This caramelized shallot dip is a savory, slightly sweet spread that works equally well as a party appetizer or a sandwich topper. Serve it with potato chips, corn chips, pita crisps, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing game day snack.
Unlike traditional onion dip, this recipe uses shallots for a milder, more refined flavor. Shallots have a softer texture and a subtle garlic note that elevates the dip and gives it a complex, rounded taste.
Rich and savory with a touch of sweetness from slowly caramelized shallots, this dip is versatile — perfect next to chips at a casual BBQ or served with a sliced baguette for a more elegant starter. It also pairs nicely with chicken sandwiches or spicy chicken dishes.
Table of Contents
- Best Shallot Dip
- Ingredients
- How to Make
- What to Serve with Caramelized Shallot Dip
- Substitutions
- Storage Information
- Appetizer Dips
- Caramelized Shallot Dip Recipe
Best Shallot Dip
Inspired by French onion dip but lighter, this version reduces heavy mayonnaise and cream cheese by incorporating whipped cottage cheese. The result is creamy and decadent without feeling overly rich. Why try it?
- Higher protein: Cottage cheese adds protein, making the dip more satisfying.
- Weight-conscious: If you follow Weight Watchers, this recipe calculates to a modest point value for a reasonable serving.
- Better flavor: Shallots bring a subtler, mildly garlicky flavor that many prefer to raw onion.
- Diet-friendly: This recipe is gluten-free and suitable for some elimination diets that avoid fermented dairy.
This caramelized shallot dip is a simple but special recipe — a favorite that surprises people who expect a standard onion dip.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese – Use a brand without added gums for the best texture. If you dislike curds, pulse the cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth before using.
- Cream cheese – Room temperature full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese works; choose a brand you like for flavor and texture.
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and body. An egg-free aquafaba mayonnaise can be used if needed.
- Shallots – Look for medium to large shallots, peeled and sliced thin for even caramelization.
- Spices – Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne give balanced seasoning and a gentle heat.
How to Make
The caramelized shallots provide the dip’s deep, buttery flavor. Cook them slowly so they become jammy and sweet — rushing this step reduces the final depth of flavor.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced shallots with salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking another 10–15 minutes until golden brown and jammy. Let cool for 5 minutes and drain any excess oil if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mayonnaise until smooth and combined.
- Fold in the cooled caramelized shallots. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
What to Serve with Caramelized Shallot Dip
Great dipping options include:
- Plain potato chips
- Corn chips
- Pita chips or toasted baguette slices
- Water crackers or gluten-free sea-salt crackers
- Vegetables: celery, carrots, radish, jicama
- Cauliflower-based pretzels for a lighter, grain-free option
Substitutions
- Cottage cheese: Whip it smooth if texture bothers you, or substitute sour cream if tolerated.
- Mayonnaise: You can increase the cottage cheese and omit mayo if preferred.
- Butter: Use olive oil for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Storage Information
Store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Freezing is not recommended because the creamy ingredients can separate and change texture when thawed.
Appetizer Dips
If you enjoy this shallot dip, try other creamy party dips like spinach-artichoke dip, artichoke hummus, or a cheesy queso. A cottage cheese dip with roasted garlic is a similar lighter option.
Appetizers
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
Gluten Free
Artichoke Hummus
Appetizers
Mozzarella Queso Dip
Seafood
Cream Cheese Crab Dip
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Caramelized Shallot Dip
Ingredients
- 6 or about 2 cups sliced medium to large shallots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 4oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/3 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Slice shallots about 1/8 inch thick; halve large rings if needed. In a large pan, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add sliced shallots with salt, cayenne, and pepper and sauté about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook another 10–15 minutes until brown and caramelized, watching carefully so they don’t burn. Cool 5 minutes and drain excess oil if present.
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In a separate bowl, whisk cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mayonnaise until smooth. Add the shallot mixture and stir to combine. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled with chips or vegetables.
Notes
- Use block-style cream cheese for the best texture when mixing.
- If cottage cheese curds bother you, pulse the cottage cheese until smooth before combining.
- If you want extra garlic flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder after the dip has rested so the flavors meld.
- Remove the dip from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before serving so it softens and is easy to dip.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
This post was originally published in February 2018 and updated in December 2021 with new photos and recipe tips.
