If you're looking for the ultimate party dip, this Hot French Onion Dip is about to become your new go to. It takes everything you love about classic French onion dip and turns it into a hot, cheesy, bacon loaded appetizer that's perfect for game day, tailgating, holidays, or any time you need something seriously delicious for a crowd.
The key is starting with onions and slowly caramelizing them until they're sweet, golden, and packed with flavor. Then we mix them with cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyere before putting the whole thing on the smoker.
The smoker gives this dip an incredible smoky flavor while the cheeses melt together into one ridiculously creamy, gooey dip.
And don't have a smoker? No problem. I've included an oven option below.
Jump to:
Why I Love This Recipe
- Loaded With Caramelized Onions: The onions are the star of the show. Cooking them low and slow brings out their natural sweetness and gives the dip that classic French onion flavor.
- Smoked or Baked: The smoker adds another layer of flavor, but if you're making this indoors, the oven works great too.
- Three Cheeses: Mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyere come together for the perfect combination of meltiness, sharpness, and rich cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
- Onions
- Avocado oil
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Gruyere cheese
- Bacon
- Dried Thyme
- Beef Stock
- Mayonnaise
- Sour Cream
- Cream Cheese
- Garlic Paste
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Fried onions
- Green onions
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Add the avocado oil and slivered onions to a large pan.
Cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and deeply caramelized.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Once the onions have caramelized, add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme.
Stir everything together and simmer for another 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and set the onion mixture aside.
step 3: Make the Dip
In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyere, reserving some cheese for the topping.
Add the cooked bacon, reserving some for the topping, along with the mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic paste, and caramelized onion mixture.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Load Up Your Baking Dish
Transfer the French onion dip mixture into a baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Top with the reserved cheese and bacon.
Step 5: Smoke or Bake
For the smoker, cook at 250°F for about 2 hours.
For the oven, bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the dip is heated through.
Step 6: Add the Toppings
Once the dip is finished, remove it from the smoker or oven.
Top with fried onions and sliced green onions.
Pro Tips
Take your time with the onions
The 30 minute caramelization is worth it. Low and slow cooking develops much more flavor than quickly sautéing the onions.
Shred your own cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives you a smoother dip.
Let it rest briefly
Give the dip a few minutes after cooking before serving. It will be extremely hot, and the cheese will thicken slightly as it sits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this French onion dip in the oven?
Absolutely. If you don't have a smoker, bake the assembled dip at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.
What cheese is best for French onion dip?
This recipe uses a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyere. The mozzarella provides a great melt, cheddar adds sharpness, and Gruyere brings a rich, savory flavor that pairs especially well with caramelized onions.
What should I serve with French onion dip?
Potato chips are a classic choice, but you can also serve this dip with tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, toasted baguette, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Final Bite.
This isn't your average French onion dip. Caramelized onions, three kinds of cheese, bacon, and a couple of hours on the smoker take this party favorite to another level.
Whether you're making it for a tailgate, game day, holiday party, or backyard get together, put out a big bowl of chips and watch this one disappear. The only real problem is making sure you get a scoop before everyone else does.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Hot French Onion Dip
This Smoked French Onion Dip is loaded with caramelized onions, bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyere. Smoke it for 2 hours or bake it in 30 minutes!
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12
Ingredients
- 5 onions, thinly slivered
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 pound bacon, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup beef stock
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup fried onions
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the slivered onions and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
- While the onions are cooking, cook the diced bacon until browned and crispy. Drain excess grease and set aside. Reserve some bacon for topping.
- Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme to the caramelized onions. Stir well and simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Remove the onions from the heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyere, reserving some cheese for the topping.
- Add the cooked bacon, mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic paste, and caramelized onion mixture. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the reserved shredded cheese and bacon.
- For the smoker: Place the baking dish on a smoker at 250°F and cook for approximately 2 hours, until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted.
- For the oven: Bake at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from the smoker or oven and top with fried onions and sliced green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 2 Hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Smoke
- Cuisine: American
Leave a Reply