This Vintage Beau Monde Dip is one of those old-fashioned recipes that deserves another turn at the party table. Creamy mayonnaise and sour cream are combined with dill, parsley, onion flakes, and savory Beau Monde seasoning to create a simple dip that’s perfect with fresh vegetables and crackers.
This Dip is one of those vintage recipes that has been around for decades, and it is easy to see why it has stayed popular. Made with mayonnaise, sour cream, herbs, onion flakes, and Beau Monde seasoning, it comes together in just minutes.
The hardest part might actually be finding the Beau Monde seasoning if it isn’t something you already keep in your spice cabinet. I had to go looking for it myself! Once you taste the finished dip, though, you’ll understand why this distinctive seasoning is part of the recipe.
With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation, this is an easy make-ahead appetizer for holidays, potlucks, family gatherings, game days, or an afternoon snack. Give it about 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving so the flavors have time to blend together.
What Is Beau Monde Seasoning?
If you’ve never used Beau Monde seasoning before, you are certainly not alone. It isn’t one of the everyday spices that most home cooks have sitting in their spice cabinet.
Beau Monde is a savory seasoning blend traditionally made with salt, celery seed, and onion, although commercial versions can contain additional spices and ingredients. It has a salty, savory flavor with a subtle celery and onion character.
The seasoning has been around for generations and is especially associated with vintage dips, vegetable dips, cheese spreads, and other classic party recipes.
You may find Beau Monde seasoning in the spice section of a grocery store, although availability can vary. It is also commonly available online.
For this recipe, I recommend using the actual Beau Monde seasoning if you can find it. Since it is a key ingredient, the flavor won’t be quite the same if you simply leave it out.
Why This Recipe Works
This dip is a great example of how a few simple ingredients can create something much more flavorful than you might expect.
- The mayonnaise and sour cream create a rich, creamy base. The two work beautifully together, with the sour cream adding a little tang to balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Beau Monde seasoning adds savory depth. Its combination of salt, celery, and onion flavors gives the dip that distinctive old-fashioned flavor.
- Dill and parsley add freshness. Even though dried herbs are used, they bring plenty of flavor to this creamy dip.
- Onion flakes add texture and flavor. As the dip chills, the onion flakes soften slightly and release their flavor throughout the mixture.
And perhaps best of all, there is no cooking involved. Stir everything together, refrigerate, and it is ready to serve.
Vintage Beau Monde Dip Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Tablespoon Beau Monde Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Dill
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Flakes
Instructions
How to Make Beau Monde Dip
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Beau Monde seasoning, dried dill, dried parsley flakes, and dried onion flakes.1 Cup Mayonnaise, 1 Cup Sour Cream, 1 Tablespoon Beau Monde Seasoning, 1 Tablespoon Dried Dill, 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley Flakes, 1 Tablespoon Onion Flakes
- Stir until everything is well combined and the herbs and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the dip.
- While you can serve the dip right away, it is much better after it has had some time to rest. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the dried herbs and onion time to soften and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Give it a quick stir before transferring it to a serving bowl.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Beau Monde Dip
- Don’t skip the chilling time. The dip tastes good right away, but the flavor improves after the ingredients have had time to mingle.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream for the richest texture.
- Stir thoroughly. Make sure the Beau Monde seasoning and dried herbs are evenly distributed.
- Taste after chilling. The seasoning flavor develops as the dip rests, so tasting it after 30 minutes gives you a better idea of whether you’d like to add anything.
- Serve it cold. This is a refreshing dip for vegetables and crackers, especially during warmer months.
- Make it ahead. This is one of those recipes that works especially well when prepared before your guests arrive.
Nutrition
What to Serve with Beau Monde Dip
This creamy herb dip is incredibly versatile. It is especially good served with a platter of fresh vegetables, making it an easy appetizer for gatherings.
Try serving it with:
- Carrot sticks
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper strips
- Broccoli florets
- Cauliflower florets
- Cherry tomatoes
- Radishes
- Snap peas
It is also delicious with crackers. Choose sturdy crackers that can hold up to the thick, creamy dip.
For a more substantial appetizer tray, serve the dip alongside sliced vegetables, crackers, pretzels, and toasted bread.
Make a Vintage Vegetable Dip Platter
For an easy party appetizer, place the Beau Monde Dip in the center of a large platter and arrange colorful vegetables around it.
Carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes create a pretty spread without requiring much preparation.
This is especially handy for holidays and potlucks because you can prepare the dip ahead of time and cut the vegetables shortly before serving.
Recipe Variations
One of the nice things about a simple vintage dip like this is that it is easy to make your own.
Add Fresh Herbs
If you have fresh herbs available, replace some of the dried parsley with finely chopped fresh parsley. A little fresh dill would also be delicious.
Keep in mind that fresh herbs will change the texture slightly and may shorten the refrigerator life of the dip.
Add More Onion
If you really enjoy onion flavor, add a little extra dried onion flakes. You can also use finely minced green onion for a fresher variation.
Make It Extra Herby
Increase the dried dill slightly for a stronger dill flavor. This is particularly good if you are serving the dip with fresh vegetables.
Add a Little Garlic
A small amount of garlic powder can add another savory layer of flavor. Start with about 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
Make It Lighter
For a slightly lighter dip, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with additional sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The texture and flavor will be a little different from the original recipe, but it still makes a delicious vegetable dip.
Turn it into a Spread
For a thicker appetizer spread, Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Serve the mixture with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or small pieces of crusty bread.
Can You Make Beau Monde Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. In fact, making this dip ahead of time is recommended.
The flavors become more pronounced as the dip rests in the refrigerator. You can prepare it several hours before serving, cover it, and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to put it out.
If you are preparing it for a party, making it the morning of your gathering is an easy way to get one appetizer checked off your list.
How to Store Beau Monde Dip
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Because this recipe contains mayonnaise and sour cream, it should not be left sitting at room temperature for extended periods. When serving it for a party or gathering, keep the serving bowl chilled when possible and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
For the best quality, use the dip within 3 to 4 days.
Give it a good stir before serving leftovers.
What does Beau Monde Dip taste like?
Beau Monde Dip is creamy, savory, herby, and slightly tangy. The Beau Monde seasoning adds a distinctive celery and onion flavor, while the dill and parsley give it a classic vegetable-dip flavor.
Can I make this dip without Beau Monde seasoning?
You can, although the flavor will not be exactly the same. Beau Monde seasoning is an important part of the original recipe. If you cannot find it, you could experiment with a combination of salt, celery seed, and onion powder, but I recommend trying the original version if possible.
Does Beau Monde Dip need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because the recipe contains mayonnaise and sour cream, keep it refrigerated until serving and return leftovers to the refrigerator promptly.
How long should Beau Monde Dip chill?
At least 30 minutes is recommended. However, you can make it several hours ahead of time if that works better for your gathering. The extra chilling time allows the dried herbs and onion to soften and the flavors to blend.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried dill?
Yes. Fresh dill can be used, although the flavor and texture will be somewhat different. Since dried herbs are used in the traditional-style recipe, they are an easy pantry-friendly option.
A Vintage Dip Worth Bringing Back
Some recipes don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated preparation to earn a place on the table. This Beau Monde Dip is a perfect example.
It is simple, creamy, savory, and filled with the flavors that made classic party dips so popular. And while Beau Monde seasoning may not be an ingredient most of us have in our spice cabinet today, it is worth seeking out if you enjoy vintage recipes.
The next time you need an easy appetizer for a potluck, holiday gathering, family get-together, or just something to keep in the refrigerator for snacking, give this old-fashioned dip a try. Serve it with a generous platter of crisp vegetables and crackers, and you may find yourself wondering why this vintage favorite ever disappeared from the recipe box.
It only takes a few minutes to make this delicious and addicting dip recipe.