Directions
- 1Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2Add butter and olive oil. Let butter melt gently.
- 3Add sliced onions and salt. Stir to coat evenly.
- 4Reduce heat to medium-low.
- 5Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring every 3–4 minutes.
- 6After 15 minutes, add black pepper and optional sugar.
- 7Continue cooking until onions are deeply golden, soft, and jam-like.
- 8Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 9In a large mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese.
- 10Beat until smooth and lump-free.
- 11Add sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix until silky.
- 12Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella.
- 13Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- 14Fold in chopped green onions.
- 15Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions.
- 16Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 17Transfer mixture into an oven-safe jar, baking dish, or skillet.
- 18Smooth the top with a spatula.
- 19Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar over the top.
- 20Add crispy fried onions evenly on top.
- 21Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until edges are bubbling, top is golden, and cheese is fully melted.
- 22For an extra golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (watch carefully so it doesn’t burn).
- 23Let dip rest 5–7 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia preferred), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps deepen sweetness)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne (optional heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 0.5 cup crispy fried onions
- 0.25 cup extra shredded cheddar for broiling
- Extra green onions
- Fresh cracked pepper
Equipment
large skilletlarge mixing bowloven-safe jarbaking dishskilletspatula
Tips
- Do NOT rush with high heat when caramelizing onions.
- If onions brown too fast, lower heat immediately.
- Slow cooking creates sweetness naturally.
- Use sweet onions for authentic Tennessee-style flavor.
- Freshly shred cheese (pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly).
- Let onions fully caramelize — that’s the secret.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper savory flavor.
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