Throughout my childhood, every family gathering had two key items on the snack table: a basket of chips (ideally Ruffles) and a bowl of onion dip.

But we didn’t bother slicing and caramelizing the onions and whisking them with sour cream OUR onion dip consisted of a container of sour cream and a packet of Lipton onion soup mix.

Why Homemade Onion Dip is the Best Party Idea

My sisters and I were pretty competitive over who made the “best” onion dip (the right ratio of sour cream to soup is key), but regardless, this creamy, lightly salty dip with just the right amount It’s got allium flavor and umami that was definitely a crowd pleaser.

Onion soup dip has a long history in the United States, and home cooks and professional chefs still consider it an easy, deeply flavorful treat for game parties, restaurant meals, and get-togethers informal of all kinds. We spoke with a group of professional chefs from across the country to find out what makes onion soup dip special, why it’s enjoyed so much longevity, and what quick and easy steps you can take to amp up the benefits even more. flavors of this dip.

What exactly is onion soup dip?

“Old Fashioned Lipton Onion Dip has been a classic for over 70 years. It has stood the test of time over generations because it is simply irresistible,” says Dale Ford, Executive Chef of Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Roseland, Virginia.

What you need

Much of the appeal of onion soup dip lies in its simplicity. To achieve this, you actually just need sour cream And dried onion soup dip mix (Lipton is generally preferred, but other brands may be interchanged).

How to do it

1. Pour sour cream into a bowl.
2. Pour in the soup mix, stir well and you have a tasty and beyond easy party treat. From there, you can freely play with add-ons and mix-ins.

“This classic two-ingredient recipe is consistent and has a balance of acid, salt, umami and, finally, mouthfeel. When you start with the great, consistent base of a two-ingredient recipe, it allows you to create and develop I love using it, eating it and serving it,” assures Ford.

Why has this dip remained popular for so long?

The long-standing popularity of Lipton’s onion dip has a lot to do with pure nostalgia.

“Many people remember their parents and even grandparents making it at home. It’s also a staple at most backyard barbecues and sporting events. The fact that it’s so easy easy to prepare and yet very tasty is what always makes it a crowd favorite,” says Mark Alba, Executive Chef of Hartley Cuisine and Cocktails in Atlanta.

According to Chef Travis Milton of Hickory In Bristol, Virginia, French onion soup dip was an early introduction to the cheffy concept of “umami.”

“To be honest, I think Lipton Onion Dip may have been, unknowingly at the time, my first experience with umami. I think the punchy flavor of the blend, combined with the ease, accessibility and malleability, has really made it stand the test of time Being able to throw a quick, impactful dip from a pack is a pretty special thing when it comes to entertaining. in my case, dipping Triscuits in it while watching. Ted Lasso on the sofa.

5 Easy Ways to Jazz Up This Classic

My family never saw the need to “improve” onion soup dip; as Lauren McDuffie, author of Smoke, Roots, Mountain, Harvest, says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” There’s really nothing better than a two-minute recipe with two ingredients. You get lots of flavor with minimal effort and without having to spend a lot of money, so it makes sense that this product stands the test of time. »

But if you’re determined to put your own stamp on an iconic holiday dip, our consulted chefs have some very simple, no-cook suggestions that allow French onion soup dip to maintain its integrity while adding a little flavor. spicy:

Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt

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 additional options when choosing organic and probiotic preferences,” says Josh Champion, chef/owner of Take It Personal Chef Service in Florida.

Add fresh herbs

The combination of sour cream and onion soup mix offers plenty of flavor intrigue, but a hint of freshness can go a long way to liven up the dip. That’s why Kyle Jones, head chef at Artisanal catering over a wood firelikes to “add fresh herbs like chives, parsley, to give it a burst of freshness and vibrancy.”

Stir in a few drops of Worcestershire sauce

The onion soup mix alone offers a healthy dose of umami, but if you want to amp up that signature flavor, Mark Alba told us that “a few drops of Worcestershire sauce (can be added for) for a subtle meaty and smoky element.

Add cream cheese to sour cream

To add more richness to the dip, Dale Ford recommends “whisking a small cream cheese and adding it to the classic recipe. This slight adjustment (reinforces) the rich and delicious consistency. You can even buy whipped cream cheese at the grocery store if you don’t have time to whip your own. »

Use the dip as a salad dressing

While these chefs (and this writer) all think onion soup dip is already perfect as a chip dip or as an accompaniment to sliced ​​vegetables, Lauren McDuffie told us that “one of my ‘secret’ recipes » the most popular is my “French onion”. Potato Salad,” which basically uses Lipton’s onion dip as a dressing for a big batch of crispy roasted potatoes. When you add chopped celery and green onions to the mix, you get this incredibly delicious and different take on a simple potato salad. So by simply changing how you use it, using (onion soup dip) as a dressing for roasted potatoes instead, you can totally transform both onion dip and Even and a basic potato salad, while keeping things easy and affordable.