Caramelized Onion Dip Sour Chives

This creamy, savory dip highlights deeply caramelized yellow onions combined with tangy sour cream and fresh chives. Slow-cooking the onions brings out their natural sweetness and rich flavor, balanced by the cool, smooth base enhanced with mayonnaise and subtle spices. Fresh herbs add a bright note, making this versatile accompaniment perfect for chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Preparing this dip involves slow caramelization followed by blending and chilling to meld flavors, offering a delicious party-ready option that’s easy to make and satisfying to serve.

Updated on Mon, 16 Feb 2026 18:20:54 GMT
Creamy caramelized onion dip with sour cream and fresh chives, served with crisp vegetable crudités and crunchy chips. Save
Creamy caramelized onion dip with sour cream and fresh chives, served with crisp vegetable crudités and crunchy chips. | forkina.com

Caramelized Onion Dip with Sour Cream and Chives is a creamy, savory party favorite featuring deeply caramelized onions blended with tangy sour cream and fresh chives. It is the perfect accompaniment for chips, crudités, or as a flavorful spread on sandwiches.

Creamy caramelized onion dip with sour cream and fresh chives, served with crisp vegetable crudités and crunchy chips. Pin it
Creamy caramelized onion dip with sour cream and fresh chives, served with crisp vegetable crudités and crunchy chips. | forkina.com

The secret to this dip is the patience required to transform simple onions into a sweet, jammy concentrate. This 50-minute recipe ensures every bite is packed with sophisticated flavor and a rich, velvety texture.

Ingredients

  • Onions: 2 large yellow onions (finely diced), 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ½ tsp sugar (optional, to aid caramelization).
  • Dip Base: 1½ cups sour cream (full-fat recommended), ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder.
  • Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley (optional).
Product image
Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.
Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add diced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Step 2
Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 30–35 minutes. If onions brown too quickly, reduce heat. Let cool to room temperature.
Step 3
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Step 4
Fold in the cooled caramelized onions, chives, and parsley (if using). Mix well to combine.
Step 5
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Step 7
Serve chilled, garnished with extra chives, alongside chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

This dip can be made a day in advance as the flavor improves significantly with time. If the onions start to brown too quickly in the skillet, simply reduce the heat to maintain a slow caramelization process. Ensure the onions are completely cooled before mixing with the dairy to maintain the perfect consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version, substitute half of the sour cream with Greek yogurt. You can add a pinch of cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for depth. For a strictly vegetarian version, ensure your Worcestershire sauce does not contain fish, and always check labels to confirm gluten-free status.

Serviervorschläge

Garnish with extra fresh chives before serving. This dip pairs wonderfully with ridged potato chips, cucumber slices, or carrot sticks. For a beverage pairing, try it with a sparkling wine, a crisp pilsner, or a dry white wine.

Rich caramelized onion dip blending tangy sour cream and chives, perfect for dipping crunchy potato chips or fresh veggies. Pin it
Rich caramelized onion dip blending tangy sour cream and chives, perfect for dipping crunchy potato chips or fresh veggies. | forkina.com

This recipe yields 8 servings, each containing approximately 175 calories, 15g of fat, and 7g of carbohydrates. Whether it's game day or a holiday gathering, this dip is a guaranteed hit that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

Product image
Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.
Check price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you caramelize onions properly?

Cook diced onions slowly over medium-low heat with butter and oil, stirring occasionally until golden brown and soft, usually 30–35 minutes, to develop deep sweetness.

Can I make the dip in advance?

Yes, refrigerate the dip for at least an hour or overnight to allow the flavors to fully meld and enhance the taste.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

For a lighter version, substitute half or all sour cream with Greek yogurt without compromising the creamy texture.

How should this dip be served?

Serve chilled alongside chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables for an easy and flavorful appetizer.

Can I add a spicy kick to the dip?

Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can introduce a mild heat and depth to the flavor.

Is this dip gluten-free?

When using certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise, this dip is suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Caramelized Onion Dip Sour Chives

A creamy blend of caramelized onions, tangy sour cream, and fresh chives, great with chips or veggies.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Onions

01 2 large yellow onions, finely diced
02 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
05 ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 ½ teaspoon sugar

Dip Base

01 1½ cups sour cream, full-fat
02 ½ cup mayonnaise
03 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 ½ teaspoon onion powder

Fresh Herbs

01 ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
02 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add diced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 30 to 35 minutes. Reduce heat if onions brown too quickly. Cool to room temperature.

Step 02

Prepare the Dip Base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and combined.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooled caramelized onions, chives, and parsley into the dip base mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 04

Season and Chill: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 05

Serve: Transfer to serving bowl and garnish with additional fresh chives. Serve chilled alongside chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy: sour cream, butter, and mayonnaise
  • Contains eggs from mayonnaise
  • Worcestershire sauce may contain fish; verify labels for vegetarian options
  • Gluten-free only if all ingredients including Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 175
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 2 g