Mary Kalifatidis Serves Up a Next-Level Onion Dip, Perfect for Summer Picnics and Entertaining

As the cost of living rises, new Australian Onions research reveals one in four (25%) Australians are embracing more picnics or gatherings this summer as a fun and affordable way to stay connected. Dips are a summer entertaining staple, with nearly half (43.5%) of Aussies enjoying them weekly. Australian Onions ambassador Mary Kalifatidis has created a fresh, budget-friendly take on Onion Dip to elevate every table.

Combining her love for delicious home-cooked meals and iconic Australian flavours, Mary Kalifatidis has teamed up with Australian Onions to transform the classic French onion dip with a bold taste of Australian Onions, non-alcoholic beer and cheese. At the heart of this reimagined favourite is the Brown Onion, used first to create a rich, flavorful base that elevates the dish into a true summer entertaining staple.

When it comes to Australia's tastiest dips, Onion Dip leads the charge, loved by half the nation (50%). While crackers (72%) are the ultimate pairing, dips are finding their way to dinner tables too, with Australians increasingly enjoying them alongside burgers and sandwiches (15%) or as a bold addition to tacos and burritos (25%). Fresh vegetable sticks (54%) and tortilla chips (52%) also remain favorites for both snacking and mealtime.

Following the social media buzz that onion recipes are creating, Mary is fusing the nostalgia of the iconic French onion dip with local ingredients; Brown Onions, non-alcoholic beer and cheese. From onion boils to smashburgers and onion dolma, some online onion recipes have over 24 million views. This shows the versatility and complex flavour of onions is making them get their recognition as the star of the moment and the all time hero of dishes.

Mary Kalifatidis, Australian Onions Ambassador and home cook, said: "I love experimenting with home cooking and can't wait for a summer filled with BBQs and picnics. After chatting with the team at Aussie Onions, I learned that nearly half of Aussies consider Onion Dip one of the tastiest dips out there. That's how my new Onion Dip was born - made with Aussie Onions and packed with flavor, it's the perfect crowd-pleaser for any summer spread, for any time of today.

"My new Cheesy Beer Onion dip needed something special to go with it, and so I decided to add onion air fryer chips to the mix. They're so simple - all you have to do is just slice onions thinly, toss them with olive oil, and air-fry until golden and crispy." On Australian onions, Mary said, "Onions bring depth of flavour and a boldness to every meal – I'm Greek and we would never cook without them. They are an everyday base for caramelising, sauces or grilled on the BBQ. They're the most important player of any dish."

CHEESY BEER ONION DIP WITH ONION GARNISH by Mary Kalifatidis  

Cheesy beer onion dip

• 3 brown finely sliced onions

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1.5 cups of non-alcoholic beer

• 2 spoons sherry vinegar

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese

• 200 grams cream cheese

• Salt pepper

• Fresh thyme

Air fryer onion garnish

• 2 brown onions finely sliced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

• To a pan add your onions, salt and olive oil and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes

• Reduce and cook on low until golden brown

• Add non-alcoholic beer, sugar and cook for about five more minutes.

• Now add sherry vinegar and cook for another two more minutes

• Transfer onions and the remaining ingredients into a bowl mix to combine evenly and place in a baking tray, one that you can serve in. Bake in a preheated oven until bubbling.

• Lastly finish off in the grill for a caramelised crusty top

• Top with the crunchy onion garnish

Onion garnish

• Slice onions thinly, place into a bowl, add olive oil and mix to combine.

• Place in the air fryer on high, cook for about 5 minutes. Pause and give them a mix. 

• Lower the temperature and continue cooking while pausing and mixing to make sure all onions get crispy.  

• Cook until crispy.