Blooming Onion Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Separate the petals: Gently open the petals apart to loosen them and create the signature blooming onion look.
- 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.
- Prepare the wet mixture: In another shallow bowl, beat together the milk and egg to create a coating liquid for the onion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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