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This easy Homemade Chip Dip combines sour cream, dried onion, and a few pantry spices to deliver the classic flavor of French onion chip dip, without mayo or a packet of onion soup mix. It takes just 2 minutes to stir together and tastes even better after a short chill.
My grandparents lived down the street from a Lawson's convenience store that sold the very best chip dip. Lawson's is long gone in most places, but this simple homemade version gives me that same creamy, savory French onion flavor whenever the craving strikes.
Homemade Chip Dip at a Glance
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes recommended
- Flavor: Creamy, savory, classic French onion
- Base: Sour cream; no mayo or onion soup mix needed
- Make Ahead: Up to 24 hours
Kristen's Keys for Making Chip Dip
To get that familiar French onion dip flavor using pantry seasonings, there are three little things that make a big difference.
- Use dried onion flakes AND onion powder. The flakes soften as the dip rests and provide little bursts of onion, while onion powder seasons the sour cream evenly throughout.
- Chill it 30 minutes if you can. You can absolutely serve this chip dip immediately, but chilling gives the dried onion time to soften and the flavors time to meld.
- Taste it with a chip before adding more salt. Potato chips bring plenty of salt to the equation, so judge the finished dip with whatever you're actually serving alongside it.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Important Ingredient Notes
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the dip the richest flavor and thickest texture. I prefer one made simply with cultured cream; fat-free sour cream tends to be thinner and less creamy.
- Dried Onion Flakes + Onion Powder: You need both for the rich, deep onion flavor French Onion Chip Dip is known for. Dried onion flakes may also be labeled dried chopped or minced onion.
- Celery Seed: This tiny addition gives the dip an extra savory note that reminds me of classic onion soup mix. You only need a little, but I notice the difference.
How to Make Chip Dip
- Mix. Stir the sour cream, dried onion flakes, and seasonings together until evenly combined.
- Chill, if time permits. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to soften the dried onion and deepen the flavor.
- Serve. Pull out your favorite chips, crackers, or veggies and dip away. Regular potato chips are classic, but I find ridged or wavy chips hold up better to the thick, creamy dip.
Reader Review
I've been trying to find a sour cream dip that I really liked. I've tried several that were just ok. I've officially stopped looking after finding your recipe today. It's full of flavor and exactly what I wanted. Thanks for sharing the recipe! -Terri
Easy Variations
- Shortcut Option: Replace the seasonings with ¼ cup store-bought or homemade dry onion soup mix.
- Greek Yogurt Option: Replace up to half the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. I don't recommend using Greek yogurt as the entire base, as it makes the dip noticeably tangier.
- Dairy-Free: My mom and sister have both made this with dairy-free sour cream and enjoyed it, though I haven't tried it myself.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: I recommend preparing homemade chip dip at least 30 minutes before serving or up to 24 hours in advance.
- Storage: Store leftover chip dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If a little liquid collects on top, that's normal. Drain off any excess, then stir the dip before serving.
- Freezing: I don't recommend freezing this dip because sour cream can separate and become watery after thawing.
More Easy Dips
For game day menus, family game night, or movie nights, chips and dips go hand in hand. Below are a few more additions you may want to add to your spread.
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Easy Homemade Chip Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat sour cream, 1 cup
- 2½ tablespoons dried onion flakes
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- ⅛ teaspoon celery seed
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sour cream with 2½ tablespoons dried onion flakes, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried parsley, ⅛ teaspoon celery seed, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- If time permits, cover the dip and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to deepen.
- After chilling, stir again and taste with what you intend to serve alongside the dip (potato chips, veggie sticks, crackers, etc.). If needed, add additional salt, then serve as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Well now I know what I'm doing with left over sour cream from now on. Though the onion soup mix I got turned it brown.. which takes some getting used to lol.
Try the homemade version--it won't turn your dip brown 😉 But regardless, it is delicious!
I have made this in the past. I would not recommend to serve this immediately as the soup mix has dehydrated onions in it. Let it meld in the fridge for an hour or two for the hard dehydrated onions to absorb some moisture from the sour cream.
What would be rhe shelf life of this dip? If frozen, refrigerated?
I would keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and you can freeze for 3 months, but keep in mind the consistency is not the same when defrosted, so I would not recommend that.
I’ve had this before it’s soo good I would recommend 😋😋
I am so glad you enjoyed Lilly!
So glad I ran out of the packaged stuff and had to find a recipe. This is so much better! I did use two cups of sour cream though (instead of one) and there was plenty of flavor. Thank you!
I am so glad you enjoyed Tamara! We love this recipe!
This looks like a great dip that everyone would love!
I was looking for a simple dip recipe for a party that everybody will love. It was delicious !
I am so glad you found this dip for your party--it is an easy one that is always loved.