This caramelized onion and bacon dip is creamy, smoky, and oh-so-tasty! It’s made with sweet onions and crispy bacon, making every bite a treat for your taste buds.
Pair it with chips or bread, and you’ll have a hit at any gathering. Trust me, once you start, you won’t want to stop. Who can resist bacon, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: They bring a natural sweetness when caramelized. If yellow onions aren’t available, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions, though red will add a different flavor.
Bacon: I love thick-cut bacon for extra crunchiness, but turkey bacon or pancetta can work too if you’re looking for a lighter or different taste.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a light cream cheese. Vegan cream cheese is a great option for dairy-free diets.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar packs in a punch of flavor! If you prefer something milder, try using medium cheddar or Colby jack. For dairy-free, look for vegan shredded cheese.
How Do I Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but truly enhances their sweetness! Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice your onions thinly for even cooking.
- Use a wide skillet. This allows for better heat distribution.
- Start on medium-low heat with some olive oil. Once hot, add onions and a pinch of salt.
- Stir occasionally, allowing them to get soft and turn golden, about 30-40 minutes. If they’re browning too quickly, lower the heat.
- Don’t rush it! The longer they cook, the sweeter they’ll become.
With these tips, you’re set to create a delicious dip that everyone will enjoy!
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 strips of bacon
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Baguette slices and carrot sticks, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. A little patience is required for caramelizing the onions, but the result is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and let them cook slowly for about 30-40 minutes. You want them to turn beautiful golden brown and become sweet. If they begin to brown too quickly or burn, simply lower the heat and stir more often.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the onions are caramelizing, cook the bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain any excess fat. When it cools down a bit, chop it into small pieces.
3. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the dip mixture. This way, it will be ready when you are!
4. Mix the Dip Base:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will be the creamy base for your dip.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, fold in the caramelized onions and about three-quarters of the chopped bacon. Save some bacon to sprinkle on top later. Don’t forget to add salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Bake:
Transfer the entire mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Spread it evenly and then sprinkle the reserved bacon pieces on top. Pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and just slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve your warm dip with baguette slices and crunchy carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy each bite of this rich and flavorful dip!
This savory caramelized onion and bacon dip is sure to be a hit at your next party or get-together. Happy dipping!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are great for caramelizing due to their sweetness, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or even red onions for a slightly different flavor profile.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through; you might need to add a splash of cream or a bit of cheese to revive the creaminess!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance! Just make sure to store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to heat it through completely.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, opt for vegan cream cheese or cashew cream for similar creaminess.