Print

Blooming Onions Appetizer: A Delicious Guide to Making This Crispy Treat

Print Recipe

Enjoy a crispy, savory homemade blooming onion, perfectly battered and fried to golden perfection. This fun appetizer features a large sweet onion, served with your choice of dipping sauce, making it ideal for parties or a special treat!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia or Walla Walla)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Optional: Dipping sauce (like ranch or spicy mayo)

Instructions

  1. Peel the onion, removing the outer skin carefully.
  2. Place the onion root-side up on a cutting board. Make four vertical cuts downwards, stopping about 1 inch from the bottom.
  3. Make four horizontal cuts across the onion, again stopping about 1 inch from the bottom to create a star-like pattern.
  4. Gently pull apart the layers to create the blooming effect. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
  6. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until fully combined.
  7. Dip the prepared onion into the wet mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess liquid drip off.
  8. Transfer the onion to the flour mixture and coat thoroughly, ensuring flour gets into all crevices.
  9. In a large, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the onion (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  10. Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, root-side down. Fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Gently flip the onion using tongs or a slotted spoon, and fry for an additional 5-7 minutes.
  12. Once fully cooked, remove from oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  13. Prepare your dipping sauce if you haven’t already.
  14. Once the onion has drained, place it on a serving platter and gently pull apart the petals.
  15. Serve hot alongside your dipping sauce, encouraging guests to pull off the petals and dip them for a delightful experience.

Notes

  • Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid a greasy onion.
  • For added flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the flour mixture.
  • For a healthier version, bake the onion at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like barbecue or garlic aioli for variety.

Find it online: https://mamablueberry.com/blooming-onions-appetizer/