Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Gruyere (Print version)

A warm, bubbly Gruyere onion dip with deeply caramelized onions, cream cheese, sour cream, and a golden broiled top.

# Ingredients:

For the caramelized onions

01 - 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced, about 1 1/2 lb (680 g)
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
05 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
06 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

For the dip

09 - 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
11 - 1/3 cup (75 g) mayonnaise
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
14 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
15 - 1/3 cup (30 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
17 - Chopped chives or thyme, for garnish
18 - Toasted baguette, chips, crackers, or vegetables, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, 1/2 teaspoon salt, thyme, and sugar if using. Cook for 35-45 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are soft, golden, and jammy. Lower the heat if they darken too fast.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Remove from the heat and let the onions cool for 5 minutes.
03 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1-quart baking dish or small cast iron skillet.
04 - In a medium bowl, stir softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, onion powder, red pepper flakes, Parmesan, and 1 cup of Gruyere until mostly smooth.
05 - Stir the caramelized onions into the cheese base. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Gruyere over the top.
06 - Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the edges bubble and the center is hot. Broil for 1-2 minutes if you want a more browned top, watching closely.
07 - Let the dip stand for 5 minutes. Garnish with chives or thyme and serve warm with toasted baguette, chips, crackers, or crisp vegetables.

# Good to know:

01 - Caramelized onions can be made up to 2 days ahead.
02 - Best served warm after a 5-minute rest.
03 - Use freshly grated Gruyere for the smoothest melt.

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