Creamy French Onion Dip

This Creamy French Onion Dip is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a baked dip. Perfect for entertaining, this dip is best served warm and bubbling, paired with crisp baguette slices, sweet pears, and crunchy endive leaves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, caramelized onion flavor – Sweet onions are cooked low and slow for a jammy texture.
Ooey-gooey cheesiness – Gruyère cheese melts into the dip, giving it a rich, savory bite.
Perfect for gatherings – A warm, shareable dish that pairs well with a variety of dippers.
Make-ahead friendly – Prep in advance and bake just before serving.

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. plus 1½ tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 sprig thyme, plus more for serving
• 1¾ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt, divided
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 lb. Gruyère, coarsely grated, divided (about 4 cups)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 baguette, sliced
• 2 pears, sliced
• 2 red endive, leaves separated

Directions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Heat 3 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add sliced onions, garlic, bay leaves, red pepper flakes, and thyme sprig.
• Season with 1½ tsp. Diamond Crystal salt (or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt).
• Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until the onions become golden and jammy.

2: Prepare the Creamy Base

• In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream.
• Stir well until smooth (a few lumps are okay).

3: Mix the Dip

• Remove bay leaves and thyme sprig from the caramelized onions and discard them.
• Transfer the onions into the cream cheese mixture.
• Add 3 cups of Gruyère and season with freshly ground black pepper.
• Stir well until fully combined.

4: Assemble the Dip

• Transfer the dip mixture into an 8-inch cast-iron skillet or a 2-quart ovenproof baking dish.
• Use a rubber spatula to spread it into an even layer.

5: Make the Crispy Topping

• In a medium bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, remaining 1 cup of Gruyère, 1½ tsp. olive oil, and remaining ¼ tsp. salt.
• Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the dip.

6: Bake the Dip

• Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and the top is lightly browned.

7: Broil for a Golden Finish

• Turn on the broiler and broil for about 3 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

8: Garnish and Serve

• Scatter fresh thyme over the top.
• Serve warm with baguette slices, pears, and red endive leaves for dipping.

Pro Tips and Variations

Use a mix of cheeses – Swap part of the Gruyère for cheddar or Gouda for a different depth of flavor.
Caramelize onions slowly – Low and slow cooking ensures deep, jammy sweetness.
Make it ahead – Prepare the dip up to 3 days in advance (without the panko topping), cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free panko or omit the breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs perfectly with:

• Warm baguette slices – for a crunchy, rustic bite.
• Crisp pear slices – to add a sweet contrast.
• Red endive leaves – for a refreshing, slightly bitter balance.
• Crackers or pita chips – for a different crunch option.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes until bubbly. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

FAQs

❓ Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! While Gruyère is classic, you can use cheddar, Gouda, or a blend for a twist.

❓ Can I make this dip in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble it without the breadcrumb topping, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and bake when ready.

❓ What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Use medium heat and stir occasionally. If they start to burn, lower the heat and add a splash of water.

Conclusion

This Creamy French Onion Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering all the cozy, savory flavors of French onion soup in a creamy, cheesy, shareable dish. With its golden, bubbling topping and rich, caramelized onions, this dip is a must-have for gatherings, holidays, or any occasion that calls for indulgence.

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