My husbands exact words after his first bite, “Oh my god, Betty, this is fantastic! I’m actually hoping the kids don’t like theirs now FULL RECIPE 💬👇

 

Why the Bloomin’ Onion Is Special

✔ Crispy exterior, tender interior

The onion petals are battered and fried to perfection, creating a delightful crunch while the center remains soft.

✔ Flavorful dipping sauce

The signature sauce combines creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, elevating every bite.

✔ Show-stopping presentation

When sliced and fried properly, it opens like a blooming flower, making it perfect for parties or gatherings.

✔ Customizable

You can tweak the batter, spice levels, and dipping sauce to your liking.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla recommended)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Dipping Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons horseradish (adjust to taste)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Optional: dash of hot sauce for extra heat

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Expert Tips)

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STEP 1 — Prepare the Onion

1. Peel the onion, keeping the root intact (this helps hold the petals together).

2. Slice the onion vertically into 12–16 sections, leaving the root end uncut.

   • Tip: Use a sharp knife or Bloomin’ Onion cutter for precision.

3. Carefully separate the onion petals so they fan out evenly.

   • Tip: Avoid tearing the petals; gentle hands preserve the “bloom.”

4. Soak the onion in cold water for 30 minutes (optional) to reduce sharpness and help petals separate.

5. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

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STEP 2 — Make the Breading and Batter

Flour Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine:

   • 2 ½ cups flour

   • 1 teaspoon paprika

   • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

   • 1 teaspoon salt

   • ½ teaspoon black pepper

2. Mix well and set aside.

Wet Batter

1. In another bowl, whisk together:

   • 2 large eggs

   • 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)

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STEP 3 — Coat the Onion

1. Dip the onion in the flour mixture, making sure each petal is coated.

2. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.

3. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coating.

   • Tip: Double-dipping ensures extra crispy petals.

4. Gently shake off excess flour to avoid clumps.

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STEP 4 — Fry the Onion

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

   • Use enough oil to submerge the onion (approx. 3–4 inches).

2. Carefully place the onion in the hot oil, petals side down first.

3. Fry for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

4. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the onion and drain on paper towels.

5. Frying Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot; fry one onion at a time for even cooking.

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STEP 5 — Prepare the Signature Dipping Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine:

   • ½ cup mayonnaise

   • 2 tablespoons ketchup

   • 2 tablespoons horseradish

   • ½ teaspoon paprika

   • ½ teaspoon salt

   • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

   • Optional: dash of hot sauce

2. Mix well until smooth.

3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

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STEP 6 — Serve

1. Place the fried onion on a serving plate.

2. Pour the dipping sauce into a small bowl and place it in the center of the onion bloom.

3. Garnish with chopped parsley or paprika for visual appeal.

Serving Tip: Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

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🧅 Texture and Flavor Profile

Texture

• Petals: Crunchy, crisp, golden

• Center: Tender, sweet onion

• Sauce: Creamy, slightly tangy, mildly spicy

Flavor

• Sweetness from onion

• Savory and garlicky batter

• Slight heat from cayenne and horseradish

• Creamy and tangy dipping sauce balances flavors

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⭐ Variations and Creative Twists

1. Spicy Bloomin’ Onion

• Increase cayenne in batter and horseradish in sauce

• Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the batter

2. Cheesy Bloomin’ Onion

• Sprinkle grated parmesan over the petals after frying

• Mix cheddar powder into flour mixture for extra cheesy flavor

3. Beer-Battered Onion

• Substitute half the milk with beer in the egg mixture

• Adds lightness and subtle flavor

4. Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour in the batter

• Ensure all seasonings are gluten-free

5. Oven-Baked Bloomin’ Onion (Healthier)

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)

• Spray coated onion with cooking spray

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp

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🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Unfried Onion

• Can prep the onion and coat it in flour mixture ahead of time

• Store in refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying

Fried Onion

• Best served immediately; loses crispness quickly

• If storing, reheat in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crunch

Dipping Sauce

• Can be made 1–2 days in advance

• Store in airtight container in refrigerator

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🔧 Troubleshooting

❌ Onion falls apart

• Keep root intact

• Don’t over-separate petals

• Double-dip for better structural integrity

❌ Batter isn’t crispy

• Double coating ensures crunch

• Fry at correct oil temperature (350°F / 175°C)

• Avoid overcrowding the pot

❌ Onion is soggy

• Pat dry before coating

• Fry in small batches

• Drain excess oil on paper towels immediately

❌ Sauce is bland

• Adjust horseradish and paprika

• Let sauce chill to allow flavors to meld

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer for parties, game day, or casual dinner

• Pair with ranch dressing or spicy aioli for variation

• Serve alongside burgers, steak, or grilled chicken

• Cut petals individually for finger-food style

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🎨 Presentation Tips

• Place onion in shallow bowl for stability

• Garnish petals with paprika or parsley

• Serve sauce in the center for dipping

• Use a white plate to highlight golden color

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📜 Condensed Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Onion, flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, pepper, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish

Steps:

1. Slice onion, soak, and pat dry

2. Prepare flour mixture and wet batter

3. Double-dip onion in flour and egg mixture

4. Fry at 350°F until golden

5. Prepare dipping sauce and chill

6. Serve immediately with sauce in center

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🎉 Final Thoughts

The Bloomin’ Onion is more than just an appetizer – it’s a conversation starter. With a perfectly sliced onion, seasoned crispy batter, and creamy dipping sauce, you can recreate the Outback Steakhouse experience at home.

This recipe is forgiving, customizable, and impressive. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with spicy, cheesy, or baked versions, mastering the Bloomin’ Onion is a fun and rewarding culinary project.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll achieve golden petals, tender onion, and restaurant-quality flavor every time, making it a standout appetizer for any occasion.

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I can also make a step-by-step visual guide showing slicing, coating, and frying techniques so you can get the perfect bloom every time.

Do you want me to create that next?