This Caramelized Shallot Dip is the perfect savory dip for parties or a spread on sandwiches. Pair with potato chips, corn chips, or veggies (if you must) for the best game day appetizer.
Inspired by my love of french onion dip, I wanted something that was a little lighter - not so heavy on the mayonnaise and cream cheese. This recipe lightens up the calories a bit by using whipped cottage cheese - don't make that face! I swear, you can't even tell and it actually makes the flavor extra decadent. Here are a few reasons you should try it.
- Cottage cheese contains a large amount of protein, so this is a great appetizer if it's all you can eat at a party.
- The flavor is a lot better using cottage cheese instead of yogurt, which is much more tangy. This has a deeper cheesy flavor.
- If you happen to be a Weight Watchers fan, this recipe is approximately 6 points total for about ½ cup serving - which is great for a dip!
- I prefer the flavor of shallots to onions because they're a bit softer and have a garlic element to them.
- This recipe is gluten free and migraine diet friendly, which most onion dips are not!
This caramelized shallot dip is one of those trust me, just try it recipes...or read the reviews. It's this is a hidden gem on my website.
Ingredients
Cottage Cheese - Daisy brand is my go to because it does not contain added gums or live active cultures. It's got a great flavor and whips up nicely. In a pinch, I'll use the small Trader Joe's brand, but avoid their larger ones. If you HATE the texture, try whipping it in a food processor till smooth before mixing it in
Cream Cheese - Full fat or reduced fat will work here, just choose a brand without carrageenan. I like Philadelphia, Publix Greenwise or Organic Valley just to name a few.
Mayonnaise - For this recipe, I used Sir Kensington's organic. Homemade mayo would also work well here. If you're egg free, try this aquafaba mayo.
Shallots - Try to find large shallots, which are much less effort than having to peel and cut a bunch of small ones. Peel the skins and slice thin.
Spices - I like to add a pinch of cayenne here to give it a very mild kick!
How to Make It
The key to the deep flavor is caramelized shallots, which take a while to cook down. You don't want to rush them! This is how they get buttery and sweet.
- Start by melting butter or olive oil over medium heat in a large pan, then add shallots. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring often, then reduce the heat to medium low and cook another 10-15 minutes until jammy and brown. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir together cottage cheese, mayo, and cream cheese.
- Stir in the caramelized shallots until fully combined. Taste and adjust any seasonings, add cayenne if using.
What to Serve for Dipping
Here are some options for dipping into this shallot dip!
- Plain potato chips
- Carr's water crackers
- Corn chips
- Pita chips
- From the Ground Up Cauliflower Pretzels
- Crunchmasters Sea Salt Crackers (gluten free)
- Celery
- Carrots
- Radish
- Jicama
And don't miss the links to these pantry staples if you're having trouble locating specific items.
Other Appetizer Dips
For more dip recipes, check out these posts.
If you make any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And please leave a review below!
Caramelized Shallot Dip
Ingredients
- 6 or about 2 cups sliced medium to large shallots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 4oz cream cheese at room temperature
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cottage cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice shallots about ⅛ inch thick rings and if yours are particularly large, cut the rings in half. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced shallots to the pan with salt, cayenne, and pepper and sauté about 10 minutes, stirring frequently with a wood spoon. Turn heat down to low and cook another 10-15 minutes until brown and caramelized, watching closely to make sure it does not burn. Cool for 5 minutes. If there's a lot of excess oil leftover, drain it.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream cheese, cottage cheese, and mayo. Add shallot mixture and stir till combined. Serve at room temperature, or slightly chilled. Serve with carrots, celery, and pita crisps.
Notes
- For cream cheese I used Organic Valley or plain Philadelphia in the block form.
- For cottage cheese I use Daisy brand without live active cultures.
- I find the shallots already have a strong garlic flavor, but if you think it needs more you can add ¼ tsp. garlic powder. Wait for the flavors to combine a bit before you do.
- Take out of the fridge at least 20-30 minutes before serving so the dip softens, otherwise it will be too hard to dip.
Nutrition
This post was published February 4, 2018 and updated on December 10, 2021 to include new pictures and recipe tips. Previous picture below.
If sour cream preferred, will it be the same 1/4 c. measurement as the cottage cheese?
Yep its the same sub!
I love dips, and this hit the spot!
We love this dip!!! It’s a favorite in our house
I have made this twice in last two weeks because it is so good! Even my husband loves it! It is my awesome on the Crunch master sea salt crackers.