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Blooming Onion 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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