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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook on high temperature for 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop. Gently fold in brie cheese until smoothly incorporated.
- Sprinkle gruyere cheese over the top and continue cooking for an additional 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbly.
- 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.
- 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