A single bite is a creamy dose of nostalgia.
Throughout my childhood, every single family gathering featured two key items on the snack table: a basket of potato chips (ideally Ruffles) and a bowl of onion dip.
But we didn't worry about slicing and caramelizing onions and whipping them with crème fraîche. Instead, our onion dip consisted of a container of sour cream and a packet of Lipton onion soup mix.
My sisters and I used to get pretty competitive about who made the "best" onion dip (the right sour cream-to-soup mix ratio is essential), but no matter what, this creamy and slightly salty dip with just enough allium flavor and umami was an unquestionable crowd pleaser.
Onion soup dip has a long history in the United States, and home cooks and professional chefs alike still vouch for it as an easy and deeply flavorful treat for game day parties, cookouts, and casual gatherings of all kinds. We chatted with a group of pro chefs from all over the country to find out what makes onion soup dip special, why it has enjoyed so much longevity, and which quick and simple steps you can take to amp this dip's flavors up even farther.
"The old-school Lipton Onion Dip has been a classic for over 70 years. It has stood the test of time generationally as [it's] simply irresistible," says Dale Ford, executive chef of Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Roseland, Va.
The appeal of onion soup dip rests heavily on its simplicity. To make it, you really only need sour cream and dried onion soup dip mix (Lipton is generally preferred, but other brands can be swapped in).
Scoop the sour cream into a bowl, pour in the soup mix, give it a good stir, and you've got yourself a flavorful and beyond-easy party treat. From there, you can feel free to play around with add-ons and mix-ins.
"This classic two-ingredient recipe is consistent and has the balance of sour, salt, umami, and, lastly, mouth feel. When you start with the consistent great base of a two-ingredient recipe, it allows one to create and expand. I love using it, eating it, and serving it," Ford assures.
The long-standing popularity of Lipton's onion dip has a lot to do with pure nostalgia.
"Many people are reminded of their parents and even grandparents making it at home. It's also pretty much a staple at most backyard barbecues and sporting events. The fact that it's so easy to make yet very tasty is what always makes it a crowd favorite," explains Mark Alba, executive chef of Hartley Kitchen & Cocktails in Atlanta.
According to Chef Travis Milton of Hickory in Bristol, Va., onion soup dip provided an early introduction to the cheffy concept of "umami."
"To be honest, I think Lipton Onion Dip may have-unknowingly at the time-been my first experience with umami. I think the flavor punch of the mix, combined with the ease, accessibility, and malleability, has really made it stand the test of time. Being able to throw out a quick palate-punchy dip from a packet is a pretty special thing when it comes to entertaining-or, in my case, dipping Triscuits in while watching Ted Lasso on the couch."
My family never saw any need to "upgrade" onion soup dip; as Lauren McDuffie, author of Smoke, Roots, Mountain, Harvest, says, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You really can't beat a two-minute, two-ingredient recipe. You get a lot of flavor with minimal effort and without having to spend a lot of money, so it makes sense that this stuff would stand the test of time."
But if you're determined to put your own stamp on an iconic party dip, our consulted chefs do have some very easy and no-cook suggestions that allow onion soup dip to maintain its integrity while still adding a bit of pizazz:
If you want a tangier base for your onion dip, consider replacing the classic sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. "A high-quality Greek yogurt instead of sour cream will add a more unique flavor profile and give you some additional options when choosing organic and probiotic preferences," says Josh Champion, chef/owner of Take It Personal Chef Service in Florida.
The combination of sour cream and onion soup mix provides plenty of flavor-related intrigue, but a hint of freshness can do a lot to liven up the dip. That's why Kyle Jones, head chef at Craft Wood Fired Catering, likes to "add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, to give it a burst of freshness and brightness."
Onion soup mix offers a hearty dose of umami on its own, but if you want to amplify that flavor characteristic, Mark Alba told us that "a couple of drops of Worcestershire sauce [can be added for] for a subtle meaty, smoky element."
To bring more richness to the dip, Dale Ford recommends "whipping a little cream cheese and adding it to the classic recipe. This slight adjustment [boosts] the rich, indulgent consistency. You can even buy whipped cream cheese in the grocery store if you don't have the time to whip your own."
Related: 20 Appetizer Recipes You Can Make With Cream Cheese
While these chefs (and this writer) all feel that onion soup dip is already perfect as a chip dip or a sliced-veggie accoutrement, Lauren McDuffie told us that "one of the most beloved 'secret' recipes of mine is my 'French Onion Potato Salad,' which essentially uses Lipton onion dip as the dressing for a big batch of crispy roasted potatoes. When you add some shaved celery and scallions to the mix, it becomes this incredibly delicious-yet-different take on a simple potato salad. So, by simply changing the way you wield it, using [onion soup dip] instead as a dressing for roasted potatoes, you can totally transform both the onion dip itself and a basic potato salad, all while keeping things easy and affordable."
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