That Bag of Potato Chips Is Begging for Our Homemade French Onion Dip

Caramelized onions and a beef bouillon cube are the secrets to this savory dip.

French Onion Dip
Photo:

Jordan Provost / Food Styling by Thu Buser

Active Time:
50 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Yield:
3 cups

Caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, and a beef bouillon cube mixed with sour cream and cream cheese make the perfect creamy, tangy dip for game days and parties. 

Frequently asked questions

What is a beef bouillon cube?

Bouillon cubes are made from dehydrated stock, which contains meat, vegetables, MSG, and other seasonings. We use beef bouillon cubes in this French Onion Dip to mimic the flavor you get from onion soup mix. 

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Be sure you pull the sour cream and cream cheese from the refrigerator before making French Onion Dip so they are at room temperature — they won’t mix as well with the other ingredients if they are still cold, and the dip won’t be smooth. 

Make ahead

You can make French Onion Dip and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days in advance of eating. And you can caramelize the onions up to a month in advance; store them in the freezer and thaw them before using them in this recipe (you’ll need a cup of caramelized onions).

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3 medium red onions, halved and thinly sliced

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream, at room temperature

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon grated beef bouillon cube

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Kettle-cooked potato chips, for serving

Directions

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they turn a deep golden brown, about 40 minutes, stirring frequently. Add a tablespoon of water to the pan as needed while cooking the onions when they seem dry. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Let the onions cool slightly, about 15 minutes. Transfer the onions to a cutting board and coarsely chop. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the chopped onions.

  2. Mix the sour cream, cream cheese, parsley, onion powder, and beef bouillon in a large bowl until completely smooth. Stir in the onions and season with salt and pepper. Garnish the dip with the reserved chopped onions and parsley and serve it with potato chips.

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