Ready in just over an hour, this hot, cheesy dip is loaded with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and creamy, melty goodness. Perfect for game day or holiday spreads.
Be sure to add my chipped beef dip and my rotel dip to your hot dip appetizer list. Grab your slow cooker and add my recipe for Crock Pot Cowboy Soup to your game day menu!
Ingredients needed:
This is no ordinary onion dip. The combination of caramelized onions, crispy bacon, herbs, and creamy cheeses makes this dip totally irresistible.
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
Substitutions
Don't worry if you don't have everything on hand-this dip is flexible!
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter or vegetarian option (skip entirely for a meatless version).
- Cream cheese : Greek yogurt or Neufchâtel for a lighter option.
- Cheddar + Mozzarella: Swap with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Swiss.
- Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt works great here.
- Worcestershire: Use soy sauce with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of sugar if needed.
How to make caramelized onion dip with bacon
Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. Remove and reserve the bacon fat to be used for the next step.
Caramelize the Onions
Add the sliced onions, thyme, and rosemary to the bacon fat in the pan.
Herb Tip
Tie the thyme and rosemary with cotton kitchen string so it can easily be fished out after caramelizing the onions.
Caramelize the Onions
Cook slowly over medium-low heat for about 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and soft.
Remove the herb bundle
Add Garlic & Flavor
Stir in the brown sugar, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, letting everything get jammy and fragrant.
Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and the caramelized onion mixture.
- Mix until well combined, then stir in most of the crumbled bacon (save a little for topping).
Bake the Dip
Spread the dip mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle your reserved cheddar cheese and reserved crispy bacon over the top.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with golden, melty cheese on top.
Serve
Serve hot with chips, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Make Ahead Tip
Assemble the dip, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Let it sit at room temp 30 minutes before baking.
How Many Appetizers Per Person?
Use my guide will help you nail the numbers every time.
Did you make this recipe?
Do you have feedback that would be helpful to others? If so can help this small business owner by leaving a rating and a review in the comments section? Thank you for being part of the Savoring The Good Community. ~ Sarah
Seasonal Favorite
This is the best homemade seedless black raspberry jam recipe made with fresh or frozen black raspberries.
Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing, but white or sweet onions work too.
It's best served warm, but leftovers are still tasty chilled or spread on toast. Just ask my dad!
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 1 pound Onion 2-3 large onions
- 3 sprigs Thyme Fresh
- 1 sprig Rosemary fresh
- 2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat for the next step.1 pound thick-cut bacon
Caramelize the Onions
- Add sliced onions, thyme, and rosemary to the bacon fat. Cook over medium-low heat for 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and soft. Remove herb sprigs before proceeding.1 pound Onion, 3 sprigs Thyme, 1 sprig Rosemary
Add Garlic & Flavor
- Stir in the brown sugar, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and jammy.2 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, 3 cloves garlic, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
Mix the Base
- In a large bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo until smooth. Fold in the shredded cheeses, caramelized onion mixture, and most of the crumbled bacon (save a little for topping).8 ounces Cream Cheese, ½ Cup Sour Cream, ½ Cup Mayonnaise, 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Bake the Dip
- Spread mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with reserved cheddar and bacon.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.
Serve
- Serve hot with chips, crostini, or fresh veggies.
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