This Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip is a creamy delight you’re sure to love! With sweet onions and crispy bacon, it’s perfect for parties or just a cozy night in.
If you ask me, bacon makes everything better, right? I always end up eating more with chips than I planned. It’s just too tasty to resist!
What I enjoy most is how easy it is to whip up. Just cook the onions and bacon, mix it all together, and you have a dip that everyone will be talking about!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This is key for flavor! If you’re not a meat-eater, consider using smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for a similar taste without the pork.
Onions: Yellow onions are a must for caramelizing due to their sweetness. You can use sweet onions, like Vidalia, if you want them even sweeter. Red onions are great too, just know they will change the dip’s color a bit!
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese works well. If dairy-free, try a vegan cream cheese to keep the texture creamy.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute, adding protein. Alternatively, any non-dairy sour cream mimics the tanginess you’d want.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is fantastic for flavor, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack or a pepper jack for some heat. A dairy-free cheese could also fit the bill if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is a process that takes patience but is oh-so-worth it! The goal is to transform their sharpness into a sweet flavor.
- Start by slicing your onions thinly for even cooking.
- Use medium-low heat with a bit of oil or butter to help them soften without burning.
- Stir occasionally (every 5-10 minutes) for even caramelization, letting those sugars come out.
- Once they’re a rich golden brown, you know you’ve nailed it! This step typically takes around 25-30 minutes.
Enjoy the lovely aroma filling your kitchen while you wait!
Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip will take about 15 minutes of prep time and around 25-30 minutes of cooking and baking time. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying this rich, savory dip in about an hour! Perfect for parties or cozy nights in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon slices until they’re crispy and browned. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Let it cool for a bit, and then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for later.
2. Caramelizing the Onions:
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, you can add a bit of olive oil or butter if needed. Add in your thinly sliced onions. Cook these onions over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply golden and caramelized. This will take about 25-30 minutes, so be patient! Once they’re ready, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
3. Mixing the Dip:
Before moving on, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped chives. Use a mixer or a spatula to mix everything until smooth and creamy. It should look delicious already!
4. Combining Ingredients:
Now, gently fold in half of the caramelized onions and half of the crumbled bacon into your cheesy mixture. This will give the dip that wonderful flavor throughout!
5. Baking the Dip:
Transfer your dip mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with the remaining caramelized onions and bacon, creating a beautiful layer on top. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the dip is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Once it’s baked, remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle some extra chopped chives and fresh thyme sprigs on top for a lovely garnish. Serve your caramelized onion and bacon dip warm with toasted baguette slices, crunchy crackers, or fresh baby carrots. Enjoy every bite!
Dig in and enjoy your rich and savory caramelized onion and bacon dip!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions for This Dip?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their sweetness, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder flavor. Red onions will work too, giving your dip a slightly different color and taste!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No worries! You can easily substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or any non-dairy sour cream. Both options will maintain the creamy texture and tanginess needed for the dip.
Is It Possible to Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip mixture (the cream cheese, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings) a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to bake it fresh before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
