This is flat out the best onion dip that I have ever tasted! It has gotten great reviews every time I have brought it to a party. Once you have made and tasted this, you’ll never go back to the recipes that are simply some mayonnaise, sour cream and dried onion mix. It’s really simple to make and the taste is far superior to the other dips that are on the market. The caramelized onions give the dip more depth and the addition of cayenne pepper gives the dip a subtle kick.

INGREDIENTS

2 large yellow onions, sweet variety is the best

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ tsp ground cayenne pepper

1 tsp kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground pepper

4 oz cream cheese at room temperature

½ cup sour cream

½ cup good mayonnaise

PREPARATION

Cut the onions in half and then slice them into 1/8-inch thick half-rounds (You will have about 3 cups of onions). Heat the butter and oil in a large saute’ pan over medium heat (If you have a large cast iron skillet, that’s ideal). Add the onions, cayenne, salt and pepper to the heated butter and oil. Sauté for about 10-15 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 -25 minutes or until the onions are browned and caramelized. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside to cool on paper towels.

Place the cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Add the cooled onions and mix well. Taste for seasonings. Serve dip at room temperature with potato chips, crackers and other crudites.

Source: The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook – Copyright 1999