This caramelized onion and bacon dip is a crowd-pleaser! With sweet onions and crispy bacon mixed in creamy goodness, every bite is packed with flavor.
Honestly, I can’t stop eating this dip. It’s the perfect companion for crispy chips or fresh veggies. Just try not to double dip—no one likes that! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Choose yellow or sweet onions for caramelizing. They become wonderfully sweet when cooked low and slow. If you’re in a pinch, shallots can be a nice alternative, though they will have a milder flavor.
Bacon: Regular pork bacon adds great flavor, but turkey bacon works too for a lighter option. I love using thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and richness!
Cream Cheese: While cream cheese gives a creamy texture, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist or use a non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan option. Make sure to adjust the thickness with more sour cream if needed.
Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: For lower-fat versions, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise. For a tangy twist, add a splash of lemon juice to your mix!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key to maximizing flavor in this dip. It’s all about patience! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium-low heat to avoid burning. The goal is slow cooking to draw out the sugars.
- Stir frequently, especially as they begin to brown, to prevent sticking or burning.
- Feel free to add a pinch of salt to help draw out moisture, which aids in caramelizing.
- Cook for 40-50 minutes until they reach a deep, rich color—remember, it’s worth the wait!
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’ll have a hit dip that everyone loves. Enjoy making it!
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Bread slices (toasted)
- Carrot sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of baking, plus an additional 40-50 minutes for caramelizing the onions. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make this rich and creamy dip.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently. You want them to become deeply golden brown and caramelized, which will take about 40-50 minutes. Once done, remove from heat.
2. Cooking the Bacon:
In another pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove any excess grease.
3. Preparing the Base:
Before moving on, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is smooth and blended together.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Next, gently fold in the caramelized onions and half of the crispy bacon into the mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Baking the Dip:
Transfer the mixture into a baking dish or an oven-safe bowl. Spread it evenly in the dish, and then sprinkle the remaining crispy bacon on top.
6. Final Bake and Serve:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and garnish it with chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the dip warm with toasted bread slices and crunchy carrot sticks for dipping. Enjoy every creamy, smoky bite of your delicious caramelized onion and bacon dip!
Happy dipping!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, let the dip cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Use Different Onions?
Yes! While yellow or sweet onions are best for caramelizing, you can also use red onions for a slightly sharper taste. White onions can work too, but might be a bit more pungent!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This will give the dip a tangy flavor while keeping it creamy. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different!
