
This homemade blooming onion is the ultimate appetizer β a beautifully βbloomedβ whole onion, seasoned, battered, and fried (or baked!) to perfection. Served with a zesty bloom sauce, itβs just like Outbackβsβ¦ maybe better. π
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10β15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4β6
Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal
π Ingredients
For the Onion:
π§
1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
π 1 cup all-purpose flour
πΏ 1 tsp paprika
πΏ 1 tsp garlic powder
πΏ 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
π§ 1/2 tsp salt
π§ 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Wet Mix:
π₯ 2 eggs
π₯ 1/2 cup milk
For Frying or Baking:
π’οΈ Vegetable oil (for frying)
π₯ Or: cooking spray + 425Β°F oven (for baking)
πΆ Bloom Sauce (Copycat Outback)
π₯£ 1/2 cup mayo
π
2 tbsp ketchup
πΆοΈ 2 tbsp horseradish
π₯ 1/2 tsp paprika
πΏ 1/4 tsp garlic powder
πΏ 1/4 tsp oregano
π§ Pinch of salt & pepper
π§ Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Mix and chill until serving.
π©βπ³ Instructions
1οΈβ£ Cut the Onion:
Cut 1/2 inch off the top (stem side) of the onion and peel. Leave root intact. Place root side down, and make 4 even cuts down toward the root, stopping 1/2β³ from the bottom. Then make 3 more cuts in between each section to create 16 petals total. Gently separate layers to bloom the petals.
2οΈβ£ Make the Flour Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3οΈβ£ Make the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, beat eggs and milk until combined.
4οΈβ£ Coat the Onion:
Dredge the onion in the flour mixture, spreading petals to coat fully. Shake off excess. Dip into egg wash, then dredge again in flour mixture. Press in to coat every layer well.
5οΈβ£ Fry or Bake:
Fry: Heat oil to 375Β°F (190Β°C) in a deep pot. Fry the onion (root side up first) for 6β8 minutes, flipping carefully halfway, until golden and crispy.
Bake: Preheat oven to 425Β°F. Spray coated onion with cooking spray, place on parchment-lined baking tray, and bake for 25β30 minutes until crispy.
6οΈβ£ Serve Hot with Sauce:
Serve immediately with chilled bloom sauce on the side!
π― Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- π§ Crispy, seasoned petals and tender onion inside
- πΆοΈ Zesty dipping sauce is bold, creamy, and craveable
- π₯ Make it fried, baked, or air-fried β your choice
- π Perfect for parties, BBQs, game day, or just treating yourself
π‘ Helpful Tips
- Use a sweet onion for the best flavor and easy blooming.
- Chill the onion for 30 minutes after coating for better crisp.
- Want to air-fry it? Cook at 375Β°F for 15β18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep it crunchy.
Leave a Reply