You’re seriously going to want to keep this recipe on repeat. This Caramelized Onion Cottage Cheese Dip is creamy, savory, a little sweet from the onions, and super satisfying. It’s made with simple ingredients, but when they come together? Game changer.
You blend cottage cheese until it’s smooth, then stir in slow-cooked caramelized onions. That’s it. Scoop it with chips, spread it on toast, serve it next to veggies—it’s one of those dips that feels fancy but is honestly so easy to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
I made this dip on a Sunday afternoon just messing around in the kitchen, and it instantly became a favorite. It’s one of those cozy, rich dips you’ll crave over and over.
- Only 5 ingredients (6 if you use the vinegar)
- No mayo or sour cream—just blended cottage cheese
- Loaded with umami flavor from the caramelized onions
- Great for dipping or spreading
- High in protein and super satisfying
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Servings + Time
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Make Caramelized Onion Cottage Cheese Dip
Step 1: Slice and Cook the Onions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 thinly sliced onions, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Add 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon maple syrup at the end and stir.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
While the onions finish, add 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Scrape the blended cottage cheese into a bowl. Let the onions cool slightly, then stir them in, saving a spoonful to garnish the top.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Top with the reserved caramelized onions and serve with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Pro Tips
- Cook your onions low and slow—don’t rush it
- Blending the cottage cheese makes it taste like sour cream
- Add balsamic vinegar right at the end for deeper flavor
- Let the onions cool a bit before mixing them in so the dip doesn’t get watery
- Make it a day ahead—the flavor gets even better
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet
- Blender or food processor
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap red onions for a slightly sweeter flavor
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if you prefer tangier dips
- Add a pinch of thyme or rosemary while cooking onions for a herby twist
- Make it spicy with a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce
Make Ahead Tips
You can make this dip up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. Stir before serving. The flavor actually gets better as it sits!
Macros (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 110
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 6g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese blends into a creamy base because of its high moisture and protein content. The casein proteins stabilize when blended, giving a texture similar to sour cream or ricotta. Caramelizing onions breaks down their natural sugars and deepens the flavor, bringing sweet and savory into balance.
Common Mistakes
- High heat while cooking onions: They’ll burn, not caramelize
- Not blending the cottage cheese long enough: You want it completely smooth
- Adding hot onions to the dip: This can thin out the texture
- Skipping salt: The dip needs it to balance the sweetness of the onions
What to Serve With
- Potato chips (kettle-style is best)
- Toasted baguette slices
- Pita chips or crackers
- Fresh veggies like carrots or cucumber
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but it may taste tangier and be less creamy. Full-fat is best for flavor.
Do I need a blender?
Yes, for that smooth texture. A food processor works too.
Can I freeze it?
No, the texture will get weird when thawed. Store in the fridge only.
How long does it last?
Up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This caramelized onion cottage cheese dip is cozy, simple, and ridiculously good. It’s one of those recipes you’ll always come back to because it’s just that easy and that tasty. Give it a try and let me know how you served it—toast? Chips? Right off the spoon? I wanna hear it!