Smoked Gouda & Onion Dip (Print view)

Warm, creamy blend of smoked Gouda, tangy sour cream, and golden caramelized onions, baked until bubbly and topped with fresh chives.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dairy

01 - 1½ cups smoked Gouda cheese, grated
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1 cup sour cream

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

→ Seasonings & Flavorings

07 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
08 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
10 - ½ tsp salt
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ For Serving

12 - Tortilla chips or assorted fresh vegetables

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F.
02 - In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
03 - Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent and starting to caramelize.
04 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes more, taking care not to burn. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
06 - Add the grated smoked Gouda, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined.
07 - Fold in the sautéed onions and garlic, plus 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, mixing well.
08 - Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish and spread evenly.
09 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot, bubbling, and golden on top.
10 - Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
11 - Garnish with additional chives if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips or fresh-cut vegetables.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The smoked Gouda melts into creamy, smoky pockets that make every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.
  • Caramelized onions bring a natural sweetness that cuts through the richness and keeps you reaching for more.
  • It bakes up bubbly and golden, looking impressive even though the prep is mostly just stirring things together.
  • You can make it a day ahead and pop it in the oven when guests arrive, which has saved me more than once.
02 -
  • Let the cream cheese sit out for at least 30 minutes before mixing; cold cream cheese creates stubborn lumps that never quite disappear.
  • Don't rush the onions; low and slow caramelization makes all the difference between bland and deeply flavorful.
  • If the dip looks too thick before baking, stir in a tablespoon of milk to loosen it; it will firm up again in the oven.
03 -
  • Grate the Gouda yourself instead of buying pre-shredded; it melts smoother and tastes fresher without the anti-caking agents.
  • If the top isn't golden enough after baking, switch the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely so it doesn't burn.
  • Leftover dip reheats beautifully in the microwave or a low oven, and it's excellent stirred into scrambled eggs the next morning.
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