Sourdough Onion Dip Bowl (Printable Version)

A creamy onion dip nestled inside a hollow sourdough loaf, ideal for parties and casual get-togethers.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 1 large round sourdough loaf, approximately 1 pound

→ Onion Dip

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 large yellow onions, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar
08 - 1 cup sour cream
09 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
10 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
13 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, optional

→ For Serving

15 - Reserved bread cubes from the loaf
16 - Fresh vegetables such as carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber slices, optional
17 - Crackers, optional

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Slice the top off the sourdough loaf and carefully hollow out the center, leaving a 1-inch thick shell. Cut the removed bread into bite-sized cubes for dipping.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, chives, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika if using. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
04 - Fold the caramelized onions and garlic into the cream mixture. Adjust seasoning to taste.
05 - Spoon the onion dip into the hollowed bread bowl. Place the filled bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until warmed through.
06 - Garnish with extra chives and serve immediately with bread cubes, vegetables, and crackers for dipping.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The bread bowl itself becomes edible—no separate serving dish needed, just pure convenience meeting elegance.
  • Caramelized onions transform into something so rich and golden that even people who claim not to like onions find themselves coming back for more.
  • You can make the dip a full day ahead, so the only kitchen work left is a quick bake right before guests arrive.
02 -
  • Don't rush the onion caramelization—I learned this by setting a timer for 10 minutes and stirring constantly, only to end up with soft onions instead of sweet, jammy ones; the low heat and patience are where the magic lives.
  • Soften your cream cheese ahead of time by leaving it on the counter for 30 minutes, or you'll end up with grainy dip instead of silky smooth.
03 -
  • If your bread bowl leaks during baking, you've hollowed it too thin—save the dip and serve it in a regular bowl next time, using the bread as dippers.
  • The dip tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together, so don't hesitate to make it early if that's easier for you.
Go Back