Knapp Dip – An onion dip of sorts

The Knapp Family Holiday Dip That’s Been Stealing the Show for 60+ Years

The holidays are a time for traditions, laughter, and of course, incredible food. In our household, one simple but very important dip is always expected and or requested. It is my husband’s family’s legendary onion dip. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through the Knapp family for more than 60 years, and it’s always gobbled down with sturdy pretzel sticks. It was early on in our marriage when I was told this was to be at major family gatherings and definitely present over the holidays. At first I was reluctant. Now I’m leading the charge….

This isn’t just any dip; it’s a combination of flavors you have to experience to understand and once you have some – you too will be hooked. It’s tangy (Chutney), it’s oniony (just 1/2 of a grated Tbl…), it’s spicy (horseradish), it’s creamy (cream cheese), and it’s got a hit of umami (Worcestershire) and it’s all rolled into one. The flavors somehow manages to be both comforting and exciting. The combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy notes is utterly addictive. Notice the giant tub of cream cheese I got from Costco – to last from Thanksgiving through to Christmas ?

• Creamy base: Rich cream cheese forms the foundation, creating a smooth and luscious texture.
• Onion’s bite: Grated onions add a subtle sharpness and the pop of onion flavor you expect.
• Horseradish kick: A pinch of horseradish provides that signature zing, waking up your taste buds.
• Dijon’s depth: A dash of Dijon mustard adds a touch of sophistication and complexity.
• Worcestershire’s umami: A splash of Worcestershire sauce brings a savory depth that ties all the flavors together.
• Chutney’s sweetness: Strained chutney introduces a hint of sweetness and fruitiness, creating a perfect balance.

The real magic, though, lies in how effortlessly this dip comes together. It’s the perfect recipe for busy holiday hosts because it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The hardest part of this is setting out the cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing.

This dip has become more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished part of our holiday traditions. It’s a reminder of the warmth and love that fills the Knapp family gatherings, and it’s a taste of the past that we’re thrilled to share with our own friends and family.

A funny little story… the first time I was going to make it I went off to the grocery in search of this ingredient called chutney. I’d never used it before, my mom had never purchased it before, and I didn’t even know where to look at the grocery store. I couldn’t find “plain” chutney anywhere. After about 30 minutes (or so) of looking for Chutney I finally found Mango Chutney. I had about given up and called David. He laughed and said, yep – mango chutney IS chutney. There’s no such thing as “plain” chutney. hahaha. OK. Great – I’d found the Mango Chutney…

The other family memory is from Dave’s mom. She remembers her Mom making the dip for parties when she was small. And Mrs. Lampert (O.G.) says the most important part is the straining of the Major Greys Chutney. There was discussion about the one time an Uncle – I want to say Uncle David – forgot to strain the chutney. He was barred from dip duty after that…

Mind you – I don’t think I’ve ever found or seen the brand Major Grey’s – I’m just happy when I find Mango Chutney. Add in a bit of googling (just now) and I find out that Major Grey’s is a “style” of Chutney – not a brand. 🤦🏼‍♀️ haha who knew ? No wonder I never found it…. Anyway –

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a delicious appetizer, give this Knapp family dip a try. You won’t be disappointed! (And you’ll know to buy the Mango Chutney….and the sturdy stick pretzels…)

What are your favorite holiday dip recipes? Share them in the comments below!

Knapp Dip – An onion dip of sorts

Knapp Dip is an onion-y dip with savory, spicy, and umami hints woven through on a base of cream cheese.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 111 kcal

Equipment

• Strainer

Ingredients

  

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• 8 oz Cream Cheese – I often use low fat Cream Cheese
• 2 Tbl Mango Chutney – Strained — Only the "liquid"
• ½ – 1 Tbl Onion – Grated – Start on the lower end….
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
• ½ tsp Horseradish

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Instructions

 

• Set out the cream cheese to soften – so that dip ingredients are easily combined.
• Strain the Chutney – you only want the liquid. I usually put the chutney into the smallest strainer and then stir, stir, stir. Then collect 2 Tbl of the juice. Discard the solids.
  
• Grate some onion — see Note below.
  
• Mix everything in a medium sized bowl.
  
• Refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld.
  
• Eat with thick pretzels.
  

Notes

You’ll be surprised (I expect) as to how quickly an onion disappears when you grate it. Use the larger of the box grater holes as shown.  You need less than a full Tbl of onion grated to go into the mix.  Trust me on this.  Start with 1/2 Tbl and smell and taste.  Add more at your discretion.  

(My first go at the Knapp Dip – I used the smallest box grater side – and all I got was basically onion juice with onion fragments.  That’s not ideal. )

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 382IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.1mg

Keyword Chutney, Cream Cheese, Horseradish, Onion

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