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A warm dip in the winter, just in time for New Year’s, is all about the melty cheese. But mixing cheeses together and achieving the correct ratio for the perfect melting texture can be tricky. On top of that, the cheeses need to have flavor and complexity, but not have too much funk that they stick out from all the other cheeses.

This French onion cheese dip is an instant classic! Onions are slowly caramelized until browned, drawing out their sweet flavor. And the mixture of cheeses creates a unique and delicious dip that elevates this from just any ordinary cheese dip to something extra special!

Hand holding piece of crostini using a cheese knife to spread hot cheese onto slice with rest of cheese sitting in bowl below
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The ingredients that make this recipe so delicious

  • Sweet onions are slowly sautéed. The key is to do this slowly so the sugars caramelize. The flavor will become lighter and sweeter and the onions will be almost like jam.
  • Butter is sautéed with the onions to help start the caramelization process, but also add a little underlying flavor.
  • Cream cheese is the base of this dip. The sweet, tangy flavor from the cream cheese complements the other cheeses and also adds the perfect creamy texture.
  • Full fat Greek yogurt adds a layer of flavor and helps create additional creamy texture. Full fat is essential so the cheese dip does not separate when heated in the oven.
  • Balsamic vinegar adds sweetness and some acidity to round out the flavors.
  • Garlic powder may seem antiquated, but the powder packs a strong punch. Instead of needing to cook raw garlic, the powder flavor is more mellow and easy to blend into the cheese.
  • Brie cheese is a go-to for baking and is usually wrapped in puff pastry. The baking instantly melts the Brie. Keep the rind on the Brie for added texture.
  • Gruyere cheese is a hard Swiss cheese. Even though it’s a hard cheese, it also melts well and adds a punch of flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese is the salty finish for the dip. Make sure to use authentic Parmesan for the most flavor and the correct texture. No Parmesan powder here!
Caramelized onions sitting in metal skillet sitting on flame with wooden spoon in background
When done, the onions with caramelized and golden brown in color. The brown bits that emerge will lend to the sweetness of the onions, making them super delicious!

The combination of cheeses and caramelized onions make this dip a special treat. Dips are meant for those occasions when we gather together and celebrate. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or any other special day, this dip will be a crowd-pleaser!

Top down view of slices of crostini drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with pepper sitting on wood board
This cheese dip is delicious when paired with crostini drizzled with olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s a strong vessel for the creaminess of the cheese.

More appetizer recipes

Watch how to make this French onion cheese dip

YouTube video

French Onion Cheese Dip

By Kaleb
4.23 from 27 votes
Made from three different cheeses and sweet onions, this French onion cheese dip is a sure-fire winner! When served with crostini, the pairing is the perfect appetizer for New Year's or any other party!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 36 servings
Top down view of round copper pot with handles filled with browned cheese with pieces of bread sitting all around on wood board
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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups sliced sweet onions
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 oz Brie cheese cut into cubes
  • 4 oz Gruyère cheese shredded
  • 2 oz Parmesan cheese shredded

For the crostini

  • 1 18-inch baguette
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a 12-inch skillet melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion and salt. Sauté over medium-low, stirring occasionally until the onions are caramelized with deep color, 20-25 minutes. Remove from the heat.
    2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cups sliced sweet onions, 1 tsp kosher salt
  • To the warm the caramelized onions, add the cream cheese. Stir the cream cheese into the onions until it is melted and smooth. Next, stir in the Greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, Brie cheese, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese.
    8 oz cream cheese, ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 8 oz Brie cheese, 4 oz Gruyère cheese, 2 oz Parmesan cheese
  • Stir to combine and pour into an 8-inch skillet or baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until the cheeses are melted and warmed through, 5-6 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve with crostini.

For the crostini

  • Slice the baguette ½-inch thick. Lay in an even layer on baking sheets and drizzle or brush with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 18-inch baguette
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is slightly browned and toasted, 6-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool until ready to serve.

Video

YouTube video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 128 kcalCarbohydrates: 10.2 gProtein: 5.5 gFat: 7.3 gSaturated Fat: 3.9 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4 gTrans Fat: 0 gCholesterol: 19.5 mgSodium: 342 mgPotassium: 59.4 mgFiber: 0.6 gSugar: 1.3 gVitamin A: 48 IUVitamin C: 0.5 mgCalcium: 82.2 mgIron: 0.6 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment below!

Kaleb Wyse is a New York Times bestselling author behind the popular Wyse Guide website. Living on his fourth-generation Iowa farm, he loves sharing recipes and gardening tips that come from traditions that feel comfortably familiar. His down-to-earth style makes sustainable living and farm life feel like home!

Learn More About Me

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4.23 from 27 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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17 Comments

  1. Patty says:

    5 stars
    Finally had the opportunity this season to make this for a Christmas appetizer party…WOW! This is a KEEPER. It’s a step above the typical dips – game changing! If you haven’t made this yet, do yourself a favor and MAKE IT. It’s a pricy dish with the cost of the cheeses these days but it’s worth it. Followed the recipe per the video – OUTSTANDING. Thanks so much!

    Reply
  2. celine drouin says:

    Just making your French onion dip came out wonderful thank you for sharing your wonderful recipe happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours

    Reply
  3. Robert Jamison says:

    5 stars
    Prepared you’re take on French onion dip for a dinner gathering. Just WOW. It was a huge hit. Easy prep and great results. Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Lorraine Cole says:

    Where did you get your baking dish that you served your French Onion Cheese Dip in? Can’t wait to try this one! So happy I found you! Delicious foods but iim learning so many new things! Thank you!

    Reply
  5. Vanida Baker says:

    You are an amazing wealth of information love your gardening recipes and much more

    Reply
  6. Susan King says:

    5 stars
    Made your applesauce cake with caramel frosting. Absolutely delish. Also made your zucchini crust pizza casseroles. So good. Spreading word about you and your YouTube videos. I’m a midwestern girl living in the south, so your recipes are what I appreciate.

    Reply