Creamy Sour Cream & Onion Dip Recipe for Parties

Last Updated May 21st, 2023 at 11:53 pm by Lisa

Onion Dip (also called California Dip or Sour Cream Dip) is one of the simplest, most satisfying party dips — only two ingredients and ready in minutes. Serve it with a big bowl of your favorite potato chips and an assortment of fresh-cut vegetables.

This beloved American party dip is known for its savory onion flavor and ease of preparation. It’s a nostalgic classic rather than an elaborate recipe, but since people always ask how to make it, here’s the straightforward method.

That glass chip bowl set in the photos belonged to my parents — a wedding gift from 1960. I treasure it and it brings back memories of enjoying this dip in Southern California during the 1970s.

Sour Cream Homemade Dip Recipe

Our family always loved this sour cream onion dip. My mom served it at Super Bowl parties and other gatherings — she favored Knudsen sour cream because of a family connection, but any full-fat sour cream works well.

Her favorite way to present this onion chip dip was simply with a bag of plain Lay’s potato chips and celery sticks. Minimal ingredients, maximum comfort.

• 1 package Lipton onion recipe soup and dip mix
• 2 cups sour cream (Knudsen or your preferred brand)

Combine the sour cream and the soup mix in a bowl and stir until smooth. That’s it. You can make it a day ahead — it actually develops more flavor after a few hours — and simply stir it again before serving.

Sour Cream: Choose full-fat sour cream for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.

Onion Soup Mix: A standard dry onion soup mix or one labeled French onion soup mix will both work fine.

California Dip History

According to accounts from the mid-20th century, shortly after Lipton introduced its dry onion soup mix in the early 1950s, someone in Southern California mixed a packet of the dry soup into a pint of sour cream and created a savory, creamy dip. The idea spread through newspapers and home columns, and by the end of the 1950s it had become a staple at informal gatherings — perfect for patio entertaining and casual get-togethers.

More Dips For Parties

Here are a few other easy, crowd-pleasing dips to consider for gatherings. Great party dips use fresh ingredients and are simple to prepare.

• Cocktail or New Year’s Eve parties: Include a few hot appetizers to start the spread.
• Game days: Easy, shareable dips are perfect for Super Bowl and other sports-watching parties.
• Holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings often call for doubling favorite dip recipes.
• Birthdays and graduations: Crowd-friendly dips keep guests happy and fed.
• Cinco de Mayo: Spicy, melty dips with jalapeño or chiles work beautifully.
• Halloween: Hearty dips are great for cooler fall weather and hungry crowds.

Some of my go-to party dips include Jalapeño Popper Dip and a caramelized French Onion Dip made with real onions and finished with fresh chives. For Mexican-inspired options try a quick tomatillo salsa, avocado salsa, or authentic guacamole with a touch of grated onion and fresh lime.

For dessert, a caramel apple dip pairs crisp green apples with salted caramel and crushed candy bars — an easy, nostalgic option for fall potlucks.

For a fun Halloween appetizer, consider a themed tombstone dip served with crackers. If you want a fresh salsa, tomatillo salsa comes together quickly with chiles, tomatillos, onion, tomato, garlic and salt. For a classic crowd-pleaser, try authentic guacamole with lime, grated onion, chopped tomato and a dash of hot sauce.

Vegetable platters with a Green Goddess or ranch-style dip make for an attractive and healthy option — try serving crudités in individual cups or a colorful vegetable “bowl” for an eye-catching relish tray.