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French Onion Dip

By Cristin Walsh

Published on December 20, 2012

Time

1 hour

Yield

Serves 4 to 6

French Onion Dip

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 pounds onions, chopped fine Salt and pepper ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ cup water 2 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar 1 cup sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise

Before You Begin

You can make this dip up to 24 hours in advance.

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and cayenne and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until onions are golden, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons water to skillet and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until water is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons water and cook until onions are caramelized and water is evaporated, about 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. Transfer onions to medium bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Add sour cream and mayonnaise to onions and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve.
French Onion Dip
Styling by Catrine Kelty.

French Onion Dip

Headshot of Cristin Walsh
By Cristin Walsh
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Time

1 hour

Yield

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds onions, chopped fine
Salt and pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup water
2 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds onions, chopped fine
Salt and pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup water
2 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise

Ingredients

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pounds onions, chopped fine
Salt and pepper
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup water
2 ½ teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise

Why This Recipe Works

Stirring a packet of onion soup mix into sour cream has long been the go-to method for this popular party dip; we were determined to do better. By dicing onions instead of slicing them (more surface area) and starting them over medium heat, we create deep color and caramelized flavor in only 30 minutes. A base of sour cream and mayonnaise provides balanced flavor and creaminess, and a pinch of cayenne adds heat, while balsamic vinegar lends sweetness and mellow tang.

Before You Begin

You can make this dip up to 24 hours in advance.

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and cayenne and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking until onions are golden, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons water to skillet and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until water is evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add remaining 2 tablespoons water and cook until onions are caramelized and water is evaporated, about 5 minutes longer. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. Transfer onions to medium bowl and let cool for 10 minutes.
  3. Add sour cream and mayonnaise to onions and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Serve.

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