Hot Onion Dip Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
Original recipe (1X) yields 48 servings:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- cup mayonnaise
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- In the prepared dish, mix together the cream cheese, chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise until well combined.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 84 | - |
| Total Fat | 8g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 19% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 134mg | 6% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 2g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 1g | - |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 50mg | 4% |
| Iron | 0mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 30mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Hot Onion Dip is a comforting, creamy, and delicious appetizer that has won hearts at countless gatherings. Its history traces back to the classic American dip tradition, though its exact origins remain somewhat elusive. The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and sauted onions has undoubtedly made it a crowd favorite at parties, potlucks, and family get-togethers.
History and Origins
While the exact origin of Hot Onion Dip is not definitively known, it's likely a product of the American culinary tradition of creating creamy dips using common pantry ingredients. The dip is often linked to the mid-20th century when dips made with cream cheese and mayonnaise became increasingly popular in American households. The dish is thought to have evolved from simpler onion dips, which were traditionally made by mixing powdered onion soup mix with sour cream or mayonnaise. The cooked version, with a rich, bubbly texture, became a more decadent variation, becoming a party staple.
Regional Variations
Across the United States, Hot Onion Dip may be served in different variations, often influenced by regional tastes. For example, in the South, some versions of the dip incorporate bacon or hot sauce, adding a smoky or spicy kick. In other regions, the dip might feature additional herbs, such as chives or garlic, giving it a more savory depth. The key regional feature, however, remains the caramelized onions that give the dip its rich flavor and depth.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Hot Onion Dip is often compared to other cheese-based dips, such as French onion dip or spinach artichoke dip. While similar in concept, Hot Onion Dip stands apart with its simplicity and the prominent flavor of caramelized onions. Unlike French onion dip, which often uses dehydrated onion soup mix, Hot Onion Dip uses fresh onions that are cooked to a sweet, golden perfection. Its creamy base, made from cream cheese and mayonnaise, creates a smoother, richer texture than other dips that may rely on sour cream or yogurt.
Where It's Typically Served
Hot Onion Dip is a go-to appetizer for casual gatherings, parties, and events like the Super Bowl or a holiday meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for pairing with various accompaniments, including crackers, chips, bread, or fresh vegetables. Its typically served warm, often straight out of the oven or slow-cooked to maintain its creamy consistency. Its indulgent nature also makes it a great addition to any buffet-style meal or potluck, where guests are looking for comfort food and easy-to-share dishes.
Interesting Facts
- The dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just pop it in the oven before serving for a hot and cheesy appetizer!
- Hot Onion Dip is loved for its ability to please even those who arent fond of onions. The slow-cooked onions in the dip become sweet and mellow, blending seamlessly with the creamy ingredients.
- Many variations of the dip include additional ingredients like bacon, sauted garlic, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce to add umami richness. The beauty of Hot Onion Dip lies in its flexibility and ease of customization.
- Some people even serve it in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun presentation thats perfect for dipping.
FAQ about Hot Onion Dip Recipe
Comments
Emily Jackson
01/14/2025 04:24:03 AM
Review rewritten: I absolutely loved this dip! After reading other reviews, I decided to make a few adjustments: I sautéed the onions first, added a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and used a 5-cheese blend (parmesan, asiago, romano, mozzarella, and provolone – Kraft already has this shredded). Since I was only hosting a small gathering, I halved the recipe. Everyone couldn't stop raving about it and asked for the recipe. I served the dip with fresh vegetables and crackers, but I also think it would be great to try it in a bread bowl next time. This recipe was fast and easy – thank you!
Patricia Thomas
08/21/2022 02:18:31 PM
This dish was a massive hit at our family cookout and will now be my signature dish for future gatherings. The phrase "I just can't stop eating it" was heard repeatedly, and surprisingly, even those who typically dislike onions couldn't get enough of it. This recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and practically foolproof. I used Aldi cream cheese, 1 bag of parmesan/romano blend, and 1 bag of pure parmesan (no need to grate your own as the pre-shredded cheese worked perfectly). I used the small grid on my Vidalia onion chopper to dice the onion finely. I opted for Hellman's mayonnaise over Miracle Whip. I also included a tablespoon of minced garlic from a jar for extra flavor. I brought the dip pre-mixed and baked it at the event, but even after it cooled, it remained a hit. For the next batch, I'm considering adding pickled jalapenos for a spicy 'popper' dip effect.
Donald Hall
10/23/2024 02:08:59 PM
I will definitely be making this recipe again! I only made a third of the amount because it looked quite large, and I was already preparing two other dips. I added 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of green onions for color (and because I had some left over from another recipe), and 1 chopped jalapeño (with the pith removed). The end result was absolutely delightful.
Catherine Harris
04/23/2024 05:33:57 PM
Great beginning
Kenneth Thomas
10/02/2023 03:05:35 PM
I make this dish a couple of times a year, and it always turns out delicious.
Nicholas Garcia
04/13/2025 08:35:09 AM
Delicious! We enjoyed it with mini crostinis. The only thing I would modify is adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce and a touch of beef broth base.