Your favorite dried onion dip that comes in the envelope at the grocery store can be made right at home – and it’s healthier! This French Onion Dip Mix recipe is a breeze to make. It takes just 2 minutes to put together, the dried mix stores for a good couple of months, you can make several batches in advance to conveniently have on hand, and it makes cute gifts too!
Just as I’ve admitted in the past that I like boxed Rice a Roni, I’ll also admit that I like the Lipton onion dip mix stuff.  You know, the stuff in the envelope that can be used to make soup or dip? I’ve never used it to make soup but as a dip it tastes pretty darn good.  Tear open the envelope, pour the contents into a bowl of sour cream, stir, refrigerate for 30 minutes, pull out a bag of your favorite potato chips, sit back and munch away. It has been an American classic for over 70 years.
That said, I only very rarely eat it because I try to avoid pre-packaged food items in general. And so I developed a copycat version of it. The inclusion of the beef broth granules means it’s not 100% from-scratch, but it’s still a healthier alternative to the store-bought dip mix. So here is my copycat Lipton onion dip mix recipe you can throw together in just 2 minutes and I think you’ll love the results. AND it also makes a cute gift idea all wrapped up with a ribbon and a card with preparation instructions!
This dried onion dip mix recipe is the equivalent of one envelope of the store-bought stuff and can be stored in an airtight jar for a good couple of months. When you’re ready to make it, simply stir into one 16 ounce container of sour cream, chill for at least 30 minutes, and serve! You can make a few batches in advance to keep on hand.
Ways to Jazz It Up
If you’d like to amplify the flavor of this French onion dip mix try adding some fresh herbs like chives and/or parsley, a few drops of Worcestershires sauce for a dose of umami, or swap out some of the sour cream with cream cheese or creme fraiche for added richness. For a tangier flavor profile you can also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt. Like a little heat? Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
Can This Be Made Ahead?
Absolutely and it tastes much better the next day! This dried onion dip mix can be made prepared as much as 3-4 days in advance. Give it a stir before serving.
What To Serve with French Onion Dip
French onion dip is a delicious and creamy dip that pairs well with a variety of snacks. Here are some popular options to serve alongside French onion dip:
- Potato Chips
- Vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, sugar snap peas, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Breadsticks, Cheese Straws or Toasted Pita Wedges
- Dipping Bread or Bread Bowls – hollow out a bread loaf and fill it with the French onion dip or serve it alongside chunks of bread for dipping.
French Onion Dip Mix Recipe
Let’s get started!
To make the French onion dip mix, combine everything but the sour cream in a small bowl.
Add the dip mix to the sour cream in a medium-sized bowl.
Stir to thoroughly combine and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, before using.
Give it another stir before serving.
This can be made 3-4 days in advance and will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Serve it with potato chips, pita chips, crackers, pretzels, breadsticks, or veggies.
Enjoy!
For more delicious dips and spread be sure to try our:
- Neiman Marcus Dip
- Pimento Cheese
- Indian Red Lentil Dip
- Black Olive Tapenade
- Smoked Salmon Spread
- Queso Fundido
- Chicken Liver PateÂ
- Obatzda
- Hummus
- Baba Ganoush
- Peach Bacon Jam

French Onion Dip Mix (Copycat)
Ingredients
- For the French Onion Dip Mix:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons beef bouillon powder
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onions
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- To Serve:
- 16 ounces sour cream
Instructions
- Combine the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl or or jar. If not using immediately, store it in an airtight jar. Will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to use, place the sour cream in a medium-sized bowl and stir in the dip mix. Let it refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, before using. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Will keep for up to a week. Serve with potato chips, crackers, breadsticks, pita chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.Makes about 2 cups of prepared dip.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet June 22, 2015
Patricia says
Hello Kimberly, the link for “msg-free beef broth granules” didn’t work; pls re-post the brand, or other brands, that you recommend. Thanks very much!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Hi Patricia, sadly most brands are filled with so much junk that even if they are msg-free it’s hard to recommend them. Herbox has a msg-free bouillon that has slightly less junk than a lot of others.
Venancia Herrick says
I am excited to try this onion recipe. My son asked me to make the Lipton one. Not my favorite as it is salty. I will let you know how it turns out.
Abby says
This makes amazing dip! So happy I found your recipe! I made only one change, I halved the amount of beef bouillon due to the sodium content in the brand I use (I have CHF and am limited on daily sodium intake.) I think it’s perfect this way, more and it may be too strong a beefy flavor for my taste, again for the brand I use. Bookmarked! Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Abby, thank you!
Hetty Moore says
I am thrilled to find this recipe..I just posted above but I also just made the mix/dip. I did add a little bit of chili powder just for a little more flavor maybe..not hot..I have been all over Austin,TX looking for Lipton mix and now i can just make it at home!!!!!yy
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Fantastic, Hetty, thank you!
Hetty Moore says
I cannot find this mix from Lipton ANYWHERE so it is great to have this..thanks so much
Kim LeBouton says
Thanks for this recipe. Because I didn’t want to run to the store, I substituted the following: Lawry’s Seasoned Salt for Onion Powder; Beef Better than Bouillon (refrigerated jar); and plain yogurt for sour cream. Tasted great.
Lisa says
I’m desperately looking for the Beatrice French onion chip dip recipe, where I live the stores don’t sell it anymore. I’m certainly going to try your recipe with the hope it comes close. But if anyone knows that recipe from the Beatrice company I would be ever so grateful.
Greg says
Lisa, I’m in the same boat. Have you found anything close?
Craig Snapp says
Kimberly this is truly a wonderful recipe. I grew up with Lipton onion dip ever since it came to market. My parents always made it for really any occasion, with salty ruffles potato chips yum. I dehydrate and jar onions, especially when the vidalia’s come to season. I used some of my smoked dried onion in this recipe and perfection. My daughter would be sad if I didn’t have onion dip for all occasions and she loved this. One thing I’ve never seen anyone talk about using onion dip for is baked potatoes!! It’s fantastic, with some cheese and bacon..and I will be making a version with dried green onions…Mmmmm… you should try it if you haven’t. Cheers to your site and wonderful recipes, I will be scowering for more yummy gems here.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Wonderful, Craig, I’m glad you enjoyed it, thank you! That’s fantastic that you dehydrate your own onions, I’ve no doubt that makes such a huge difference in the flavor. Baked potatoes – you betcha! Thanks again for the feedback, Craig, and I look forward to “seeing you” around.
Lucinda says
Going to make this tonight or soon as I go to the store I dont beef granule only knorrs beef cubes
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Great, Lucinda, please let us know what you think! You may be able to smash up and pulverize the cubes, worth a try anyway if it saves you a trip to the store.