Make the Legendary Bloomin’ Onion at Home

Recreate the crowd-pleasing classic appetizer from Outback Steakhouse right in your own kitchen. This crispy, golden-brown Bloomin’ Onion is as fun to make as it is to eat. A single large onion is artfully sliced to resemble a blooming flower, coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, and deep-fried to perfection. Served with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce, it’s sure to wow any guest at your next gathering.

Ingredients

For the Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia recommended)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup whole milk

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

Peel the onion and cut off the top (non-root) end. Place the onion root-side down. Carefully slice from the top down toward the root, making 16 to 20 evenly spaced cuts, but stop about half an inch before reaching the bottom. Gently separate the layers to open the petals of your blooming onion.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Onion

Dip the onion into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each petal is evenly coated. Shake off any excess. Next, dip the onion into the egg mixture, coating thoroughly. Return it once more to the flour mixture for a final coat. Be gentle, but make sure every crevice is well covered.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the onion. Carefully lower the onion into the hot oil, root-side up. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Signature Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir until creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Place the hot, crispy Bloomin’ Onion on a serving plate. Spoon the dipping sauce into a small bowl and serve it in the center or on the side. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips

• Use a very sharp knife for clean, even onion cuts.

• For extra crispy petals, try double dipping: egg, flour, egg, then flour again.

• To make it spicier, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.

This homemade Bloomin’ Onion is a show-stopping appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or when you’re simply craving something indulgent and delicious.