Hot Caramelized Sweet Onion & Bacon Dip

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Hot Caramelized Onion and Bacon dip is a must for parties! This cheesy dip is made with bacon, sweet caramelized onions and Parmesan cheese.

For years and years this Caramelized French Onion Dip was my favorite dip. It was my dip of choice for every party. Super Bowl, holiday party, BBQ, you name it, that dip was there. For about 5 minutes anyway, until it was all gobbled up. With it being such a family favorite, why I never thought to make a hot version before now is beyond me. But I will tell you one thing, I am sure glad I did.

In addition to being hot and bubbly, this dip has one thing going for it that Caramelized French Onion Dip doesn’t: bacon. And you guys, the meaty smoky flavor that it adds is the perfect compliment to the sweet caramelized onion flavor. It is dip heaven. 

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it. 

Hot Caramelized Sweet Onion and Bacon Dip Ingredients: 

• BACON: I recommend using thick cut bacon for this recipe. It also saves a step of you cut it into 1 inch pieces before frying. 
• CREAM CHEESE: Cream cheese is the base of this dip. To make things easier to mix, make sure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. 
• SWEET ONION: Sweet onions are milder, sweeter and have a less pungent flavor than regular yellow onions. While yellow onions do get sweeter as you caramelize them, sweet onions are even sweeter and a great addition to this recipe. In a pinch, however, you can use yellow onion. 
• WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE: Adds umami flavor and saltiness. 
• MAYONNAISE: This might seem weird but it is going to give this dip a creamy, rich flavor. Don’t worry you won’t taste the mayo. 
• GRANULATED GARLIC/GARLIC POWDER: I wouldn’t recommend using garlic salt because both the bacon and the Parmesan cheese is salty and you run the risk of it being too salty. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

This dip does take a little bit longer to make than other dips because you need to caramelize the onions. Caramelizing onions takes about 20 – 30 minutes. But believe me, it is totally worth it. 

• STEP #1: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pan drippings. 
• STEP #2: Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are browned and caramelized. This will take about 20 – 30 minutes. 
• STEP #3: Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and bacon together in a bowl. Mix until well combined. 
• STEP #4: Spread dip into a small baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 15 – 20 minutes or until edges are bubbly. Turn on the broiler for 1 – 2 minutes just to brown the top, if desired. Serve with toasted bread slices or crackers. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

Store any leftovers covered and in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 325 degree oven until warmed through. This dip can also be made a day or so in advance. Simply make it to the point of baking then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. 

If you are looking for even more hot, cheesy dips, I have got you covered! Try these: 

• Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Dip with garlic and white cheddar cheese is life changing! This easy dip recipe will make a Brussels sprouts lover out of everyone! 
  Decadent Hot Crab Spinach Artichoke Dip is a must for parties this season! If you love spinach artichoke dip, you will love this version with crab! 
• Pizza Dip is an absolute MUST make for anyone that loves all the cheesy saucy goodness of pizza. Perfect for scooping up with crusty bread, breadsticks or crackers.

Note: Originally published in 2015. Updated in 2025 with new photos, nutrition information and step by step photos.