Sizzling Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Bacon and Gruyere Recipe

Crafting a delectable hot caramelized onion dip with bacon and gruyere promises pure comfort and indulgence.

Sweet golden onions slowly melt into a rich, creamy base.

Crispy bacon bits add smoky crunch to every delightful bite.

Melted gruyere cheese brings luxurious depth and complexity to this irresistible appetizer.

Aromas of caramelized goodness will draw guests toward the table like a magnetic culinary spell.

Each spoonful combines savory, sweet, and umami notes in perfect harmony.

Nobody can resist this crowd-pleasing starter that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients For Caramelized Onion Dip

• Bacon: A flavorful and crispy protein that adds a smoky depth to the dip.
• Onions: The star ingredient that provides a rich, sweet caramelized base for the dip.
• Gruyere Cheese: A nutty and melty cheese that brings creamy richness to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: A smooth and tangy combination that creates a luxurious dip texture.

• Sherry, Thyme, Tabasco, Black Pepper, Sugar, Salt: Seasonings that add complexity, warmth, and balance to the overall flavor profile of the dip.

Steps To Make Onion Dip Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let it warm up while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook and Crumble Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a large nonstick skillet until crispy and golden.

Transfer the cooked strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

• Onions
• Sugar
• Salt

Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium and continue stirring frequently.

Allow onions to transform into a deep golden-brown color, which might take up to 20 minutes.

If onions start to burn, lower heat to medium-low.

Step 4: Enhance Onion Flavor

Pour sherry into the skillet and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in thyme and hot sauce.

Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 5: Combine Dip Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Crumbled bacon
• Gruyere cheese
• Caramelized onion mixture
• Black pepper

Blend all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 6: Bake The Dip

Transfer the mixture to a 2-cup baking dish.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top turns bubbly and golden brown.

Tips For Caramelized Onion Dip Success

• Cook bacon until perfectly crisp but not burnt, allowing for optimal crumbling texture without greasiness.
• Patience is key when caramelizing onions; maintain medium heat and stir frequently to achieve deep golden-brown color without burning.
• Add sherry, thyme, and tabasco to elevate the dip's complexity and create a rich, layered taste profile.
• Use freshly grated Gruyere for smoother melting and more intense flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and prevent burning your mouth while maintaining optimal warmth and texture.

Flavor Twists For Onion Dip

• Vegetarian Onion Dip: Replace bacon with caramelized mushrooms and use smoked gouda for depth. Add roasted garlic for extra richness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap sour cream and mayo with cashew cream. Use vegan bacon bits and nutritional yeast instead of gruyere.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Skip sugar when caramelizing onions. Use full-fat cream cheese and reduce cooking time. Serve with pork rinds or cucumber slices.
• Mediterranean Inspired Variation: Add roasted red peppers, swap thyme for oregano, and sprinkle feta cheese on top. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.

Best Foods To Serve With Onion Dip

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Serve this hot dip at game nights or gatherings with crispy toasted baguette slices, making it an irresistible appetizer that guests will devour instantly.
• Gourmet Chip Companion: Pair with sturdy kettle-cooked potato chips or homemade pita chips for a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the creamy, savory dip.
• Elegant Wine Night Treat: Accompany this rich dip with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, enhancing the caramelized onion and bacon flavors for a sophisticated snacking experience.

Proper Storage For Onion Dip

• Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture and odors from seeping in.
• Transfer cooled dip to a freezer-safe container. Seal completely and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing will affect texture of sour cream and cheese.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place dip in original baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Spoon desired portion into microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when dip is warm and creamy.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyere?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with Swiss, Emmental, or sharp cheddar cheese for a similar rich flavor profile.

• How do I know when the onions are perfectly caramelized?

The onions are ready when they turn a deep golden-brown color and have a sweet, rich aroma. This typically takes about 20 minutes of slow cooking.

• Is it possible to make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.

Why This Onion Dip Is Special

• Savor Rich Flavor Combinations: Indulge in a delightful blend of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and melty Gruyere that creates an irresistible taste explosion.
• Wow Guests with Impressive Appetizer: Elevate your party spread with a gourmet dip that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish without complicated cooking techniques.
• Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this delectable dip with minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for casual gatherings, game days, or unexpected company.
• Versatile Party Companion: Serve with crispy bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that adapts to any social event or celebration.

Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Bacon and Gruyere Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy hot caramelized onion dip with bacon and gruyere delivers irresistible comfort in every scoop. Silky cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions combine for a crowd-pleasing appetizer you cannot resist.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bacon strips
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere Cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 sweet onions (halved and thinly sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon dry sherry
• 1/4 teaspoon tabasco
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large nonstick skillet until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess grease to drain.
2. Utilize the remaining bacon fat to caramelize onions, incorporating sugar and salt. Sauté over medium-high heat initially, then reduce temperature to medium, stirring frequently.
3. Continue cooking onions for approximately 20 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Adjust heat to medium-low if necessary, aiming for a rich, deep golden-brown color.
4. Deglaze the skillet with sherry, allowing the liquid to reduce for one minute. Incorporate thyme and tabasco, then remove from heat.
5. In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise until smooth. Crumble the reserved bacon and fold into the creamy base.
6. Add gruyere cheese, caramelized onion mixture, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend ingredients thoroughly.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 2-cup baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
8. Preheat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit. Bake the dip for 20 minutes until the surface becomes bubbly and achieves a golden-brown crust.

Notes

• Slow-cook onions carefully to prevent burning and achieve a rich, deep golden-brown color without bitterness.
• Drain excess bacon fat after cooking to control the overall richness and prevent greasiness in the final dip.
• Try different cheese options like sharp cheddar or gouda for varied flavor profiles while maintaining creamy texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use turkey bacon to reduce calories without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 193 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 208 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg