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Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip

This caramelized onion and Gruyere dip blends slow-cooked onions with creamy cheeses for a luxurious, flavorful appetizer ideal for entertaining, holidays, or cozy gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Caramelizing Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, french inspired
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the Caramelized Onions
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar optional, enhances browning
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar optional, for added depth
For the Dip
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or fontina
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • Optional garnish: chives thyme, cracked pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking dish or cast-iron skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Oven

Method
 

Caramelize the Onions Slowly
  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and optional sugar. Cook low and slow for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown. Add balsamic vinegar to deglaze and intensify the flavor.
  2. This step creates the foundation of the dip’s deep, sweet-savory profile.
Mix the Creamy Base
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, pepper, and salt.
  2. This mixture creates the rich, velvety texture that balances the sweetness of the onions.
Add the Cheeses
  1. Stir in Gruyere and mozzarella. Reserve a handful for topping—this gives the dip a golden, bubbly crust.
Combine and Assemble
  1. Fold the caramelized onions into the cheese mixture. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
  2. Top with the reserved cheese.
Bake Until Bubbly
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden, creamy, and bubbling around the edges.
  2. Let the dip rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to thicken slightly.