Dreamy Pan-fried Onion Dip Recipe – Barefoot Contessa’s Style

Onion dips often fall flat, but this Barefoot Contessa pan-fried onion dip recipe brings serious flavor to the table.

Caramelized onions create a rich, deep foundation that sets this recipe apart from standard party fare.

Golden brown edges and a silky smooth texture make this dip impossible to resist.

Slowly cooking onions transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy appetizer.

Butter and olive oil work magic, drawing out natural sweetness and complexity from each onion slice.

The aroma alone will draw people closer to the serving table.

This crowd-pleasing recipe guarantees rave reviews at your next gathering.

Kitchen Tools for Making Pan-Fried Onion Dip

• Large Frying Pan: Essential for sautéing and caramelizing onions evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for slicing onions into thin, consistent half-rounds.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring onions and mixing dip ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing onions safely.

Step-by-Step Pan-Fried Onion Dip Method

• Onion Preparation

Slice onions into delicate half-rounds, creating thin, elegant crescents that will transform into golden flavor nuggets.

• Caramelization Magic

Melt butter and oil in a spacious skillet, introducing onions with a sprinkle of spicy cayenne and robust seasonings. Allow slow, patient cooking that transforms humble onions into rich, amber-colored delicacies.

• Creamy Fusion

Whip cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise into a silky canvas, blending until luxuriously smooth and inviting.

• Flavor Harmony

Gently fold caramelized onions into the creamy mixture, ensuring each bite carries deep, complex tastes that dance across the palate.

• Gathering Moment

Serve at relaxed room temperature alongside crispy chips, rustic crackers, or fresh vegetable companions, creating an irresistible centerpiece for casual gatherings and spontaneous celebrations.

Tips for Making Onion Dip Extra Flavorful

• Swap half the onions with roasted garlic or shallots for a deeper, more complex flavor profile that adds unexpected depth.
• Fold in freshly chopped chives, dill, or thyme to introduce bright, garden-fresh undertones that complement the rich caramelized base.
• Experiment with different heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick that elevates the dip's complexity.
• Prepare the dip up to two days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature for serving.

How to Serve Pan-Fried Onion Dip

• Pair with Crispy Companions: Grab a variety of crunchy chips, rustic crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks to scoop up this rich, caramelized onion dip.
• Create a Party Platter: Arrange the dip in a beautiful ceramic bowl surrounded by colorful raw vegetable crudités, artisan crackers, and toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer spread.
• Elevate Game Day Snacking: Transform this creamy dip into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for sports gatherings, tailgate parties, or casual movie nights with friends.
• Gourmet Sandwich Spread: Use leftover dip as a luxurious condiment for gourmet sandwiches, burgers, or grilled cheese to add a deep, caramelized onion flavor.

Saving and Storing Pan-Fried Onion Dip

• Maximize Freshness: Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its rich, caramelized flavor intact.
• Prep Ahead: Whip up this crowd-pleasing dip 1-2 days before your gathering to let the flavors meld and intensify, making it even more delicious.
• Serving Strategy: Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to bring the dip to room temperature, ensuring the creamiest texture and most vibrant taste.
• Freezing Tips: While possible to freeze, the texture might slightly change – best enjoyed fresh within the recommended refrigeration timeframe for optimal quality and taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 6

What You’ll Need for Pan-Fried Onion Dip

• Onions: Sweet, sharp flavor that becomes mellow and golden when slowly cooked; choose firm, heavy yellow onions without soft spots or bruising.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth and helps onions caramelize beautifully; use unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Olive Oil: Prevents butter from burning and provides smooth cooking base; select extra virgin for best flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious, velvety texture and tangy undertone; ensure it's soft and at room temperature for smooth blending.
• Sour Cream: Introduces gentle tartness and silky consistency; full-fat version delivers richer taste.
• Mayonnaise: Adds subtle richness and helps bind ingredients; choose high-quality brand for best flavor.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw moisture from onions during cooking.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers subtle background warmth and depth; adjust quantity based on heat preference.

Mouthwatering Barefoot Contessa Pan-fried Onion Dip Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pan-fried onion dip blends caramelized onions with creamy cheese for an irresistible appetizer. Guests will devour this rich, savory spread that elevates classic party fare with restaurant-quality flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large yellow onions (about 3 cups sliced)
• 60 g (2.1 oz) unsalted butter
• 120 ml (4 fl oz) sour cream
• 120 ml (4 fl oz) good-quality mayonnaise
• 115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) vegetable oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Onion Preparation: Create delicate 3-millimeter half-moon shaped ribbons by halving and precisely slicing onions.
2. Aromatic Sautéing: Heat butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature, introducing sliced onions with cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper for flavor enhancement.
3. Caramelization Process: Gradually transform onions by sautéing for 30 minutes, initially stirring frequently for 10 minutes, then reducing heat to develop a rich, golden-brown caramelization.
4. Cooling Interlude: Allow caramelized onions to cool completely, concentrating their sweet, complex flavor profile.
5. Creamy Foundation: Whip cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until achieving a silky, uniform consistency using an electric mixer.
6. Flavor Integration: Gently fold cooled caramelized onions into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete flavor and texture incorporation.
7. Seasoning Refinement: Adjust taste with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne to personal preference.
8. Serving Suggestion: Present at room temperature accompanied by crisp potato chips, artisan crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Slice Strategically: Cut onions into uniform 1/8-inch half-moons for even cooking and professional presentation.
• Caramelize Carefully: Cook onions slowly on low-medium heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning.
• Season Smartly: Adjust salt, pepper, and cayenne incrementally to balance the rich, creamy base and caramelized onion notes.
• Serve Sensibly: Bring dip to room temperature to maximize flavor complexity and achieve ideal spreading consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg