Mmmm, Mmmm Monday: Caramelized Onion Dip and Queso

I have been drooling over the Caramelized Onion Dip since Kelly shared it, so I decided to make it for our tailgate party over the weekend.  It was love at first taste!

Caramelized Onion Dip
2 large yellow onions
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Cut the onions in half and then slice them into 1/8-inch-thick half-rounds. (Yielding about 3 cups of onions)
Heat the oil and the butter in a large sauté pan over medium high heat (it works better to NOT use a non-stick pan). Add the onions, cayenne, salt and pepper and sauté for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low and continue to cook for 40 more minutes, stirring occasionally (but not too often-the onions should start to stick to the pan) until the onions are browned and caramelized.  Add the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar and continue to cook for about 10 more minutes.  The onions will turn dark because of the Balsamic Vinegar.  Allow the onions to cool.Combine the cream cheese, sour cream and the mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth. Add the onions into the cream cheese mixture. Stir to combine.  Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to combine.  Serve at room temperature with potato chips.  I used Kettle Chips and it was YUMMY!


I also made queso for our football party, because, well, football and queso just go together!!!  So in honor, I thought I would share my recipe.  It is super simple, but it is always popular with the crowd!

Queso
Large block of Velveeta
1 can of Chili (no beans)
1 can of Tamales
1 can of Rotel


Cut Velveeta into small pieces and put into a large microwavable bowl.  Add Chili.  Mash Tamales and add to cheese mixture.  Add Rotel.  Microwave until cheese is melted and serve with your favorite dipping chips.  I think it is exceptionally good with homemade tortilla chips.  But it is yummy with Tostitos Scoops or Fritos!