Super Bowl Sunday calls for an epic spread, and this Blue Cheese Burger and Caramelized Onion Dip is a guaranteed touchdown. Forget the same old snacks; this recipe takes a classic burger combination and transforms it into an irresistible, shareable dip that will have everyone cheering. This is more than just a dip; it’s an experience, a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the excitement of the game. This recipe draws inspiration from The Kitchn’s caramelized onion guide, ensuring you get the perfect sweet and savory base for this incredible dip.
Why This Blue Cheese Burger Dip Is a Game-Day Winner
This isn’t your average buffalo chicken dip (though that’s great too!). This recipe brings a unique twist with a focus on beef, blue cheese, and sweet caramelized onions. The result is a rich, savory, and slightly tangy dip that’s perfect with sturdy chips, pretzels, or even vegetables.
- Burger Flavors, Elevated: It captures all the best flavors of a gourmet blue cheese burger in a convenient, dippable form.
- Crowd-Pleasing: It’s easy to make ahead and serve at room temperature, making it perfect for parties.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste. Not a fan of blue cheese? Substitute with cheddar or gruyere. Want a kick? Add some hot sauce.
- Unexpected: This dip will become a conversation starter at your Super Bowl party.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Blue Cheese Burger Dip
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dip:
For the Dip:
- 1 lb ground beef (high-quality ground beef is best for flavor)
- 1 cup caramelized onions (recipe follows)
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled (for topping)
- 4 slices bacon, divided (2 for the mix, 2 for topping)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 onions, sliced (yellow or sweet onions work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, but enhances the sweetness)
For the Blue Cheese Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups blue cheese, gorgonzola, or your favorite blue cheese variety (gorgonzola adds a creamy texture)
- 1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp buttermilk
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 clove of garlic, minced or grated
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blue Cheese Burger Dip Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create a dip that will have everyone raving:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- Add butter and olive oil to a large skillet. When the skillet is hot, add the sliced onions.
- Stir to coat evenly with the butter and oil.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for at least 1 hour, or until the onions are deeply browned and caramelized. This is a low and slow process.
- After about 20 minutes, the onions will start to break down and become translucent. Add salt and sugar (if using).
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the onions are a rich, dark brown color.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of water (or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile) to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. As recommended in the tips at bonappetit.com, be sure to avoid common mistakes when caramelizing onions.
- Set aside. Two medium-large onions should yield about 1 cup of caramelized onions.
2. Make the Blue Cheese Sauce:
- Combine all the blue cheese sauce ingredients in a bowl: softened cream cheese, blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, mustard powder, buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy with a slight blue tinge.
3. Cook the Ground Beef and Bacon:
- Cook the bacon first until crispy. Set aside to cool.
- Once cooled, chop 2 slices and add them to the blue cheese sauce (optional, but highly recommended!).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Drain off any excess fat using a mesh strainer.
4. Combine and Season:
- Add the cooked ground beef to the blue cheese sauce.
- Mix well to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Assemble the Dip:
- In an 8 1/2 x 9 inch baking dish (or similar size), spread the beef and blue cheese sauce mixture evenly.
- Top with the caramelized onions, creating a nice even layer.
- Crumble the remaining 2 slices of bacon and sprinkle them over the onions.
- Top with the crumbled blue cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot with pita chips, tortilla chips, unsalted pretzels, bagel chips, or vegetables.
Tips and Variations for Your Blue Cheese Burger Dip
- Make it Ahead: Prepare the caramelized onions and blue cheese sauce a day in advance to save time.
- Spice it Up: Add 1/2 cup of Frank’s RedHot sauce to the blue cheese sauce for a buffalo blue cheese burger dip.
- Cheese Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or a combination of cheeses.
- Add Some Crunch: Top with crushed potato chips or French-fried onions for extra texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
Make Your Super Bowl Party a Success
This Blue Cheese Burger and Caramelized Onion Dip is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate your Super Bowl party to the next level. Get ready for the cheers!
