Description
This rich and savory Beer Braised Onion & Cheddar Dip is packed with caramelized onions, melted cheddar, and a hint of beer for a deep, complex flavor. Perfect for game day, gatherings, or a cozy night in, serve it with crispy pretzel roll toasts for the ultimate cheesy appetizer!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Dip:
- Olive oil, as needed
- 5 large sweet onions, thinly sliced (about 3 lbs)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 (12 oz) bottle beer (your favorite)
- 1 bunch thyme sprigs, tied with kitchen twine
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 lb shredded cheddar cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper
For the Pretzel Roll Toasts:
- 1/2 lb pretzel rolls, sliced 1/4” thick
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat the bottom with olive oil.
- Add the onions and salt. Cook, stirring often, for about 15 minutes until golden.
- Pour in the beer and add the thyme bundle. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 45 minutes until deeply caramelized and beer is reduced.
- Remove thyme and let onions cool for 20 minutes.
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Make the Dip:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and cayenne.
- Fold in caramelized onions and shredded cheddar.
- Transfer to a greased 9” cast-iron skillet. Bake for 15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
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Prepare the Pretzel Roll Toasts:
- Arrange pretzel slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until crisp.
-
Serve:
- Let dip cool for 5 minutes, then stir before serving.
- Garnish with extra thyme leaves and black pepper.
- Serve warm with pretzel roll toasts for dipping.
Notes
- Try different cheeses like Gruyère or smoked gouda for a twist.
- Use a malty or hoppy beer depending on your flavor preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of the dip
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg