Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip: A Comfort Food Delight!

Name: Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional); 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded and divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Posted on January 23, 2026

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This Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked to perfection for a quick party appetizer that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Seriously, it’s versatile and perfect for any occasion!

Ingredient Breakdown

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the flavorful ingredients that make this dip oh-so-delicious! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon butter: This adds richness and helps to caramelize the onions beautifully.
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced: The star of the show! These will get sweet and luscious as they caramelize.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Because let’s be real, garlic makes everything better!
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional): A lovely herb that brings a nice earthiness to the dip.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is going to make the dip creamy and dreamy.
1/2 cup sour cream: Adding extra creaminess and a nice tang.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: A secret ingredient that adds incredible depth.
1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded and divided: The cheesy goodness that pulls it all together; it’s nutty and melts beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all those lovely flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to balance the richness.

Why This Recipe Works

This dip is a true crowd-pleaser! Who doesn’t love rich, cheesy goodness? It’s perfect for game nights, parties, or a cozy night in with the family. The caramelization process brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, making this dip incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s all made in just one pot, which means minimal cleanup hello, busy weeknight dinner!

Let’s Get Cooking!

How to Make Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip

Start with the Onions: In a heavy skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a couple pinches of salt. Cook slowly, stirring frequently for about 30–40 minutes, until they’re deeply caramelized and beautifully golden brown. Make sure you take your time with this step; it’s worth the wait when the sweet aromas fill your kitchen! Just be careful not to burn them, as we want them sweet, not bitter.
Add Garlic and Thyme: When your onions are fabulously caramelized (we’re talking near perfection here!), add your minced garlic and thyme. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Oh man, the smell at this point will have your family asking if dinner is ready yet!
Prep the Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup mayonnaise until smooth. This is where the magic happens! Just imagine how creamy it’s going to be.
Combine: Fold in the caramelized onions and 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese into the mix. Season with 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and mix well. It should be thick, creamy, and just begging to be scooped up.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Speaks for itself, this step! Transfer your luscious dip to a greased baking dish or skillet, making sure to spread it evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of Gruyere because why not add more cheese?
Bake it Up: Bake your dip in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling at the edges. The anticipation is real, and trust me, it’s going to be worth it!
Serve Warm: Serve the dip warm with toasted baguette slices, crunchy crackers, or fresh veggies. Your guests won’t be able to resist!

Personal Connection

This Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip has become my go-to recipe for entertaining. I mean, who can say no to cheese, right? It’s one of those dishes that always gets devoured, whether at a party or just a relaxed family night at home. I’m a real sucker for cozy comfort food that brings everyone together. The best part is how adaptable it is; depending on what I have most of the time, I can mix it up with whatever ingredients I have on hand. It’s my favorite for a reason!

If you loved this dip, be sure to check out my Harissa Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, my Glazed Baked Cauliflower, or my Guinness Beef Pie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

This dip comes together in under 30 minutes and bakes like a dream, so you won’t be in the kitchen forever. It’s the perfect quick weeknight meal or appetizer when guests arrive unexpectedly.

One Pot Wonder

Say goodbye to a mountain of dishes! This Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip all comes together in one pot. Just think about it minimal cleanup means more time spent enjoying the company of friends and family!

Comfort Food

Rich, creamy, and loaded with tons of flavor, this dip epitomizes comfort food at its finest. It’s got a way of wrapping you in a warm, cheesy hug, and who doesn’t need that every now and then?

Customizable

The beautiful part about this dip is that you can use whatever ingredients you have. Swapping out Gruyere for another cheese, like cheddar or fontina, is not only easy but keeps things fresh, too! You can even throw in some cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or different herbs to suit your family’s liking!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Dip

Pair your yummy dip with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crunchy crackers, or fresh veggies. The crunchy bits contrast so nicely with the creamy dip!

Storage Instructions

This dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the dip to a baking dish, and heat it for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again.

Freezer Friendly?

You know, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend freezing it, as the texture of the cheese can change. Cheese dips are best fresh, after all!

So there you have it! Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Dip is a delicious way to elevate any gathering seriously, once you whip this up, it’ll likely become a family favorite for years to come. Oh, and don’t forget to make a double batch because I guarantee you’ll be going back for more!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe. Let me know how it goes in the comments. I just love hearing from you! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.