Blooming Onion Recipe

Introduction

The blooming onion is a show-stopping appetizer that looks like a beautiful flower and tastes deliciously savory. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, it comes with a tangy dipping sauce that takes the flavor to the next level.

Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• For the dipping sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Peel the onion and cut off about 1/2 inch from the top, keeping the root end intact. Place the onion root-side up on your cutting board.
3. Step 3: Make 12-16 evenly spaced cuts from the top down toward the root, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom, creating petals.
4. Step 4: Gently separate and open the onion petals to loosen them without breaking.
5. Step 5: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
6. Step 6: In another shallow bowl, whisk the milk and egg until combined.
7. Step 7: Dip the onion into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring all petals are coated. Let the excess drip off.
8. Step 8: Dredge the onion in the flour mixture, coating all petals well. Gently shake off any excess flour.
9. Step 9: Place the coated onion on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle the olive oil evenly over it.
10. Step 10: Bake for 30-40 minutes until the onion is tender inside and golden brown with slightly crispy petals.
11. Step 11: Meanwhile, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, you can spray the onion lightly with cooking spray before baking.
• If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the coating and dipping sauce.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.
• You can substitute buttermilk for regular milk in the egg mixture for a tangier taste.

Storage

Store any leftover blooming onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. The dipping sauce can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I deep-fry the blooming onion instead of baking it?

Yes, you can deep-fry the coated onion in hot oil at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Baking is a healthier alternative but frying gives a classic crispy texture.

What type of onion works best for this recipe?

A large yellow onion is ideal as it has a sturdy structure perfect for cutting into petals and holds up well during cooking.

Blooming Onion Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 92 reviews

This Blooming Onion recipe features a large yellow onion cut into petals, seasoned, and baked to golden, crispy perfection. Served with a zesty horseradish dipping sauce, this appetizer is a flavorful and visually impressive treat perfect for entertaining or a fun family snack.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Blooming Onion

• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg

For the Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the onion.
2. Prepare the onion: Peel the onion and cut off about 1/2 inch from the top, but leave the root end intact. Place the onion root-side up to allow it to be cut into petals without falling apart.
3. Cut the petals: Make 12-16 evenly spaced cuts from the top down towards the root, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root to keep the petals connected.
4. Separate the petals: Gently open the petals apart to loosen them and create the signature blooming onion look.
5. Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper for seasoning the onion.
6. Prepare the wet mixture: In another shallow bowl, beat together the milk and egg to create a coating liquid for the onion.
7. Dip the onion in wet mixture: Carefully dip the onion into the milk and egg mixture, making sure to coat all the petals fully. Allow any excess to drip off.
8. Dredge the onion in flour mixture: Next, coat the wet onion thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking gently to remove excess flour but ensuring the petals remain well covered.
9. Prepare for baking: Place the coated onion on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle the olive oil evenly over the entire onion to help crisp it during baking.
10. Bake the onion: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the onion is tender, the edges of petals are slightly crispy, and the surface is golden brown.
11. Make the dipping sauce: While the onion bakes, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Serve with the baked blooming onion.

Notes

• Be careful not to cut all the way through the root to keep the petals attached.
• Using olive oil helps create a crisp surface during baking but can be substituted with any mild oil if desired.
• The cayenne pepper in the flour and sauce adds optional heat – adjust or omit depending on your spice preference.
• Make sure the onion is large and firm for best results when creating the petals.
• Serve the blooming onion fresh and warm with the dipping sauce for the best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Blooming Onion, Baked Onion Appetizer, Horseradish Dipping Sauce, Party Snack, Crispy Onion