Ingredients:

  • large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • Tbsp unsalted butter
  • Tbsp olive oil
  • tsp packed brown sugar
  • /2 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • oz full fat cream cheese, softened
  • /2 cup full fat mayonnaise
  • /4 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
  • cloves garlic, minced
  • tsp Dijon mustard
  • /4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • /2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat butter and oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden brown. Stir in brown sugar during the last 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Cream Base: In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly beat the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth. Incorporate minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
  3. Combine Cheeses: Gently fold in the shredded Smoked Gouda and grated Parmesan cheese until just combined. Do not overmix once cheese is added.
  4. Assemble the Dip: Stir the slightly cooled caramelized onions into the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt/pepper) as needed.
  5. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a prepared 8-inch or 1-quart oven-safe baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling vigorously and the top is lightly golden.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the dip rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish immediately with fresh chives and serve hot with dippers.