Description
This Amazing Blooming Onion recipe offers a deliciously crispy and golden baked onion snack that’s perfect for sharing. Coated with a flavorful seasoned flour mixture and baked to perfection, this blooming onion is a healthier alternative to the classic fried version, paired with a tangy and spicy homemade dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Onion: Peel the onion and slice off about 1/2 inch from the top, but keep the root end intact. Place the onion root side up on your cutting surface for stability.
- Cut the Onion into Petals: Make 12 to 16 evenly spaced cuts from the top of the onion down towards the root, stopping about 1/2 inch from the root to keep the onion intact. This creates the signature blooming petals.
- Separate the Petals: Gently pull apart the onion petals to loosen them, forming the blooming shape but being careful not to break the petals.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until fully mixed.
- Dip the Onion in Wet Mixture: Carefully dip the entire onion into the milk and egg mixture, making sure to coat all the petals thoroughly. Allow any excess to drip off.
- Dredge in Flour Mixture: Next, coat the onion thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each petal is covered. Gently shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
- Place and Drizzle: Set the coated onion upright on the baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the onion to help it crisp up and bake evenly.
- Bake the Onion: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the onion petals are tender and golden brown with slightly crispy edges.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the onion bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, prepared horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the blooming onion immediately while warm, paired with the prepared dipping sauce for a delicious, savory treat.
Notes
- Do not cut through the root end to keep the onion intact when blooming.
- Use a sharp knife for cleaner, safer cuts of the onion petals.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the onion for the last 2-3 minutes of baking but watch closely to avoid burning.
- If you want a spicier dip, increase the amount of horseradish or cayenne pepper.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Leftovers are best eaten the same day as the onion may lose its crispiness over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blooming onion, baked onion, appetizer, party snack, vegetarian, homemade dipping sauce
