The Best Homemade Blooming Onion Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love this Bloomin’ Onion recipe because it’s crispy, flavorful, and fun to make—perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a tasty snack. With its golden, crunchy layers and savory seasoning, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spices to match your taste, whether you prefer it mild or extra zesty.
- Impressive Presentation: The blooming effect makes it a showstopper, turning a simple onion into a centerpiece.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of crispy batter and savory seasoning keeps everyone coming back for more.
Recipe
A blooming onion is a popular appetizer known for its impressive presentation and delicious flavor. This dish features a whole onion sliced to resemble a flower, coated in a seasoned batter, and deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s often served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
For the onion:
1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
2 ½ cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the dipping sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon horseradish
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon oregano
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the onion: Peel the onion and cut about ¾ inch off the top. Turn the onion root-side up and make vertical cuts downward, leaving the root intact to keep the petals together. Gently separate the layers to create the “bloom.”
- Soak the onion: Place the onion in a bowl of buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
- Mix the coating: In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the onion: Remove the onion from the buttermilk and shake off excess. Dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring all layers are coated evenly.
- Heat the oil: Fill a deep pot with vegetable oil, ensuring it’s deep enough to submerge the onion. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the onion: Carefully lower the onion into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or fryer basket. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes:
Handle the onion gently to avoid breaking the petals. Adjust frying time based on the size of the onion and oil temperature.
Equipment:
Deep fryer or large pot, slotted spoon or fryer basket, sharp knife, mixing bowls
Time:
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 2-4 as an appetizer
Nutrition
The Blooming Onion recipe is a popular appetizer, but it is high in calories and fat. Below is the nutritional breakdown for one serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1020 kcal |
| Total Fat | 65 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 1540 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 90 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 14 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my blooming onion with creamy dipping sauces, like spicy ranch or tangy aioli, because they balance the crispy, savory flavors. A fresh side salad, maybe with crisp greens and a light vinaigrette, adds a nice contrast to the richness. Trust me, these combos make the whole meal feel complete and extra satisfying.
Creamy Dipping Sauces
Since a crispy blooming onion deserves an equally delicious partner, let’s talk about creamy dipping sauces that take it to the next level. I always start with a classic remoulade—tangy mayo, a hint of mustard, and a dash of hot sauce for a zesty kick. Another favorite is a smoky chipotle ranch, blending cool ranch dressing with smoky, spicy chipotle peppers. For something a bit unexpected, I mix sour cream with horseradish and garlic, creating a rich, bold sauce. Each dip complements the onion’s crispy texture while adding its own unique flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to try them all!
Fresh Side Salads
When you’re diving into a blooming onion, it’s nice to balance that indulgent crunch with something light and fresh—side salads are perfect for that. I love a crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. A simple coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots adds crunch without heaviness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a Greek salad with feta and olives. The cool, bright flavors cut through the richness of the onion, making each bite even more satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to throw together while the onion’s frying!
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