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Blooming Onion

A stunning and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. This blooming onion is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with a delicious dipping sauce.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • To begin, select a large sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or Walla Walla. Peel the onion and cut off the top, ensuring the root end remains intact.
  • Place the onion on a cutting board, root side down. Make four evenly spaced vertical cuts from the top down to about 1 inch from the root. Then make several horizontal cuts to create a star-like pattern. Gently pull apart the onion petals to create the bloom shape. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
  • Dip the prepared onion into the egg and buttermilk mixture, ensuring every petal is coated. Allow excess liquid to drip off, then transfer the onion to the flour mixture and coat well.
  • For extra crunch, repeat the coating process by dipping the onion back into the liquid and then into the flour again.
  • In a deep pot or fryer, heat enough oil to submerge the onion completely to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the onion into the oil, root side down, and fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove the onion and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • For the dipping sauce, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish (if using), paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Mix well.
  • Serve the blooming onion on a platter with the dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Choose large sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best flavor.
Ensure oil is heated to the right temperature before frying.
Fry one onion at a time to maintain oil temperature.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 onion
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg