Boy, this week has been rainy and cool here! Seems like a lot of places around the country are experiencing that same weather pattern. Maybe that explains why I’m in the mood for a good ol’ dose of chips & dip?
Now, I’m generally not a chip & dip gal, but when I get the craving, this combo is the only one that hits the spot for me. Hot or cold, a good homemade onion dip is easy to make and tastes WAY better than store bought. Go ahead, give these a try. I think you’ll agree. Besides, with all the summer holiday’s, picinics and BBQ’s around the corner, these recipes are just in time for all those get togethers.
Hot Baked Onion Dip
1 cup raw onion, chopped
1 4 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano, grated
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions: Combine all the ingredients together. Taste and adjust according to your preference. Place everything in a baking dish. Bake in a 350 degree pre-heated oven until the top is golden brown, about 30-50 minutes. Serve warm, with salt and pepper flavored kettle chips or sweet potato chips.
Option: Chop 4 large onions. Melt 1-2 tablespoons butter in a pan large enough for all the onions. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and heat. Next, add the onions and cook on medium-low heat until they caramelize. Add these in place of the raw onions for an extra savory dip!
Cool n’ Creamy Onion Dip 
2 cups finely chopped onions
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup regular or light sour cream
salt and pepper, to taste
Directions: Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion; cook over medium heat stirring often, 3 minutes, or until barely tender. Stir in paprika. Combine onion mixture and sour cream in medium bowl. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 10 servings or 1-2/3 cups. Great with other veggies, chips, or crispy breads.
Fun serving idea! Serve your dip in an onion. Here’s how: Cut off top third of large red onion. Trim small edge off root end to make flat support. Peel onion. Scoop out inner layers, leaving outer two layers intact. Spoon dip into hollow onion.
