Luxe Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

There are some dips that are good, some that are great, and then there are dips that are straight-up luxe, and this caramelized onion dip most definitely fits into that highly desired last category. Brought to us by recipe developer Chanel Murphy-Lowe, this isn't your typical onion dip — it's even better, featuring all-star players like mascarpone cheese and crème fraîche for a surprisingly elevated and delightfully decadent, creamy, and savory dip. 

"I love the rich flavor of this dip and the use of fresh ingredients," Murphy-Lowe says. "It's the perfect appetizer to share. It's so much better than the recipes using seasoning packets for flavoring." Sure, those flavor packets offer quick convenience, but the resulting dips don't taste nearly as good as this one. And, because the dip is the real luxurious element here, you can keep pairing options simple and storebought — your favorite flavor of potato chips will make for the perfect dipping fare. As for when to enjoy such a delectable dip, Murphy-Lowe says, "This dip can be served at many occasions, such as parties, game days, picnics, or even as an elegant appetizer for a special dinner."

You'll kick off this recipe by caramelizing both sliced shallots and yellow onion in butter, and Murphy-Lowe notes that you can use a different type of onion in a pinch. "Sweet onions like Vidalia or red onions can also work well, but they might change the flavor profile," she explains. 

To give the dip that classic creamy consistency, you'll use both crème fraîche and mascarpone cheese — two ingredients not typically found in onion dip, but ones that really elevate this dish to new levels of deliciousness. "The special ingredients are definitely the crème fraîche and the mascarpone," Murphy-Lowe says. "They are definitely an upgrade from using sour cream and regular cream cheese," she notes, adding that the duo "creates a luxurious and creamy base."

Finally, you'll need Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped chives to round out the dip. And don't forget the potato chips, should you choose to go that route, to serve alongside the final dish.

Place a large skillet over medium-low heat and add in the butter. Once that melts, add in both the sliced onion and shallots, and allow those to sauté for about 30 minutes — this may seem like a lot of time, but remember that we want those onions nice and caramelized. Be sure to give the mixture a stir every few minutes to prevent burning. Once the onions are softened, golden brown, and deliciously aromatic, go ahead and remove them from the heat and set aside.

With the onions adequately caramelized, you can turn your attention to the dip portion of the recipe. Mix together the crème fraîche and mascarpone in a medium bowl, then follow that up with the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you have a smooth, cohesive dip.

Next, add about half of the caramelized onions/shallots into the dip, mixing to incorporate with the creamy goodness. Be sure not to add all of them in just yet — the other half of the onions will serve as a final garnish.

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and top it off with the remaining half of the caramelized onions. Then, garnish the final dish with chives and perhaps a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired. Pair the dip with a big pile of potato chips and get to dunking — you won't want to miss out on one second of this rich, creamy, savory goodness.

Of course, if potato chips really aren't your thing, Murhpy-Lowe has some other suggestions. "Vegetable sticks like carrots or celery would be great," she says. "Also, you can serve this dip with a sliced toasted baguette, pita chips, or pretzels." In the unlikely but potential case of leftovers, you can store the dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.