When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip
December is here and the holiday party season has officially begun. This time of year, the parties come in all sorts of flavors. There’s the classic office party in the conference room down the hall. OR, if you’re lucky, at the local favorite lunch spot. The cocktail party with heavy appetizers at a friend’s house is a personal favorite—mainly because it could go festive and dressy or casual with lots of wine. Either way, it’s fun to get together with the people you love to spend time with. Though I admit the parties have changed as the years have gone by.

When I was in my twenties, live bands, high heels, martinis, and girly dresses were the standard. As was getting home in the wee early hours. My 30s were the family-friendly years and involved a lot of cookie exchanges or mid-afternoon get-togethers because we were all exhausted and in bed by 9. Then came the themed parties of my forties that could be anything from a tequila tasting, to a Cajun Christmas feast, to gathering around the fire for S’mores.

As I approach my fifties, I have come to realize that the get-togethers I enjoy the most are the ones when everyone brings something sweet or savory for the crowd and we spend the time just talking and enjoying each other’s company. We may or may not be wearing stretchy pants. These are the events that, to me, require something hot and cheesy. Though honestly, when is anything hot and cheesy a bad idea?

Hot dips are the water cooler of potlucks. They are always a hit and tend to be where guests gather to catch up. I am a big fan of anything with spinach or artichokes, be they spicy or not. But, at times you want something different.

This recipe for French Onion Soup Dip is for those of you who are fans of French onion soup. I like it not so much for the soup but for the cheesy crouton on top… Hence, this dip. Serve it with toasted baguette slices or crackers…

French Onion Soup Dip Recipe
Yields approximately 5 cups

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups very thinly sliced sweet onions or yellow onions
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp hot sauce, or to taste (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350º F.

Sauté the onions
Heat a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and onions. Sauté until the onions are deep golden brown, but not burned.

Mix the dip
Stir the mayonnaise, gruyere, Parmesan, thyme, garlic, and hot sauce together in a casserole dish. Add the sautéed onions. Taste and add the salt and pepper, if needed.

Bake the dip
Bake your dip in the preheated oven until the edges are golden brown (about 30 to 35 minutes).

To serve
Allow the French Onion Soup Dip to cool for ten minutes before serving.