Name: Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; Optional: 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; For serving: toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables

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Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip is a rich, savory, and incredibly creamy dip that’s full of deep flavor. The sweetness of slow-cooked onions paired with the nuttiness of melted Gruyere cheese creates a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels a little fancy but is super easy to make. I like serving it warm with toasted bread, crackers, or even fresh veggies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes the classic French onion flavor and turns it into a gooey, cheesy dip that’s perfect for sharing. The caramelized onions add a natural sweetness and depth, while the Gruyere melts beautifully and brings a bold, buttery flavor. It’s always a hit at parties or gatherings, and I enjoy how it’s comforting without being too heavy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Yellow onions (thinly sliced)
Unsalted butter
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh thyme or dried thyme
Garlic (minced)
Gruyere cheese (shredded)
Cream cheese (softened)
Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Optional: parmesan cheese for extra sharpness
For serving: toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetables

Directions

I heat butter and olive oil in a pan and cook the sliced onions slowly over medium-low heat, stirring often, until they’re deep golden brown and caramelized (this takes about 30–40 minutes).
I add minced garlic and thyme during the last few minutes of cooking, then season with salt and pepper.
In a mixing bowl, I combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
I stir in shredded Gruyere and the caramelized onion mixture, mixing until well combined.
I transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
I let it cool slightly before serving, garnished with extra herbs if I want a nice finish.

Servings and timing

This dip makes about 8 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep, 40 minutes to caramelize the onions, and 25 minutes to bake—so it’s ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes add a bit of white wine or balsamic vinegar to the onions while they caramelize for extra depth.
For a stronger cheese flavor, I mix in shredded parmesan or Swiss along with the Gruyere.
If I want a lighter version, I use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
I’ve also topped it with breadcrumbs before baking for a little crunch on top.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the dip in the oven at 350°F or microwave it in short intervals until heated through. I give it a good stir before serving again.

FAQs

Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?

Yes, I often caramelize the onions a day in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on the day I’m serving the dip.

What’s the best substitute for Gruyere?

If I don’t have Gruyere, I use Swiss, Fontina, or a sharp white cheddar. They all melt well and have a rich flavor.

Can I serve this dip cold?

This dip is meant to be served warm so the cheese stays melty and smooth. I don’t recommend serving it cold.

How do I make this dip more golden on top?

I place it under the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes of baking to get a slightly browned, bubbly top.

What can I serve with this dip?

I like using toasted baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, or sliced bell peppers and cucumbers for dipping.

Conclusion

Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip is a warm, creamy, and flavorful appetizer that always impresses. With its sweet onions, rich cheese, and velvety texture, it’s the kind of dip I love to bring out when I want something that feels a little special. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, it always disappears fast.