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Smoked Gouda and Caramelized Onion Dip

smoked gouda caramelized onion dip - featured image

A creamy, smoky dip combining slow-cooked caramelized onions with melted smoked Gouda cheese, served in a crusty bread bowl. Perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large round bread loaf (sourdough or boule), hollowed out for bread bowl

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 2 medium yellow onions. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and stir frequently. Cook slowly for 25-30 minutes until golden brown, soft, and fragrant. Add a splash of water or a pinch of salt if the pan dries out.
  2. While onions cook, shred 8 ounces of smoked Gouda cheese. In a mixing bowl, combine softened 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/2 cup sour cream. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves if using. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Once onions are caramelized and slightly cooled, fold them gently into the cream cheese and sour cream mixture. Stir in shredded smoked Gouda, reserving a small handful for topping. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
  4. Using a serrated bread knife, cut the top off the round loaf about 3-4 inches from the top. Hollow out the inside, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell to hold the dip. Save the removed bread for toasting.
  5. Spoon the dip mixture into the hollowed bread bowl and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved Gouda over the surface. Place the bread bowl on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  6. Remove from oven carefully and serve immediately with toasted bread pieces or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

Cook onions low and slow to avoid burning and achieve deep caramelization. Shred Gouda finely for smooth melting. Use a sturdy crusty bread like sourdough for the bread bowl to prevent sogginess. Optionally add fresh thyme or smoked paprika for extra flavor. Leftover bread can be toasted for dipping or made into croutons.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked gouda dip, caramelized onion dip, bread bowl dip, cozy appetizer, cheesy dip, party dip, comfort food