While scrolling through a slog of posts in my Instagram feed, my thumb paused on one in particular, which Ina Garten shared with her 1.3 million Instagram followers (myself included): her go-to Super Bowl dip. It’s simple, it’s elegant, it’s Ina. It’s Pan-Fried Onion Dip.
She presents the aforementioned dish with casual gusto (and a hint of confidence): “People tell me that my Pan-Fried Onion Dip is so addicting that they’ve made it for a party, eaten the WHOLE thing before the party started, and had to make it again! LOL!!” Garten serves the chive speckled dip amongst a flurry of ridged potato chips, waiting—begging—to be dipped into the creamy centerpiece. A dog named Winkie stares wistfully with desire? Or is it anticipation?
Like any good Instagrammer, Garten threw that link in her bio. Which I, of course, clicked. I found that the recipe is actually pretty simple. Extremely simple. Garten’s trick is making sure the onions get caramelized well before being folded into the dip. It also calls for "good mayonnaise," which left me feeling both stumped and excited. Otherwise, it’s just a blend, plate, and serve kind of deal. So get to it, do like Ina, and wow your guests with her signature onion dip. I don’t think you’ll regret it.
Have you got a go-to dip you can't stop serving? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Valerio is a freelance food writer, editor, researcher and cook. He grew up in his parent's Italian restaurants covered in pizza flour and drinking a Shirley Temple a day. Since, he's worked as a cheesemonger in New York City and a paella instructor in Barcelona. He now lives in Berlin, Germany where he's most likely to be found eating shawarma.
See what other Food52 readers are saying.