This quick and easy Creamy Onion Dip comes together in minutes and is made with just 5 ingredients that you may already keep on hand. Enjoy it with potato chips, veggies and more!
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Yes, this is a copycat version of the classic Lipton onion dip. You know...the one where you mix together an envelope of onion soup mix and a container of sour cream, pull out a bag of potato chips and snack away!
Well, if you're a fan of that dip, then you'll love this version too. You don't need any soup mix to make it, it's just as quick and easy to put together, and it's every bit as thick, creamy and delicious as the original.
This recipe came about one day when I had a serious craving for some onion dip with my chips but had no onion soup mix in the pantry.
I had seen lots of recipes for homemade onion soup mix over the years, and so I mixed the sour cream with some of those ingredients that I already had on hand: dried minced onions, onion powder, roasted beef base and a little salt.
The flavor was spot-on. And now this is how I always make onion dip...because why buy a packet of soup mix when I already have all of the ingredients I need to make a dip that tastes the same?
This yummy sour cream and onion dip is always a hit at parties, picnics, game-day gatherings, and more. It's also great just for anytime snacking and is so much better than any store-bought dip I've ever tried!
Ingredients You Need
Note: Ingredient amounts are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Sour cream - I use and recommend full-fat sour cream because I think it has the best flavor and creaminess; you can use low-fat if you prefer
- Dried minced onions - for that great onion flavor; find them among the spices at the grocery store
- Onion powder - amps up the onion flavor even more
- Roasted beef base - for a hint of that savory/umami flavor; I use and recommend Better Than Bouillon (not sponsored)
- Salt - if needed
- Chopped fresh chives - optional; for garnish (not pictured)
How to Make Creamy Onion Dip
Note: This is just a brief overview of the steps. For the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, please go to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Place the sour cream, dried minced onions, onion powder, and roasted beef base, in a large bowl.
Mix until well combined. Taste and add salt, if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the onions to soften and the flavors to blend. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- If you'll be serving this dip with potato chips, taste it with a chip before you add any salt. Depending on the saltiness of the chips, you may not need to add any salt or you may only need to add a little (the beef base adds some saltiness as well).
- Don't skip the step of letting the dip chill out in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before you serve it. Those onions need time to soften up, and the flavor is so much better once the ingredients have had time to meld together. It really does make a difference.
- In fact, I think it gets better if you let it sit in the fridge even longer. I often make this dip the day before I plan to serve it.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of any ingredient to suit your own personal tastes.
Substitutions & Variations
- You can use beef bouillon powder instead of the roasted beef base; the flavor may be a little different. I think bouillon powder is stronger and more salty, so I would suggest starting with less than a teaspoon and then adding more if you think it needs it.
- If you don't have any beef base or bouillon, you could try adding a small amount of soy sauce (maybe ½ to 1 teaspoon or so) to give the dip some of that savory/umami flavor. Worcestershire sauce is another option.
- Try using plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Add some garlic powder if you like the flavor of garlic and onions together.
- To make the classic Lipton onion dip, omit the dried minced onions, onion powder, roasted beef base, and salt, and use one envelope of onion soup mix instead.
Storage
Store creamy onion dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you see a little bit of liquid on the top, just give it a quick stir before serving.
This dip is not freezable because sour cream separates and becomes unappetizingly grainy when frozen and thawed.
Serving Suggestions
For me, hands down, potato chips are the best partner for this dip. I recommend getting thicker wavy-cut chips, as they are a bit sturdier and less likely to break when dipping. I've also used pretzels and various types of crackers as dippers.
For a healthier alternative, offer up some fresh veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower...all delicious.
I hope you try this Creamy Onion Dip recipe and love it as much as I do. Thanks for visiting today!
More Dip Recipes To Try
If you make this recipe, I'd love to know how it went. Please leave a star rating and comment below. Thanks!
📋Recipe
Creamy Onion Dip (No Soup Mix!)
Ingredients
- 16 ounces sour cream, I use full-fat sour cream
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon roasted beef base, I use and recommend Better Than Bouillon
- salt, to taste (if needed)
- chopped fresh chives, optional (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, dried minced onions, onion powder, and roasted beef base until very well combined. Taste and add salt if needed.If you will be serving this dip with potato chips, I suggest tasting the dip with a chip. Depending on the saltiness of your chips, you may not need to add any salt or you may only need a small amount. I usually need to add about ¼ teaspoon.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the onions to soften and the flavors to blend.Don't skip this step; it really does make a difference!
- Give the dip a quick final stir right before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh chives. Enjoy!
Notes
- Serve with potato chips (I recommend using thicker wavy chips that are sturdier and will be less likely to break when dipping), fresh veggies, pretzels, crackers, and more!
- Feel free to adjust the amount of any ingredient to suit your own personal tastes.
- I think the dip gets even better if you let it sit in the fridge a bit longer, so I often make this the day before I plan to serve it.
- Please refer to the post for additional information and tips, step-by-step photos, substitutions and variations, storage information, and serving suggestions.
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