golden creamy onion sauce warming gently in a pan, glossy and thick with visible steam rising

Cottage Cheese Caramelized Onion Dijon Sauce

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By Millie Pham

This sauce is cozy, savory, and full of flavor. You’ve got sweet, jammy caramelized onions paired with tangy Dijon and creamy cottage cheese. It tastes fancy but comes together with simple ingredients. Once blended, it’s silky and rich—like French onion dip got a gourmet upgrade.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this sauce after caramelizing way too many onions for dinner (not that that’s ever a bad thing). I had cottage cheese in the fridge and decided to blend it all together with a little Dijon. The result? Absolute magic. It’s creamy and savory with a subtle sweetness and a tangy kick.

Here’s why this one always hits:

  • 🧅 Sweet + savory balance from caramelized onions
  • 🧀 Cottage cheese gives it protein and creaminess without heavy cream
  • ⏱️ Perfect for meal prep—keeps well and reheats beautifully
  • 🥄 Works on everything: meat, veggies, grains, toast
  • 🧄 Tastes like you cooked all day (but it’s easy)

⏱️ Time & Servings

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4 (makes about 1¼ cups)

📊 Macros (per ¼ cup serving)

  • Calories: 116
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 3g

🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

  • Slow-cooked onions develop natural sugars, giving the sauce a deep, sweet flavor.
  • Cottage cheese creates a thick, creamy texture without needing cream or butter.
  • Dijon mustard brightens the sauce with acidity and bite, balancing the richness.
  • Blending while warm helps everything emulsify into a silky smooth sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelize)
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp water or broth (to thin, if needed)

How to Make Cottage Cheese Caramelized Onion Dijon Sauce

1. Slice the Onion Thin

Slice 1 large yellow onion into thin strips.

 thin yellow onion slices on a wooden cutting board, translucent and freshly cut

2. Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions, salt, and sugar. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden brown.

 onions cooking in olive oil, turning soft and golden brown with caramelized edges.

3. Blend With Cottage Cheese and Dijon

Transfer warm caramelized onions to a blender. Add cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Blend until creamy.

caramelized onions, cottage cheese, and Dijon mustard inside a blender cup before blending,

4. Add Water to Thin, If Needed

If the sauce is too thick, blend in a splash of water or broth until pourable.

blended sauce with a spoonful of water being added mid-blend, thick creamy texture swirling with slight golden color.

5. Reheat Gently (Optional)

Pour the sauce back into a skillet and warm over low heat for 1–2 minutes before serving.

golden creamy onion sauce warming gently in a pan, glossy and thick with visible steam rising

🍽️ What to Serve With

This sauce is chef’s kiss with:

  • 🥩 Grilled steak or pork chops
  • 🍗 Roast chicken or turkey
  • 🥔 Mashed or roasted potatoes
  • 🍞 Slathered on toast or sandwiches
  • 🍚 Mixed into quinoa or farro bowls

🧾 Meal Plan Ideas

  • Monday: Drizzle over grilled chicken and roasted carrots
  • Tuesday: Mix into lentils and serve with sautéed greens
  • Wednesday: Spread on a sandwich with roast beef or mushrooms
  • Thursday: Use as sauce for pan-seared tofu and rice
  • Friday: Toss with whole wheat pasta and steamed broccoli

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Rushing the onions: Don’t crank the heat—low and slow is key to true caramelization
  • Blending too cold: Warm onions help cottage cheese blend smoother
  • Too much Dijon: 1 tbsp is perfect for tang without overpowering
  • Forgetting to scrape down the blender: Helps make the sauce silky and even

❓ FAQ

Can I use red onions instead?
Sure! They’ll be slightly sweeter and darker in color.

Is this sauce strong in mustard flavor?
Nope—it’s balanced and mellow, not sharp.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try with dairy-free cottage cheese or plain vegan yogurt, but results may vary.

How long does it last in the fridge?
About 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently.

Can I freeze it?
Not recommended—cottage cheese may separate. Best fresh or refrigerated.

✨ Enjoy!

This Cottage Cheese Caramelized Onion Dijon Sauce is cozy, savory, and packed with flavor. Spoon it, spread it, or stir it into your next bowl—you really can’t go wrong with this one. 🧅✨🧄

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