Onion Dip with Potato Chips

There was this Super Bowl Sunday a few years back when I completely forgot to plan appetizers until an hour before guests arrived. I threw onions in a pan with butter and cream cheese I happened to have, and people hovered around that bowl more than the actual main dish. Now it's the dip my friends actually request by name.

Last summer my sister-in-law casually mentioned she'd been craving onion dip since childhood, so I made a batch for our backyard barbecue. She stood by the serving table eating chip after chip, eventually admitting she'd finished almost half the bowl herself before anyone else got there. Now I always double the recipe when she's coming over.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Gives you control over the salt level and creates that perfect fond for caramelizing
• Large yellow onions: They become naturally sweet as they cook down, creating the dip's signature depth
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the onions' natural sugars and balancing the rich dairy
• Sugar: Just enough to help the onions caramelize evenly without making the dip sweet
• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base and tangy backbone that binds everything together
• Sour cream: Adds a bright tartness that cuts through all that richness
• Cream cheese: Gives the dip body and makes it cling perfectly to every chip
• Worcestershire sauce: That umami punch that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
• Fresh chives: Brings a mild onion flavor and pop of green that makes it look homemade
• Thick-cut potato chips: Sturdy enough to hold up the thick dip without breaking

Instructions

Caramelize the onions:

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onions with salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir frequently and watch the transformation as they turn deep golden brown and smell incredible.

Build the creamy base:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh chives until completely smooth.

Combine everything:

Fold the cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture, making sure those golden strands are distributed throughout.

Let the flavors meld:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is not optional. The dip needs this time to let the onion flavor really marry into the creamy base.

Serve it up:

Scoop into your favorite serving bowl, sprinkle extra chives on top, and arrange those thick-cut chips nearby.

Save

My teenage son who claims to hate onions tried this at a party and literally ate it with a spoon when the chips ran out. Watching his face change from skepticism to pure joy reminded me why homemade food hits different than anything from a jar.

Make It Your Way

Once you master the basic recipe, you will start seeing opportunities to tweak it. Sometimes I add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth. Other times a pinch of garlic powder transforms it into something entirely new while keeping that classic onion dip soul.

Lighten It Up

Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and suddenly this becomes a dip you can feel good about serving. The tang works beautifully with the sweet onions and nobody will suspect you made a healthier choice.

Beyond the Chip

While potato chips are the classic vessel, do not limit yourself. This dip pairs beautifully with raw vegetable sticks, pretzel crisps, or even spread on a burger for an instant flavor upgrade.

• Try it as a spread on turkey sandwiches
• Thin it with milk and use it as a baked potato topping
• Keep a jar in the fridge for emergency snack attacks

Save

Watch this disappear faster than you expect at your next gathering. There is something universally comforting about creamy onion dip that brings people together around the serving bowl.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions?

Cook onions slowly over medium heat with butter, stirring frequently for about 18–20 minutes until golden brown and sweet.

→ Can I prepare the dip in advance?

Yes, refrigerate the dip for at least one hour to meld flavors, or prepare up to two days ahead, keeping it covered.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative that maintains creaminess and tanginess in the dip.

→ How can I make the dip spicier or more flavorful?

Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to enhance depth and add a subtle kick.

→ What are good dippers besides potato chips?

Vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers provide a fresh and crunchy alternative.