Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip
As you probably know by now, summer is my favorite time of year. Here in the Hamptons, I spend most of my time at the beach (with Gus of course!), on my little Boston Whaler boat, picking up goods at the farm stands, and cooking with my friends and family.
On the coast of the northeast, we appreciate our summers so much after months upon months of bad weather, and we try to squeeze in every drop of fun that we can!
I entertain quite a bit this time of year. I have a few staples that I always keep on hand for an impromptu get together, or to pack up for an excursion on the water, like olives, maracona almonds, potato chips, and ingredients to make a quick dip. Of course, every great dip requires a great chip… I’m really into the new Cape Cod Waves Potato Chips. My mom always has Cape Cod Potato Chips in her pantry and it’s one of the first things I reach for when I go home to see her. They’re kettle cooked so they’re extra crunchy. I really like the texture of the new Waves version with this creamy dip. Plus there’s a lighthouse on the bag and that just says summer in the northeast to me.
I was inspired to create this recipe by the classic French onion dip that is made with the packet of seasoning mix. That stuff’s pretty good, but I wanted to make a fresh, homemade version. Cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream are all you need to create the base for a delicious dip. Add to that roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or my personal favorite, caramelized onions. Vidalia onions are naturally sweet and when cooked low and slow, they caramelize to perfection. The Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor and umami. Punch it up with some garlic salt and onion powder, and you’re in business.
Store the caramelized Vidalia onion dip in an airtight container in the fridge until serving at your next cocktail hour. I’m about to head out on the boat with a few friends so packing this batch for us to enjoy on the water. We are going to catch a “Wave” and take a “dip!” (haha, I couldn’t resist!!)
Caramelized Vidalia Onion Dip
Prep time: 99
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 99
Yield: 99
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large Vidalia onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- One 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 scallion, green part only, thinly sliced
- Cape Cod Waves potato chips, for serving
Cooking Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté until beginning to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the water and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Turn the heat to low and cook until the onions are golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pan ever looks too dry, add a tablespoon of water. Let cool completely.
- Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Worcestershire, garlic salt, onion powder and pepper in a medium bowl. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to mix until creamy. Stir in the reserved onions and the scallions. Chill until serving time. Serve with Cape Cod Waves Potato Chips.
