Mini French Onion Dip Cups

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s full of flavor and easy to prep ahead? These French Onion Dip Cups pack all the rich, cheesy, caramelized goodness of classic French onion dip into crispy phyllo shells. Perfect for game days, holiday spreads, or casual get-togethers, they're bite-sized, freezer-friendly, and seriously satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella

• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Gruyère

• 1/2 cup chopped chives

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth

• 4 ounces cream cheese

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• Two 1.9-ounce packages small phyllo shells

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft about 45 minutes.

2. Prepare the cheese mixture:
   While onions cook, mix the mozzarella, Gruyère, and chives in a bowl. Set aside.

3. Season the onions:
   Stir in thyme, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Deglaze and enrich:
   Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits. Remove from heat, then stir in cream cheese and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine filling:
   Add half of the cheese-chive mixture to the onion mixture and stir to combine.

6. Fill the cups:
   Spoon the filling into the phyllo shells. Top each with the remaining cheese-chive mixture.

7. Air fry or bake:

   • Air fryer: Set to 350°F. Cook cups (in batches if needed) for 8–10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and shells are crisp.

   • Oven method: Preheat to 350°F. Place filled cups on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes, or 30–35 minutes if baking from frozen.

8. Cool slightly before serving:
   Let the dip cups rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can fill and freeze the phyllo cups in advance store them in their original packaging or an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. No need to thaw; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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