This baked double cheese and sweet onion dip is a warm and cheesy delight! With creamy cheeses and sweet onions, it’s perfect for snacking or sharing at parties.
I love serving it with crispy chips or fresh veggies. Just be ready for everyone to come back for more—it’s that good! 😋
The best part? It’s super easy to make—just mix, bake, and enjoy! Perfect for cozy nights in or fun game days with friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Onions: I love using sweet onions like Vidalia for their mild flavor and sweetness. If you can’t find them, yellow onions can work, but they’ll add a sharper taste. You can also try shallots for a different twist!
Cream Cheese: This is the base for creaminess. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can swap it for Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free version, consider using a plant-based cream cheese.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella give a great mix of flavor and texture. If you want a bit more zing, try pepper jack cheese or gouda. For a dairy-free substitute, vegan cheese can do the trick, but check the melt quality.
Sour Cream: This brings tanginess. Greek yogurt is a healthy swap if you’re looking to cut calories. Coconut yogurt is a delicious alternative for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key to a rich flavor in this dip. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Start with a medium-low heat. This helps the onions sauté slowly without burning.
- Use a mix of butter and oil. It prevents the butter from burning and adds nice flavor.
- Stir occasionally, about every 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and caramelization.
- Be patient! It may take up to 25 minutes, but the sweetness will be worth the wait.
Once caramelized, let them cool slightly before mixing into your dip for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your dip with your favorite dippers!
Baked Double Cheese And Sweet Onion Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Bread slices
- Crackers
- Fresh vegetables (like carrot sticks and celery)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip will take about 40-50 minutes in total. You’ll spend roughly 15 minutes prepping and another 20-25 minutes baking. It’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it ready for baking while you prepare the dip.
2. Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced sweet onions. Cook these gently—stirring occasionally—until they are soft and caramelized. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Once done, remove them from heat and let them cool a bit.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions, along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Bake the Dip:
Transfer the cheese and onion mixture into a small cast-iron skillet or any baking dish you prefer. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
When it’s out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the dip warm with your choice of toasted bread slices, crunchy crackers, and fresh veggies!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and sweet onion dip as a perfect crowd-pleaser appetizer! You might want to hide some for yourself; it’s that good!
Can I Prep This Dip in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it right before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I Substitute the Cheeses?
Yes! If you’re looking for a change, you can use different cheeses. For a sharper flavor, try using gouda or pepper jack. Just make sure the substitute cheese melts well for a creamy texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it in small increments, stirring in between.
What Can I Use for Dipping?
This dip pairs great with toasted bread slices, crackers, or fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. You can also try it with pretzels for a fun twist!
