Description

A rich and creamy cheese dip with caramelized onions and tender apples, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. This indulgent dip balances sweet and savory flavors with sharp cheddar and cream cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apple, peeled and diced into ¼-inch pieces
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, chopped
Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

Caramelize the onions (20-25 minutes): Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and salt, stirring to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onions start to soften. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking, stirring every 3-4 minutes, until the onions turn golden, then deep brown, shrinking significantly. If they start to stick or burn, add a tablespoon of water and scrape the bottom of the pan.
Sauté the apple (3-4 minutes): Once the onions are caramelized, add the diced apple and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the apple softens slightly but still holds its shape. Add the apple cider vinegar and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the cheese base (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar, sour cream, milk, and minced garlic (if using). Mix until well combined. Fold in the cooled onion-apple mixture until evenly distributed.
Assemble and bake (20 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining ¼ cup cheddar cheese. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the dip is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden and melted. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve warm with crusty bread, crackers, pretzels, apple slices, or celery sticks.

Notes

Caramelize onions up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before adding apple. Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting. Room temperature cream cheese is essential to avoid lumps. For a smoky twist, substitute half the cheddar with smoked gouda.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
Calories: 380
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 520
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 16
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 3
Protein: 14

Keywords: caramelized onion dip, apple cheese dip, fall appetizer, cheese dip, cozy dip, party dip