This classic recipe for California Dip uses just 2 ingredients - sour cream and onion soup mix! It's a vintage recipe that has become a staple at potlucks, parties, and weekend movie nights.
Serve it with chips, crackers, and veggies - OR try a protein-packed version with Greek yogurt!
Jump to:
Like so many retro recipes, the story of California Dip starts with a single anonymous home cook who discovered if you add a package of Lipton onion soup mix to sour cream - you get magic!
In modern days, the recipe is more commonly known as French onion dip, but until the mid 1970's it was exclusively known as California dip. By the year 2000 the original name had all but faded, but the recipe and concept continued to live on.
Word of the new dip spread across Los Angeles, and somewhere along the way the Lipton executives got word of this new Lipton California dip that used their product. It wasn't long before the recipe was printed on every box, where it still lives today (although it's called "classic onion dip" these days).
Why You'll Love It:
- Easy. All you need to do is mix together the ingredients and you're ready to go!
- 2 ingredients. French onion soup mix and sour cream - that's it!
- Versatile. Try different combinations for the base - cream cheese, mayo, whipped salad dressing (AKA Miracle Whip), or even Greek yogurt.
- Always a hit. Any time I bring this to a party I leave with an empty bowl!
Ingredients
- Sour cream: The original Lipton onion soup dip recipe includes sour cream, and is one of the reasons it became so popular! I like to use one with a thick consistency (like Daisy), but you could use a good quality Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Onion soup mix: Lipton makes the original version, but there are a variety of brands that produce a similar product, and generic ones too. I recommend using a low-sodium option, as it can be a bit salty for modern tastes.
Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and the quantities needed.
Instructions
California dip is the original french onion chip dip, and it is SO easy to make! If you want a version that has even more flavor, try my French Onion Dip recipe.
Step one: Add 2 cups (or less) of sour cream and 1 package of onion soup mix to a medium bowl.
Step two: Mix the two ingredients together until well incorporated and smooth.
Serve and Enjoy!
What to Serve with California Dip:
- Plain potato chips
- Tortilla chips
- Celery sticks
- Baby carrots (or carrot chips)
- Sliced radishes
- Crackers
- Pita chips
- Corn chips
- Cucumber
- Sliced bell pepper
- Broccoli or cauliflower
Top Tip
If you want the best flavor and texture, chill your onion dip in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover dip to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Allow to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best results.
Can I make it ahead of time?
If you have an upcoming party, potluck, or event, you can make the dip up to 24 hours in advance.
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
- Before serving, soften at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with chips, crackers, veggies, or the dippers of your choice.
Expert Tips
- Use less sour cream. If you like a more concentrated flavor, try using a little less sour cream (1 ½ cups, or even as low as 1 cup).
- Opt for low-sodium. Packaged french onion soup mix is generally pretty salty. I recommend using a low-sodium onion soup mix, then you can salt to your taste if needed.
- Enhance the flavor. My go-to recipe for French onion dip includes garlic, onion powder, and chopped green onions. All of these things could be added for a boost of flavor, or you could try other favorites like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or hot sauce.
Substitutions
With Greek yogurt: Substitute the pint of sour cream for 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt. Full fat types have the best texture, but 1%, 2%, or even 0% all work well too. Sometimes using a small amount of Greek yogurt enhances the flavor (1 ½ cups or even 1 cup).
With cream cheese: Beat ½ cup of softened cream cheese, along with 1 ½ cups of sour cream until smooth. Stir in the Lipton onion soup mix and chill for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Gluten-free: Lipton onion soup mix does contain gluten, but many generic brands or alternative brands do not. For a gluten-free onion dip, simply choose a brand that has no gluten containing ingredients.
Variations
- California shrimp dip: To the base recipe add ¼ cup of ketchup and 1 cup of chopped cooked shrimp. Serve with chips or crackers.
- California dill dip: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill and hot sauce to taste.
- Original recipe with garnishes: Once published by Lipton, the recommended garnishes included "crumbled blue cheese, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard cooked eggs." I've also seen versions with an avocado layer in between - a little strange for my taste, but hey, different strokes for different folks!
Must Try Recipe
Do you love easy dip recipes with just a few simple ingredients? Well you need to try my copycat Frito's bean dip recipe! All you need is a can of refried beans, a few jalapeño slices, and some seasoning.
More Party Dip Recipes:
If you loved this recipe for California Dip, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
California Dip
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cream or less*
- 1 package onion soup mix (28g/1oz)
Instructions
- Combine. Add the sour cream to a medium-sized bowl, along with a package of onion soup and dip mix.
- Stir. Mix the ingredients together until completely combined and smooth. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Chill. Optionally, cover the serving bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy. With potato chips, sliced veggies, crackers, etc.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that some of my blog posts here at Dash for Dinner may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Please see my Disclaimer for more information.
Further reading:
- Is French Onion Dip My Family Dish? - Santa Barbara Independent
- The Astronomical Success Story of Lipton Onion Soup Mix - Food52
- American Century Cookbook - Jean Anderson
Leave a Reply