Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly rich and flavorful Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip. Sweet, slow-cooked onions achieve a beautiful jammy consistency, perfectly complementing the nutty, complex notes of melted Gruyere cheese and a creamy base. This warm, bubbly dip is an irresistible appetizer, guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
55-65 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
Servings
8-10 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Features a luxurious blend of sweet, deeply caramelized onions and nutty Gruyere.
- Incredibly creamy and utterly addictive, perfect for any gathering.
- A versatile appetizer that pairs well with a variety of dippers.
- Impressive yet surprisingly simple to prepare with a few key techniques.
- Baked until bubbly and golden, offering a comforting warmth and irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
- 30g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter or olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions (approximately 600g), thinly sliced
- 5g (1 teaspoon) salt, divided
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 250ml (1 cup) sour cream or full-fat mayonnaise
- 200g (2 cups) Gruyere cheese, freshly shredded (reserve 60g (1/2 cup) for topping)
- 60g (1/4 cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for topping)
- 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- 5g (1 teaspoon) fresh thyme leaves, plus extra sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize the onions. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) of the salt. Cook very slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30–35 minutes. The goal is to achieve a deep golden brown color and a jammy, sweet consistency, allowing the sugars to fully develop without burning.
- Infuse with garlic. Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the caramelized onions to cool slightly.
- Prepare the creamy dip base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or mayonnaise), and 140g (1½ cups) of the shredded Gruyere cheese. Stir thoroughly with a spatula or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine ingredients and season. Gently fold the cooled caramelized onions into the cream cheese mixture. Add the remaining 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) of salt, the freshly ground black pepper, and the fresh thyme leaves. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the dip for baking. Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 1.5-liter or 6-cup capacity). Transfer the entire dip mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved 60g (1/2 cup) of shredded Gruyere cheese and the optional 60g (1/4 cup) of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dip.
- Preheat the oven. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Bake to golden perfection. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The dip is ready when it is hot and bubbly around the edges, and the cheese topping is melted and beautifully golden brown.
- Garnish and serve. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. For an extra touch of freshness and aroma, garnish the hot dip with a few sprigs of fresh thyme or chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a selection of crusty bread, sturdy crackers, pita chips, vegetable sticks, or tortilla chips.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or whisk
- Sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Box grater or food processor for cheese
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium-sized baking dish (1.5-liter or 6-cup capacity)
Essential Success Tips
- Patience is paramount for caramelizing onions. Cook them slowly over medium-low heat for the full recommended time; rushing will result in sautéed, not caramelized, onions and compromise the flavor.
- Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature. This allows it to combine smoothly with the other ingredients, preventing lumps in your dip base.
- Freshly shredding your Gruyere cheese is key. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
- Allow the caramelized onions to cool slightly before folding them into the cream cheese mixture. Adding hot onions can cause the dairy to separate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before baking. Depending on the saltiness of your cheese, you may wish to add a tiny pinch more salt or pepper to taste.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- After removing the caramelized onions and garlic from the pan, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or vegetable broth. Scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom and add this liquid to your dip for an extra layer of depth.
- For an even richer flavor, consider using a combination of Gruyere and another aged, nutty cheese like Comté or even a sharp white cheddar.
- Let the dip rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and preventing it from being excessively runny.
Notes
- Make Ahead: This dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, potentially adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts in an oven preheated to 160°C (325°F) until warm and bubbly again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the dip in your baking dish up to two days in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as instructed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with this dip?
This versatile dip pairs wonderfully with a variety of dippers. Excellent choices include slices of crusty baguette or artisan bread, sturdy crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, pretzel crisps, and fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While Gruyere is highly recommended for its distinct nutty flavor, you can experiment with other good melting cheeses. Swiss, Comté, Fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar could work well, though the overall flavor profile will change.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 380-420 per serving (based on 8 servings). Rich in healthy fats and protein. Exact values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream/mayonnaise, Gruyere, Parmesan). For a gluten-free option, ensure all dippers are gluten-free.
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