Indulge in the savory depths of Gourmet Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip, a rich concoction of golden onions, smoky bacon, and molten Gruyere cheese. Perfect for those cozy gatherings or as a luxurious snack, this dip transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat.
Ingredients & Variations
- Onions: Yellow onions are chosen for their ability to soften and sweeten beautifully when caramelized. Sweet onions like Vidalia are also a great alternative for a milder flavor.
- White Wine: A dry white wine such as Chardonnay enhances the onions’ sweetness, but white wine vinegar can be substituted if necessary.
- Gruyere Cheese: Known for its smooth melting quality and rich, nutty flavor. If unavailable, try French Comte or a good quality Swiss cheese for a similar taste and texture.
Crafting Your Dip
Begin by rendering the bacon in an 8 to 10-inch oven-safe skillet until crisp. Once cooked, set the bacon aside, and keep the skillet with the bacon fat for cooking the onions.
Caramelize the onions in the bacon fat with a sprinkle of sugar for about 20 minutes until they’re golden and sticky. Deglaze the pan with white wine, then reduce the liquid by half.
Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, half the Gruyere cheese, seasonings, and most of the bacon, reserving some for topping. If your skillet is large enough, continue in the same pan; otherwise, transfer to a smaller oven-safe dish for a thicker dip.
Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bacon, then bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until the cheese bubbles and turns golden, about 20 minutes. Garnish with parsley for a fresh contrast and serve warm.
Perfect Pairings
This dip goes wonderfully with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Try sweet potato rounds or zucchini sticks for dipping.
- Crusty Bread: Fresh baguette slices or artisanal breadsticks.
- Crisps and Crackers: Salted pretzel thins or gourmet crackers enhance the flavors.
Storing Tips
Cool the dip and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently to serve.
Ingredients
- 8 strips bacon
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons white wine
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups (about 200 g) Gruyere cheese, shredded, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Bacon: Fry the bacon until crisp in a skillet. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, combine onions and sugar, cooking until golden.
- Deglaze: Add wine and reduce by half.
- Combine Dip Ingredients: Mix in sour cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, half the cheese, and most of the bacon.
- Assemble: Transfer to a baking dish if needed, top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake: Cook in the oven for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve with your choice of sides.
Enjoy a luxurious dip that’s as perfect for a party as it is for a quiet night in!