My homemade Smoked Caramelized Onion Dip needs no packaged mixes and is one of my favorite crowd-pleasers. Sweet, smoky caramelized onions combined with roasted garlic make this dip irresistible—you’ll be hunting for things to dip before you know it.
Traeger Smoked Caramelized Onion Dip
I love a good dip, and I love homemade even more—especially when it doesn’t rely on packaged seasoning. This dip balances sweet, smoky caramelized onions with mellow roasted garlic and creamy base ingredients for a deep, layered flavor. The onions add sweetness and texture while the smoked garlic brings a rich, rounded savoriness.
A note on timing: the dip itself is quick to assemble, but making smoked caramelized onions and smoked roasted garlic takes time and patience. Both components are largely hands-off, and they can be prepared ahead of time. I often make the onions and garlic a day or two in advance so the flavors have time to deepen.
Check out all of my Traeger Recipes!
Recipe Shopping List
Gather the basics first. For exact amounts, see the recipe card below.
- Vidalia or Walla Walla sweet onions (or another sweet onion)
- Garlic (for roasted or confit garlic)
- Sour cream
- Cream cheese
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Get more appetizer ideas with my Appetizer Recipes!
How To Make This Recipe
Below is a simple overview of the process. The full recipe card at the end includes ingredient amounts and final instructions.
- Prepare the onions and garlic – Caramelize and smoke the onions, and roast or confit the garlic. Both take time but require little active attention. You can make them ahead.
- Mix – Combine sour cream, cream cheese, smoked onions, and smoked garlic. Make sure those smoky components have cooled to room temperature before mixing so the dairy doesn’t separate.
- Chill – Let the dip rest in the refrigerator so the flavors meld. Overnight is ideal, but a few hours will still yield a tasty result.
- Serve – Offer with pita chips, crackers, sliced vegetables, or use as a sandwich spread. It also makes a great accompaniment to grilled meats or as a creamy pasta topper if you want to go bold.
Recipe FAQ
Because the dip is not heated, low-fat sour cream or light mayonnaise can be used without drastically changing the texture. Flavor may be slightly different, so taste as you go and adjust seasonings. I haven’t tested every combination, so results can vary depending on the specific products you choose.
A buttery, slightly salty cracker complements the sweet and smoky profile nicely—think buttery round crackers or any crisp, lightly salted option. Fresh vegetables or toasted pita are also excellent choices.
More Recipes
Finish the spread with a few more appetizers, a main, and a dessert. Below are a few favorites from the collection.
Appetizers
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Smoked Deviled Eggs
- Bean Dip
- Cheesy Artichoke Dip
Mains
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta
- Traeger Cowboy Ribeye
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
- Pork Tenderloin
- Honey Garlic Salmon
Dessert
- Traeger Apple Cake
- Mocha Mousse
- No-bake Raspberry Fluff Pie
Smoked Caramelized Onion Dip
Smoked caramelized onions and roasted garlic blended into a creamy, flavorful dip that works for parties, game day, or a simple snack. It’s a great make-ahead option so the flavors can deepen.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes (not including time to caramelize onions and roast garlic)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces sour cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup smoked caramelized onions
- 1 teaspoon smoked roasted or confit garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Dash of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl and stir until smooth.
- Fold in the smoked caramelized onions and smoked roasted garlic. Mix until evenly combined. Ensure the onions and garlic are not hot so the mixture stays creamy.
- Season with salt, onion powder, and a dash of pepper. Adjust to taste.
- Cover and chill for 3–4 hours to let the flavors meld; overnight is best for deeper flavor.
- Serve chilled with crackers, pita, or vegetables.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 109 • Total Fat: 10g • Saturated Fat: 6g • Cholesterol: 30mg • Sodium: 163mg • Carbohydrates: 3g • Protein: 2g
Nutrition data is an estimate.