Hey there! Let’s talk about this cozy little dip…
You know those recipes that feel fancy but are secretly so easy? That’s this dip.
Sweet, golden caramelized onions meet creamy cottage cheese and a little fresh thyme—it’s simple, savory, and seriously addicting.
I’ve made this for family gatherings, casual snacks, and once, for lunch with crackers when I didn’t feel like making anything else.
It’s a warm hug in dip form.
Perfect with crunchy veggies, pita chips, or spread on a sandwich.
And you won’t believe how easy it is. Let’s dive in.
🍽️ Makes: 6 servings
⏱️ Total Time: 35 minutes
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
I fell in love with this recipe on a rainy Sunday afternoon when I was trying to use up some leftover cottage cheese. I didn’t expect it to be this good—but it turned into one of my favorite comfort foods. Here’s why I love it:
- Sweet, rich caramelized onions bring that deep, cozy flavor
- Cottage cheese makes it creamy but light and full of protein
- Fresh thyme brightens it up perfectly
- Comes together with pantry staples and a little time
- Super versatile—you can dip, spread, or eat it straight off a spoon (no judgment!)
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Caramelization magic: Slowly cooking onions breaks down their natural sugars, creating that golden-brown sweetness.
- Cottage cheese creaminess: Blending cottage cheese smooths its curds, creating a creamy base without needing cream cheese.
- Thyme’s essential oils: Fresh thyme releases bright, herbal flavors that balance the sweetness of the onions.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing the onions: If you cook onions too fast, they’ll burn, not caramelize. Low and slow is the way.
- Not draining the cottage cheese: Too much liquid makes the dip watery. Drain it first.
- Over-blending: You want creamy, but still a little texture. Don’t puree it into oblivion.
🛒 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)
🔧 Tools Needed
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Medium stainless steel skillet
- Silicone spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring spoons
- Small serving bowl
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt or ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a different texture.
- Swap thyme for rosemary or chives.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Stir in a little Parmesan for an extra savory kick.
- Make it vegan with dairy-free cottage cheese and plant butter.
🕑 Make-Ahead Tips
- Caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Blend the full dip up to a day ahead—just give it a good stir before serving.
📝 Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and kosher salt. Stir gently and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are golden brown and soft.
Step 2: Add the Thyme
Stir in the fresh thyme leaves during the last 2 minutes of cooking so they soften and release their oils. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 3: Blend the Base
In a food processor or blender, add the drained cottage cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice (if using). Blend until smooth but still creamy—not completely liquid.
Step 4: Fold in the Onions
Scoop the blended cottage cheese mixture into a mixing bowl. Fold in the caramelized onions and thyme, leaving a little to swirl on top.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with the reserved onions and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. Serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.
🔥 Pro Tips
- Use a mix of butter and oil for the best caramelization and flavor.
- Drain the cottage cheese well to avoid a runny dip.
- Let the onions cool slightly before adding to the dip so they don’t melt the cottage cheese.
- Blend just until creamy—you want some texture.
- Double the batch. This goes fast!
🥣 What to Serve With
- Crunchy pita chips
- Fresh cucumber slices and bell peppers
- Crostini or toasted bread
- Pretzel chips
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
A: Yep, but full-fat is creamier and more satisfying.
Q: How long does this dip last?
A: About 4-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this without a blender?
A: Sure—use a whisk or immersion blender. It’ll be a little chunkier but still great.
Q: Can I caramelize the onions ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Keep them in the fridge for a few days until you’re ready to mix.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving again. The flavors deepen after a day or two, making leftovers extra tasty.
🍽️ Macros (Per Serving – Approximate):
Calories: 120
Protein: 7g
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
🌟 Ready to Try It?
I’d love to hear how it turns out when you make this Caramelized Onion Thyme Cottage Cheese Dip. Drop a comment below to share your thoughts or ask any questions. And hey, tag me if you share a photo—I’d love to see your version!