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This mouthwatering Hot Caramelized Onion Dip blends sweet jammy onions with a quartet of premium cheeses to create a can't-miss starter that's gone in minutes at every party. Guests can't resist this crowd-favorite with its deep flavor profile, and you can whip it up in your slow cooker or oven.
I brought this to a family get-together last month and it was gone before I could grab seconds. The trick? Taking your time to brown those onions until they're dark and golden.
Key Components
Your ultra-creamy dip requires:
- Thinly cut yellow onions
- Oil and butter blend
- Seasonings and fresh thyme
- Cream cheese, brie, gruyere, and parmesan
- A splash of balsamic vinegar
Straightforward Directions
- 1. For the Caramelized Onions:
- Warm oil and butter in cast iron skillet, Toss in sliced onions and cook for 5 minutes, Add thyme and salt for flavor, Continue cooking 25-40 minutes until deep golden, Drizzle with balsamic vinegar at the end
- 2. For Slow Cooker Method:
- Mix everything except brie and gruyere, Let it cook on low for 2 hours, Mix in brie and sprinkle gruyere on top, Cook another 20-25 minutes
- 3. For Oven Method:
- Combine all ingredients but gruyere, Put everything in a baking dish, Cook at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, Sprinkle gruyere on top, Broil for 30-60 seconds until bubbly
- 4. Serving Options:
- Serve with crusty baguette pieces, Put out some hearty chips, Add some fresh veggies, Make sure it stays warm
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I've made this party favorite countless times, and I've learned that taking your time with the onions and getting good cheese really makes it stand out. Whenever I bring it to holidays or game days, people can't believe such basic ingredients can taste so amazing.
Stunning Serving Ideas
The dish you choose affects both looks and function. Go for a wide, shallow ceramic or cast iron dish to get that lovely brown top. A warming stand or small burner will keep it hot throughout your gathering.
Tasty Companions
Round out your snack table by adding:
- Olive oil brushed toasted baguette chunks
- Thick-cut potato chips
- Fresh veggie sticks for dipping
- Crunchy breadsticks or thin pretzels
Prep It Early
This dip actually gets tastier when you make parts ahead of time. You can brown the onions up to three days early and keep them in your fridge. Mix the cheeses together the day before, just let everything come to room temp before you cook it.
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Keeping Leftovers
After it cools down, any extra dip will keep in a sealed container for 4 days in your fridge. When you want more, warm it slowly in the oven under foil, and add a little cream if it needs smoothing out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep this in advance?
- Absolutely! Cook the onions up to two days ahead. Assemble the dip (minus gruyere) and chill it for up to two days before baking.
- → How do I caramelize onions perfectly?
- Keep the heat low and stir every 5 minutes. Medium-low works best, and it’ll take about 25-45 minutes for them to turn golden.
- → Can I swap the cheeses?
- For sure! Replace gruyere with white cheddar or provolone. Brie can be subbed with extra cream cheese too.
- → Should I use a slow cooker or oven?
- Both are great! The oven browns it nicely on top, while the slow cooker keeps it warm for serving at parties.
- → How do I stop onions from burning?
- If they’re cooking too fast, lower the heat and stir often. It’s worth being patient to get them perfect.