Get ready to transform your appetizer game with a mind-blowing dip that combines the rich, sweet depth of caramelized onions, juicy meatballs, and a creamy, melted cheese base that will make your taste buds dance! This Hot Caramelized Onion Meatball Dip isn't just another party snack - it's a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering, a family get-together, or just craving something irresistibly delicious, this recipe is about to become your new culinary superstar.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Thinly slice 2 cups of onions and chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. Measure out the olive oil, ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the skillet.
- Cook the onions for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown. If the onions begin to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water to deglaze.
- While the onions are caramelizing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped parsley. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Add the caramelized onions to the meat mixture and combine everything well.
- Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the dip base. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the cream cheese and mozzarella mixture evenly on the bottom. Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the cheese mixture.
- Place the dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Once done, remove the Hot Caramelized Onion Meatball Dip from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with your choice of crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy your delicious dip!
Tips
- Caramelization is Key: Take your time when cooking the onions. Low and slow is the secret to achieving those deep, golden-brown, sweet caramelized onions that will elevate the entire dish.
- Meat Mixture Matters: When mixing the ground beef, don't overwork the meat. Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Size Consistency: Try to make your meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cheese Tip: For extra flavor, consider using a blend of cheeses like adding some sharp cheddar to the mozzarella and cream cheese mixture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and bubbling for the most impressive presentation and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs and caramelize the onions in advance to save time on the day of serving.
- Dipping Variety: Offer a range of dipping options like toasted baguette slices, crispy crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks to complement the rich dip.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
