Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe: Dreamy Party Magic

Onion lovers unite over this decadent hot caramelized onion dip that promises pure comfort in every creamy, savory bite.

Sweet, golden-brown caramelized onions meld perfectly with rich cream cheese and tangy sour cream.

The deep, complex flavors develop slowly as onions transform into a rich, jammy delicacy.

Slowly cooked until deeply golden and soft, these onions create an irresistible depth of flavor that elevates any gathering.

Sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful bite to this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Serve this luxurious dip warm with crispy crackers or toasted bread for an unforgettable experience.

This recipe will become your new favorite party starter that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip, Why We Crave It

• This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dip with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Packed with rich, deep flavors from caramelized onions and melted cheese, this dip becomes an instant hit at gatherings, potlucks, and game day events.
• Easily adaptable with multiple cooking methods like slow cooker, oven, or stovetop, ensuring you can prepare it according to your schedule and kitchen setup.
• Combining sweet caramelized onions, tangy balsamic vinegar, and creamy cheeses creates a luxurious dip that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.

Caramelized Onion Dip Ingredient Guide

• Onions: Sweet and hearty base that becomes rich and golden when caramelized.
• Brie Cheese: Creamy and soft cheese that adds luxurious texture to the dip.
• Gruyere Cheese: Sharp and nutty cheese that provides a delightful golden crust.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Create a smooth foundation for caramelizing onions and enhance overall flavor.

• Thyme, Sugar, Salt, Balsamic Vinegar: Herbs and seasonings that add depth and complexity to the caramelized onion profile.

Tools to Create Jammy Hot Onion Dip

• Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions evenly and developing rich flavor.
• Slow Cooker: Great alternative method for hands-off cooking of the dip.
• Baking Dish: 2-quart size works best for baking and serving the dip.
• Broiler: Helps create a golden, crispy cheese topping.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring onions during caramelization.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board: For preparing and chopping onions.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice onions precisely.

Making Onion Dip, Step by Step

Step 1: Caramelize Sweet Onions

Warm a cast iron skillet with butter and oil over medium heat.

Add sliced onions and gently cook for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle in fresh thyme, sugar, and salt.

Continue cooking on medium-low heat, stirring every few minutes.

The onions will slowly transform into a rich, golden color over 25-45 minutes.

Finish by drizzling balsamic vinegar to enhance the deep, sweet flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Creamy Cheese Mixture

Lightly spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.

Combine caramelized onions with remaining ingredients, excluding brie and gruyere cheeses.

Set slow cooker to high and cook for 2 hours.

Gently stir in brie cheese, then top with gruyere.

Continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes until melted and bubbly.

Step 3: Create Crispy Cheese Topping

For an extra golden crust, transfer the dip to a baking dish.

Sprinkle gruyere cheese on top and broil briefly until the surface becomes crispy and golden brown.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 4: Alternative Oven Preparation

Mix all ingredients except gruyere in a mixing bowl.

Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.

Generously top with gruyere cheese.

Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.

For a perfect finish, broil during the final minute to create a gorgeous golden crust.

Hot Dip Pro Kitchen Tips

• Low and slow is the key to developing rich, sweet onion flavor without burning. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
• Adding balsamic vinegar at the end of caramelizing brings depth and brightness to the onion's natural sweetness.
• Let brie soften completely before stirring to create a smooth, creamy texture throughout the dip.
• Caramelize onions up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time when preparing the final dish.
• For extra crispiness, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top before the final broiling step to add a delightful crunch.

Caramelized Onion Dip Variations and Swaps

• Vegan Onion Dip: Replace butter with olive oil, swap brie and gruyere for cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Use plant-based alternatives to create a creamy, dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Herb Option: Omit sugar, add rosemary instead of thyme. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
• Lighter Wellness Variation: Reduce butter, use Greek yogurt instead of brie. Add chopped chives for extra flavor without extra calories.
• Spicy Kick Adaptation: Incorporate diced jalapeños during caramelization. Sprinkle red pepper flakes before final broiling for heat lovers.

Serving Up Jammy Onion Dip for Parties

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange dip in a rustic ceramic bowl surrounded by crispy toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, and fresh vegetable sticks for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Gourmet Cheese Board Companion: Pair this rich dip with a selection of aged cheddar, soft goat cheese, and dry-cured meats for an elegant charcuterie experience that highlights its deep caramelized flavors.
• Warm Comfort Meal Sidekick: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or as a decadent topping for baked potatoes to transform this dip into a versatile, comforting side dish.

Onion Dip Storage Solutions

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent moisture and preserve freshness.
• Transfer cooled dip to freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when warm and creamy.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread dip in ceramic dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Uncover last 5 minutes for crispy top.

FAQs

• What makes caramelized onions so rich and sweet?

Slow cooking breaks down onions’ natural sugars, creating a deep, complex flavor. Adding a pinch of sugar helps accelerate caramelization and enhances the natural sweetness.

• Can I use different types of onions for this recipe?

Yellow onions work best because they have higher sugar content and caramelize beautifully. White or red onions can work, but they might not develop the same rich, sweet flavor.

• How do I prevent burning the onions while caramelizing?

Use low to medium-low heat and stir frequently. Cast iron skillet helps distribute heat evenly. Add small amounts of liquid like balsamic vinegar or water if onions start sticking.

Jammy Hot Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crowd-pleasing jammy hot caramelized onion dip brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Sweet and savory notes blend seamlessly, creating an irresistible appetizer that will delight guests with its rich complexity.

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

Main Components:

• 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (240 grams) shredded gruyere
• 4 ounces (113 grams) brie, diced

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon oil (like avocado oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Topping:

• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Serving Suggestion:

• Prepared crostini

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Instructions

1. Gently melt butter and oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Introduce sliced onions and sauté for 5 minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle thyme, sugar, and salt over onions, then reduce heat to medium-low.
2. Slowly caramelize onions for 25-45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. Onions should transform into a rich, golden-brown color. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.
3. For slow cooker preparation, lightly coat the interior with cooking spray. Transfer caramelized onions and remaining ingredients (except brie and gruyere) into the slow cooker.
4. Cook on high temperature for 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop. Gently fold in brie cheese until smoothly incorporated.
5. Sprinkle gruyere cheese over the top and continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbly.
6. For an optional crispy finish, transfer the dip to a baking dish. Top with additional gruyere and place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the surface turns golden and slightly crisp.
7. Alternatively, bake the entire mixture in a 2-quart baking dish at 375°F for 45-50 minutes. Finish with a quick 1-minute broil to create a beautifully caramelized crust.

Notes

• Enhance caramelization by using sweet onions like Vidalia for deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Cut onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning during long caramelization process.
• Avoid high heat when caramelizing to prevent burning; patience creates perfect golden-brown result.
• Test balsamic vinegar addition near end of cooking to balance sweetness and acidity in final dip.
• Swap dairy for vegan alternatives like cashew cream and plant-based cheese for dairy-free version.
• Use fresh thyme leaves for more intense herb flavor compared to dried herbs.
• Control moisture levels by draining excess liquid from onions before final baking stage.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 50 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg