Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip is dangerous! Dangerously delicious that is. It will be the hit of the party.
I'm the one at the party who socializes, but only if I can do it in the vicinity of the buffet table. Arms reach is the most convenient distance. I try to position myself so I can reach for more food without having to turn my back to the person I'm talking to. HA! If only I could pull this off. It's just a dream I have.
To be honest I'm usually in and out of the kitchen, refilling plates and dip bowls. This one especially! If I have a bowl of caramelized onion bacon dip at the party, I am constantly refilling it. (I should just get a bigger bowl, I know!)
It's so delicious with the salty bacon, cream cheese tang and sweet but savory caramelized onions. I added thyme to balance out the flavors and add an herby touch.
Be prepared to refill the bowl, several times. This Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip will slay the party!
Serve veggies with this dip to pretend to be healthy. I tease, they are actually outstanding with the creamy bacon goodness, and count as healthy. I also keep pita chips, potato chips, toast points and bread sticks on the table for dipping as well.
Easy to make, this dip needs a little time to chill once stirred together. The onions get caramelized and cooled before getting mixed in with the cream cheese and bacon. I like to caramelize them in a nonstick pan to make cleanup super easy. The onions shrink a lot, but you have to start with a large skillet. I like this one. It's a ceramic nonstick (doesn't scratch like Teflon) and holds plenty of onions!
I call for thick-cut bacon because it gives each bite a bit more meaty chew. However you can use any bacon you have on hand. It's even good with a black pepper or maple smoked bacon.
Caramelized Onion-Bacon Dip
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb onions halved and thinly sliced
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 strips thick-sliced bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves plus sprigs for garnish
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy. Cool and crumble.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 15 minutes. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool slightly, then coarsely chop.
- In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Set aside 2 tbsp bacon; stir remaining bacon, the onion, vinegar, thyme, salt and pepper into cream cheese mixture. Chill at least 30 minutes. (Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days.) Sprinkle with reserved bacon and garnish with thyme sprigs, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Want more delicious inspiration for your table? Check out these tasty ideas and my recipe index.
Golden Rosemary Garlic Mixed Nuts will impress the pants off your guests! They shimmer gold and taste amazing!
Easy Cheesecake In A Jar is a crowd-pleasing dessert you can make ahead! Perfection all around.
About Tara Teaspoon
I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.
Recipe Tara Teaspoon. Photography Alexandra Rowley. Food Stylist Sally Jo O'Brien. Prop Stylist Barbara Ritz. Originally published LHJ Feb08).
Mary Bench says
This one is absolutely delicious! Thanks!
Linda says
This was absolutely the best onion dip I've ever had! That extra salty taste of the bacon plus the sweetness of the caramelized onions just put this easy to make dip over the top. And you are right, it needs to go in a bigger bowl!
Sharon says
This dip just has a few simple ingredients that I can be sure to have on hand so I can whip this up anytime I'm craving it.
Elaine says
This dip is an absolute keeper. The biggest risk with this recipe is that the guests won't stop dipping until it's all gone, so I should better make A LOT of it 🙂
Nicoletta and Loreto says
We can see why you constantly have to refill the bowl! It looks so delicious that we too would be gathering close to the buffet if this onion bacon dip was involved 🙂 .
Pam Greer says
So delicious! You really have to make double the recipe, because your guests will eat ll of it, and you will want to keep some for yourself!
Tammy says
Such an easy and delicious dip! Oh my goodness this wouldn't last long in my house!
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Oh my goodness! This sounds absolutely inredible and definitely a "me" recipe! I can't wait for my husband to go to band practice so I can make this and not share 🙂
Marisa F. Stewart says
Caramelizing onions make them magical in a recipe. They taste so sweet yet they pack a big punch. The appetizer dip is one that wouldn't last long at our house, especially with the bacon. I've already pinned this recipe to make at our gathering next weekend.
Leslie says
Oh, I love being healthy but I gotta admit, trying breadsticks with this recipe sounds like pure heaven!
Aline says
Omg we loved this dip so much!! We'll be making again and again!! Thanks for the recipe!