How to Make Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip (That’ll Ruin You for Store-Bought Forever)
Let’s be honest—there’s something nostalgic and irresistible about sour cream and onion dip. It’s the kind of thing you grew up scooping with ridged potato chips at every holiday gathering, tailgate, or Friday night in. But once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to the tub. This homemade version is rich, tangy, savory, and layered with deeply caramelized onions, a hint of garlic, and a fresh bite of chives. It’s comfort food in dip form—but elevated.
I first made this dip on a whim for a movie nights at home. I had a couple of onions lying around and a half-used container of sour cream that was on its last leg. What started as a pantry clean-out moment turned into a repeat-worthy dip that my friends still ask for. It’s that good.
Why We Love It
Homemade sour cream and onion dip is comfort food with a little extra care. The slow-cooked onions are deeply flavorful, the cream base is indulgent but balanced, and the fresh chives make it feel bright and fresh. It’s perfect for game day, dinner parties, or just a Tuesday night snack that makes you feel like you’ve got it all figured out.
Key Ingredients for this Homemade Onion Dip
Olive Oil:
Used to gently cook down the onions and shallots. It provides a rich base and helps draw out the natural sugars in the onions as they caramelize. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best-tasting homemade onion dip.
Yellow Onion & Shallots:
The heart of this dip. Onions bring the sweetness and umami depth; shallots add a delicate, almost garlicky sharpness. Together, they create a sophisticated, deeply savory flavor that beats dried onion soup mix by a mile.
Full-Fat Sour Cream:
This is the creamy, tangy backbone of the dip. Full-fat is key—it gives you that luscious mouthfeel and richness that light versions just can’t touch. Make sure the sour cream is at room temperature.
Mayonnaise:
A little mayo adds body and a velvety texture. It rounds out the sour cream and gives the dip a silky finish.
White Wine Vinegar:
Acid cuts through the richness of the cream and balances everything out. It also lifts the caramelized flavor of the onions.
Fresh Chives:
Chives bring a pop of color and a grassy, oniony freshness. They’re the finishing touch that keeps this sour cream dip from feeling too heavy. Fresh green onions also work.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder:
While the real onions do most of the work, these pantry staples amplify the flavor. Think of them as a seasoning layer, not the main event.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper:
Seasoning is everything. Salt enhances all the savory notes, and pepper adds a subtle kick.
Extra Chives & Olive Oil (for Garnish):
Not just for looks! A drizzle of good olive oil and a scatter of fresh chives make the dip feel special and intentional, perfect for serving to guests.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Classic Onion Dip
- Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the sliced onions. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and jammy. Deglaze with a splash of water if needed. - Roast the shallots:
While the onions cook, roast the shallots. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place shallot halves on a small baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized. Cool slightly, then finely chop. - Mix the Base:
In a large bowl, stir together sour cream, mayo, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Fold in the caramelised onions and roasted shallots. Stir in chopped chives. - Chill:
Refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Overnight is even better. It gets better the longer it sits! - Serve:
Garnish with extra chives and a light drizzle of olive oil. Serve with thick-cut potato chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
What to Serve with Sour Cream Dip
Sour cream and onion dip is ultra versatile—perfect for casual snacking or upscale appetizers. Here are the best things to serve with it, broken down by category:
Classic Dippers
- Thick-cut potato chips – The ultimate pairing. Salty potato chips go so well with this simple recipe. Choose your favorite potato chips, but ruffled or kettle-cooked have an extra crunch that hits so good.
- Tortilla chips – A sturdier chip that can hold the dip well.
- Pretzels or pretzel crisps – Salty, chewy contrast to the creamy dip.
- Crackers – Buttery Ritz, water crackers, or crispbreads all work beautifully.
Fresh Vegetables
A colorful veggie platter like this one is perfect for dipping! Here are some crunchy vegetables to get you started:
- Carrot sticks
- Celery stalks
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper strips
- Sugar snap peas
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced bell peppers
- Blanched green beans or asparagus – For a slightly elevated, party-worthy presentation.
Breads & Savory Bites
- Toasted baguette slices or crostini
- Pita chips or wedges – Warmed or toasted adds even more flavor.
- Garlic breadsticks – Great for dipping, especially when slightly cooled.
- Soft pretzel bites – A game day favorite.
Creative Pairings
- Mini potato skins or baked potato – A fun twist that leans into the dip’s flavor theme.
- Fried zucchini or onion rings – Indulgent and delicious with a creamy contrast.
- Grilled meats or skewers – Serve as a cool, creamy topping for steak bites or chicken skewers.
Pro Tips
For even better flavor, make the dip a day ahead. The caramelized onion flavor intensifies overnight and tastes even better the next day
I love serving this in a shallow, wide bowl so that each scoop gets a little bit of everything—creamy dip, sweet onion, and that drizzle of olive oil. Sometimes, I even warm the chips slightly before serving. Sounds crazy, but it brings the whole thing to life.
Got leftover dip? Homemade sour cream and onion dip will last 3-4 days in the fridge when stored correctly. Place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. Stir before serving if it separates slightly after sitting.
Once you’ve made this dip from scratch, the tub stuff won’t cut it anymore. And honestly? That’s a beautiful thing.
Additional Recipes to Try
Looking for more easy dip recipes for an easy appetizer? Check out these yummy ideas:
Charred Corn and Pineapple Salsa – This refreshing recipe is perfect for grilled meats and dips.
Homemade Greek Yogurt Tartar Sauce – pairs perfectly with seafood. This dip is healthier and customizable!
25 Minute Baked Chicken Alfredo Dip – Four cheeses, juicy chicken and alfredo sauce come together to make the perfect cheesy dip for any occasion!
The Best Homemade Sour Cream and Onion Dip (From Scratch!)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 large shallots, peeled and halved
1 ½ cups full-fat sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt, more to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Chives and olive oil, for garnish
Instructions
-
Caramelize the onions:
In a skillet over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil and add the sliced onions. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and jammy. Deglaze with a splash of water if needed. -
Roast the shallots:
While the onions cook, roast the shallots. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place shallot halves on a small baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized. Cool slightly, then finely chop. -
Blend the base:
In a mixing bowl, stir together sour cream, mayo, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Fold in the caramelized onions and roasted shallots. Stir in chopped chives. -
Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors develop. It gets better the longer it sits!
Garnish & serve:
Before serving, drizzle a little olive oil and top with extra chives.
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