1. Caramelize the Onions

Start by preparing the onions. Peel and slice the onions thinly, ensuring they are uniform in size to allow even cooking. This will help them caramelize more consistently. Place the sliced onions in a large slow cooker.

Drizzle the olive oil over the onions and toss them to coat evenly. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and the black pepper. The salt will help draw out moisture from the onions, which is key to the caramelization process.

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and turned golden brown. If you’re short on time, you can set the slow cooker to high and cook for 1.5-2 hours. The slow-cooking process will allow the onions to become tender and sweet, making them the base of the flavorful dip.

After the onions are fully caramelized, add the teaspoon of sugar to enhance their natural sweetness. Stir to combine and let the onions cook for another 10-15 minutes to develop their deep, caramelized flavor.

2. Combine the Cream Cheese and Sour Cream

While the onions are caramelizing, prepare the creamy base of the dip. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or a spatula. This will make it easier to combine with the other ingredients later.

Add the sour cream to the cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated. This mixture will form the creamy, tangy foundation of the dip.

3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Once the onions are done caramelizing, add the shredded cheddar cheese and shredded Gruyère cheese to the cream cheese and sour cream mixture. The melted cheese will give the dip its rich, gooey texture.

Next, add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture. These ingredients provide an extra layer of savory, umami flavors that complement the sweetness of the caramelized onions.

Stir the ingredients together until the cheese is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

4. Combine the Caramelized Onions with the Creamy Mixture

Once the onions are done caramelizing, carefully add them to the cream cheese mixture. Stir the onions in gently, ensuring that the onions are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base. The caramelized onions will add their sweet, savory flavor to the dip, creating a delicious contrast with the creamy cheese.

5. Cook the Dip

Transfer the onion and cream cheese mixture back into the slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low for another 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the dip to fully heat through and the cheeses to melt together. Stir occasionally to make sure everything is well combined and heated evenly.

The dip should become creamy and smooth, with the caramelized onions evenly incorporated into the mixture. Once the dip is hot and bubbly, it’s ready to serve.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Slow-Cooker Caramelized Onion Dip hot with an assortment of dipping options. This dip is perfect with tortilla chips, pita chips, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also pair it with pretzels, crackers, or even use it as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.

Garnish the dip with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for added flavor and visual appeal. The fresh herbs will provide a burst of color and a fragrant note that complements the caramelized onions beautifully.