What is the best type of onion to use for hot onion dip?

You can use frozen onions or fresh onions like Vidalia onions for a sweet flavor. Caramelized onions are also a great option for a deeper flavor.

Can I make hot onion dip with different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with various cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or Cheddar to find the perfect flavor for your taste.

Is it possible to make a 3-ingredient hot onion dip?

Yes, you can make a simple hot onion dip with just three ingredients: onions, cream cheese, and a type of cheese like Swiss or Cheddar.

How do I prevent my hot onion dip from becoming too greasy or runny?

To avoid a greasy or runny dip, make sure to balance the amount of cheese and cream cheese. Don't overmix the ingredients.

Can I serve hot onion dip with something other than chips?

Absolutely, you can serve hot onion dip with veggies, bread, or crackers for a delicious and easy appetizer.

Is it possible to make hot onion dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare hot onion dip in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.

How do I reheat leftover hot onion dip?

To reheat leftover hot onion dip, simply place it in the oven at a low temperature until it's warm and bubbly. Or microwave it for a quick fix.

Can I make a vegan or dairy-free version of hot onion dip?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with vegan alternatives and use a non-dairy cream cheese. This way, you can create a delicious vegan or dairy-free hot onion dip.

The Best Hot Onion Dip – Ready in Just 30 Minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 large yellow onions, finely chopped
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1–2 diced jalapeños for a spicy kick

Optional topping: additional cheese or breadcrumbs for a golden crust

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add chopped onions. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring often, until caramelized and golden brown.
In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheeses, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
Stir in the caramelized onions and optional spicy ingredients, if using.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 8-inch baking dish.
Top with a sprinkle of extra cheese or breadcrumbs, if desired.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
For an extra-crispy topping, broil for 1–2 minutes—watching closely to avoid burning.

Serve hot with chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh veggie sticks.

Notes

For a meatier version, add 4–6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
Lighten it up by using low-fat dairy or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream.
To make it ahead, assemble the dip and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream alternatives.

Author: Amanda
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of dip
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: hot onion dip, cheesy onion dip, baked appetizer, party dip, caramelized onion dip, cream cheese dip