Most store-bought onion dips and onion dip mixes (and even some homemade French onion dip recipes!) contain added thickeners, cornstarch substitutes, MSG, processed oils, or hidden fillers. You can avoid all of them by making a healthier French onion dip recipe from scratch with real food ingredients instead!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for French onion dip, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Salted Butter – The key to caramelizing the onions while adding a buttery flavor is to use salted butter. If all you have is unsalted, you can just add salt separately. Onions – Obviously the main part of this French onion dip recipe. I like to use Vidalia or similar sweet yellow onions, but you could also use white onions as well. If you want extra onion flavor, you could even add some onion powder. Broth – I like to use bone broth because it adds richness, but you can also use regular beef broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth. Garlic – Adding garlic gives this dip a great savory flavor and depth. Use fresh garlic or jarred minced garlic to save time. If you don’t have garlic on hand, you can substitute 1 teaspoon garlic powder — add it to the creamy ingredients instead of sauteing. Sour Cream – The base of this French onion dip is sour cream. It makes it creamy and delicious. Nonfat plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise make an easy substitutes for either all or some of the sour cream if needed. Cream Cheese – Helps thicken the dip. Let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to soften before using. If you have extra cream cheese, make a cheese ball next. Blackstrap Molasses – This is optional, but just 1/2 teaspoon in the entire recipe adds a surprising amount of flavor. If you don’t have any, a couple teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce would make a decent substitute, or you can add a couple teaspoons of sugar or sugar substitute, but the flavor won’t be the same. Fresh Thyme – The addition of thyme really makes the dip. Fresh chives or parsley would also work well. Fresh herbs work best here, but if you must substitute dried, use 2 teaspoons dried in place of 2 tablespoons fresh. Sea Salt – Brings out the flavors. Feel free to add some white or black pepper as well if you like.
How To Make French Onion Dip
This section shows how to make homemade French onion dip, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep this easy French onion dip recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Meal prep: This is a great make-ahead appetizer. Simply prepare the dip a few days ahead of time, and store it in the fridge. Give it a stir before serving. Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this dip, since it’s base is sour cream. It will become watery after thawing and will lose its smooth texture.
What To Serve With French Onion Dip
There are so many ways to serve this French onion dip. I love to serve it with a variety of dippers for scooping! Here are a few of my favorites: As the broth sizzles away, add more broth, 2 tablespoons at a time. Reduce heat if they start to brown too much. The broth will keep the caramelized onions moist, plus it imparts amazing flavor. This also helps the flavors develop, but is not required.
Crackers – Almond flour crackers or flax seed crackers are a nutritious alternative to wheat-based crackers, but any kind you like will work. Chips – This dip is perfect for potato chips or tortilla chips (or low carb tortilla chips). But, it also is great for dipping zucchini chips or homemade kale chips. Veggies – Add some color to your homemade French onion dip with a platter of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. Fresh cucumber slices, celery, or carrots would also make great scoopers.
More Creamy Dip Recipes
While store-bought dips can be tempting, homemade always tastes better! Here are a few of my favorite creamy dip recipes to try: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
