Appetizer #16 - Sweet Caramelized Onion Dip

 The Year of Appetizers

Appetizer #16 - Sweet Caramelized Onion Dip

Published in 2009, the Hungry Girl 200 under 200  - 200 recipes under 200 calories, has lots of tasty healthier than normal recipes. While this is the first recipe I've made from this cookbook, I liked it so much, that I definitely want to try more. Full disclosure, I did not make a lower calorie version of this recipe. I used regular sour cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese, so that's what I'll show in the recipe. YOU can obviously use fat-free cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream for the lower calorie version. This dip took a while to make, but it is really good and is so worth it. Make it the day before you want to serve, as it the flavors get all happy together after a few hours. Serve with veggies, chips or crackers.  I had my first serving on cucumber slices. This is one of my favorites in the Year of Appetizers. If you like onions, make this. It's delicious. 

Ingredients:

2 large sweet onions, chopped

6 tbsps cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp softened butter, light butter or buttery spread

1 tsp dijon mustard

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

Melt butter on medium-high heat, add chopped onions and seasonings. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The pile of chopped onions will cook down. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally, until the onion is browned and caramelized. While you're cooking the onion, whisk together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.  Place the bowl in the refrigerator. When the onions are caramelized, add the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar. Cook for five more minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and cool. When onion mixture is cool, remove the cream cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream mixture from the refrigerator and the onions to the bowl. Stir until thoroughly combined. You can serve now or return to the refrigerator for the flavors to get happy. Serve with crackers, thick potato chips or veggies. 

Sweet Caramelized Onion Dip