger. You will need a large skillet for caramelizing the onions. A mixing bowl helps when blending the dip. A spatula or wooden spoon is great for stirring. Finally, use a serving bowl to hold your dip when it’s ready. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Then, toss in 2 large onions that you have thinly sliced. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt over the onions. This salt pulls out moisture and helps them soften. Stir often for about 10 minutes until they look soft and translucent. Next, add 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. This sugar makes the onions sweet and helps them caramelize. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the onions for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir every few minutes. You want them to turn a deep golden brown and smell sweet. Once they are caramelized, take the skillet off heat. Let the onions cool a bit in the pan. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sour cream at room temperature. Mix them well until the blend is smooth and creamy. This is key for a rich texture. Next, gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions. Also, add in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves. These herbs add a nice touch of flavor. Finally, season your dip with freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Transfer the dip to a serving bowl. Cover it well and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld together. This time is crucial for a tasty dip. When ready to serve, you can add a sprinkle of extra chives on top for a pretty finish. To get sweet, golden onions, start with medium heat. Use a large skillet so the onions cook evenly. Add sea salt right after the onions. This draws out moisture and helps them soften. After about ten minutes, sprinkle in sugar. Sugar boosts the sweetness and speeds up caramelization. Stir every few minutes for about 25 to 30 minutes. Watch them turn from translucent to deep brown, which means they are ready. For a smooth dip, blend the cream cheese and sour cream well. Make sure both are at room temperature. This makes mixing easier. After adding the caramelized onions, chives, and thyme, fold gently. This keeps the dip fluffy. If it feels too thick, mix in a little more sour cream until you reach your desired texture. Serve your dip with colorful veggies, pita chips, or crusty bread. This adds texture and makes a great display. For a fun touch, garnish with more chives and a drizzle of olive oil. This not only looks nice but adds extra flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different herbs or spices to change things up! {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your dip by adding herbs and spices. Fresh dill brings a bright taste. You might also try parsley for a fresh note. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a warm depth. If you want heat, cayenne pepper is a great choice. Just remember, start with a little. You can always add more later. Cheese can make your dip even richer. Creamy goat cheese gives a tangy kick. Or try mixing in some sharp cheddar. For a twist, add feta for a salty punch. Mix in cheese after blending the base for a creamy texture. This creates layers of flavor that will impress your friends. You can still enjoy this dip if you avoid dairy. Use a dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based yogurt. They work well in the same amounts. For added richness, blend in some soaked cashews. This keeps the creamy texture while being vegan friendly. You won't miss the dairy at all! To keep your caramelized onion dip fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the dip has cooled completely before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Place it in the main part of your fridge, not in the door. The dip will stay nice and creamy that way. If you have extra dip, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top. The dip may expand when frozen. For best results, use it within three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When stored properly, the dip lasts about five days in the fridge. Keep an eye out for any changes in smell or texture. If you notice anything off, it’s best to toss it. Always check before serving to ensure it’s still fresh. Yes, you can use frozen onions. They save time and are easy to find. However, fresh onions yield better flavor. When using frozen, thaw them first. Then, follow the same cooking steps. This ensures they caramelize well. To add spice, try these ideas: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. - Mix in some diced jalapeños. - Use spicy flavored cream cheese. These changes will give your dip a nice kick. Serve with: - Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. - Crispy pita chips for crunch. - Slices of crusty bread for a hearty option. - Pretzel bites for a fun twist. These pairings enhance the dip's rich flavor and texture. To make a great caramelized onion dip, I've shared all the key ingredients, steps, and tips. You can substitute ingredients easily and use different flavors to create your own twist. Storage tips help you keep leftovers fresh, and the FAQs answer your common questions. Overall, making this dip is simple and fun. Enjoy it at your next gathering, and don’t forget to add your favorite snacks for dipping. Experiment with flavors to make it yours!

Caramelized Onion Dip

Delight your taste buds with this easy Caramelized Onion & Herb Dip! Made with sweet, golden caramelized onions, rich cream cheese, and fresh herbs, this dip is perfect for parties or cozy gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a creamy, savory treat that everyone will love. Discover how to create this delicious dip and bring flavor to your next snack time! Click to explore the full recipe now!
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Ingredients
  

2 large onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

1 cup cream cheese, softened for easy blending

2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and add the thinly sliced onions.

    Sprinkle the sea salt over the onions, which helps to draw out their moisture. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions start to soften and become translucent.

      Next, add the granulated sugar to the onions. This will enhance their natural sweetness and aid in the caramelization process.

        Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and continue cooking the onions, stirring every few minutes. Allow them to caramelize for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they turn a deep golden brown and become sweetly fragrant.

          Once caramelized, carefully remove the skillet from the heat and allow the onions to cool slightly in the pan.

            In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and room-temperature sour cream. Blend the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and creamy.

              Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions, along with the finely chopped chives and thyme leaves. Season the mixture with freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste.

                Transfer the finished dip to a serving bowl, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 1 hour | 6-8 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the dip alongside a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables, crispy pita chips, or slices of crusty bread for dipping. For an eye-catching touch, garnish with additional finely chopped chives and a light drizzle of olive oil on top before serving.