Description
Hearty “beer braised onion & cheddar dip” delivers rich, complex flavors straight from rustic kitchen traditions. Creamy cheese and caramelized onions meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each indulgent bite of this irresistible party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 large sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 3 pounds/1.36 kilograms)
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 (12 ounces/354 milliliters) bottle beer
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- Olive oil, as needed
- 1 bunch thyme sprigs, tied with kitchen twine
Pretzel Roll Toasts Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) pretzel rolls, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Transform whole onions into golden delicacies by heating a Dutch oven with olive oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce salt and onions, continuously stirring for approximately 15 minutes until achieving a rich amber hue.
- Infuse the caramelizing onions with beer and a fragrant thyme bundle. Reduce heat to medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer and concentrate flavors for 45 minutes until deeply mahogany and liquid significantly reduces.
- Extract the thyme sprig and permit onions to cool for 20 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and stabilize.
- Preheat oven to 400°F, preparing for the dip’s final transformation.
- Craft a creamy base by whisking mayonnaise with sharp Dijon mustard and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat.
- Gently fold the cooled caramelized onions and sharp cheddar into the mustard mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Transfer the luxurious mixture into a greased cast-iron skillet, ensuring even distribution.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges bubble with anticipation.
- While the dip roasts, prepare crispy accompaniments by arranging pretzel roll slices on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with salt.
- Toast pretzel slices for 10 minutes until achieving a satisfying crunch.
- After removing the dip, allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then stir to redistribute the melted ingredients.
- Garnish with delicate thyme leaves and a generous crack of black pepper.
- Serve the warm, bubbling dip alongside the crisp pretzel toasts, inviting eager dippers to indulge.
Notes
- Perfectly caramelize onions by maintaining consistent medium heat and stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Use dark beer like stout or porter for deeper, richer flavor complexity in the onion base.
- Select sharp aged cheddar for maximum tangy flavor punch that melts smoothly into creamy dip.
- Customize dip by experimenting with alternative cheese options like Gruyère or smoked Gouda for different taste profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg