Description
Jammy hot caramelized onion dip with gruyere brings rich, complex flavors from slowly cooked onions and melted cheese. Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly golden, you’ll want to savor this elegant appetizer with crusty bread or crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) grated Gruyere cheese
- ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional, for deglazing)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Caramelization: Sauté sliced onions in butter and olive oil over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow onions to transform into a golden-brown delicacy, stirring occasionally. Deglaze pan with white wine or water when sticking occurs, capturing the rich browned bits. Set caramelized onions aside to cool slightly.
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. Incorporate half the Gruyere, all mozzarella, and caramelized onions, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Baking: Transfer the creamy mixture to an oven-safe dish, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle remaining Gruyere on top to create a golden cheese layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface becomes bubbly and achieves a tempting golden-brown hue.
- Serving: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately alongside crusty baguette slices, crisp crackers, or an assortment of fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Patience Matters: Caramelizing onions takes time – don’t rush the process. Low and slow heat develops deep, sweet flavor and golden-brown color.
- Cheese Quality Counts: Use freshly grated Gruyere for optimal melting and richness. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Moisture Management: Drain caramelized onions slightly to prevent excess liquid in the dip, ensuring a creamy, not watery consistency.
- Serving Strategy: Keep dip warm in a small slow cooker or warming tray during parties to maintain its luxurious, melted texture and prevent cooling and separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 323 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg