1-Hour Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe
This luscious Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Dip combines deeply caramelized onions with smoky, creamy Gouda cheese for a rich and flavorful appetizer. Perfect for parties or cozy gatherings, this dip bakes to bubbly, golden perfection in about an hour, delivering a creamy texture with irresistible smoky and sweet notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Onions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dip Mixture
- 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized, developing a sweet and rich flavor without burning.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat while preparing the dip mixture.
- Mix the Cheese and Cream Bases: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded smoked Gouda, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate the Caramelized Onions: Fold the caramelized onions gently into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the onions too much.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the dip mixture into a small baking dish and spread evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake the Dip: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown, indicating it is heated through and slightly toasted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm with chips, crackers, or sliced vegetables.
Notes
- For best caramelization, cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat and avoid stirring too frequently.
- This dip can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; reheat until bubbly before serving.
- Optional: add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy variation.
- Serve with a variety of dippers such as toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.
Keywords: smoked gouda dip, caramelized onion dip, party appetizer, baked cheese dip, creamy cheese spread
