Dessert

Hot French Onion Dip Recipe

Name: Hot French Onion Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (can use salted); 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 Tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 10.5 ounce can French Onion soup (can use low or no sodium); 8 ounce block cream cheese, room temperature; 12 ounce block Gruyere cheese, shredded (about 3 cups); 6 ounces French fried crispy onions; Fresh thyme (for topping, optional); 1 baguette, sliced

ByThomas Greene December 31, 2025December 31, 2025

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Introduction

Hot French Onion Dip is a comforting and savory appetizer perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. This creamy, cheesy dip combines caramelized onions and rich Gruyere cheese baked to golden perfection. Serve it warm with crusty baguette slices for an irresistible snack.

A round black pan filled with a baked dip that has a creamy white melted cheese base topped with golden brown crispy fried onions scattered unevenly across the surface, with small green herb leaves sprinkled lightly on top. In the center, there is a small bunch of fresh green thyme sprigs for garnish. Surrounding the pan are several slices of crusty white bread with a soft, airy texture. The whole setting is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (can use salted)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
10.5 ounce can French Onion soup (can use low or no sodium)
8 ounce block cream cheese, room temperature
12 ounce block Gruyere cheese, shredded (about 3 cups)
6 ounces French fried crispy onions
Fresh thyme (for topping, optional)
1 baguette, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a medium-sized cast iron skillet (about 10 inches) over medium heat and add the butter.
Step 2: Once melted, add the sliced onions, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply golden and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Reduce the heat if they start to brown too quickly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 5: Stir in the French Onion soup and room temperature cream cheese. Place the skillet over low heat until the cream cheese has completely melted.
Step 6: Remove from heat and top with shredded Gruyere cheese and crispy French fried onions.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh thyme if desired. Serve hot with sliced baguette.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger onion flavor, caramelize the onions longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Substitute Gruyere with Swiss or mozzarella cheese if preferred.
Use gluten-free bread or crackers for serving if needed.
Add a splash of white wine to the onions while cooking for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The crispy onion topping will soften after refrigeration, so consider adding fresh crispy onions before serving again.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a slice of melted cheese and crispy golden brown fried onions being lifted with a piece of light tan crusty bread, held by a woman's hand. The cheese pulls in long, stretchy strands from a dark cast iron skillet filled with creamy, bubbly melted cheese mixed with small bits of browned onions. A small sprig of green herbs, likely thyme, sits on top of the cheese layer inside the skillet. The background is a subtle white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip through the caramelizing and mixing steps, then refrigerate it unbaked. When ready, add cheese and crispy onions on top and bake as directed.