Hey y'all! If you've ever craved that golden, crispy, and oh-so-irresistible Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion, you're in for a treat. This homemade version is every bit as delicious—perfect for game days, parties, or when you want to impress your friends with a spectacular appetizer. The crunchy coating, tender onion petals, and zesty dipping sauce make it unforgettable. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
- Crunchy, golden perfection that tastes just like the restaurant favorite.
- Fun to make and even more fun to eat—everyone will be impressed!
- Customizable seasoning so you can spice it up to your liking.
- Comes with a tangy, creamy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients you probably have at home.
Ingredients for Copycat Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
- 1 large sweet onion (about 1 lb, such as Vidalia)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 6-8 cups)
For the Bloom Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons creamy horseradish sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
Step 1: Prep the Onion
- Peel the onion and trim the pointy stem, leaving the root end intact.
- Place the onion root-side down. Starting ½ inch from the root, make 16 vertical cuts around the onion to create petals (don’t cut all the way through!) [See a visual guide].
- Gently spread the petals apart.
Step 2: Make the Breading Station
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs until well blended.
Step 3: Coat the Onion
- Dredge the cut onion in the seasoned flour, making sure to get between all the petals.
- Dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture, then back into the flour for a second coating. Press the flour into the petals for extra crunch.
- Shake off excess flour and let the onion rest for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Fry the Blooming Onion
- Heat oil in a large deep pot or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be at least 3 inches deep.
- Using a slotted spoon or spider, carefully lower the onion, root side up, into the oil. Fry for 7-9 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Make the Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Notes for the Best Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
- Use a sweet onion for milder flavor and the perfect texture.
- Keep the oil at a steady 375°F for consistent crunch (learn more about deep frying basics).
- Don’t skip resting the coated onion before frying—it helps the breading stick!
Variations for Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
- Spicy Bloom: Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes to the flour mix for more heat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
- Baked Version: Spray the coated onion with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes for a lighter option.
Equipment Needed for Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Large mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Deep, heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Paper towels (for draining)
- Kitchen thermometer
How to Store Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
Store any leftover Blooming Onion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat and keep it crispy, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this makes the coating soggy.
Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Serve your Blooming Onion with the signature tangy bloom sauce! It’s also great alongside grilled steaks, burgers, or as part of a party platter with wings and other apps. Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing soda for the full Outback Steakhouse experience.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
- Cut the onion as evenly as possible for uniform frying (see onion cutting tips).
- Always double-dip in flour for an extra thick, crispy crust.
- Drain the fried onion on a wire rack instead of paper towels for maximum crunch.
FAQ: Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion
- Can I make Outback Steakhouse Blooming Onion ahead of time?
- It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can bread the onion and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
- What’s the best onion to use for this recipe?
- Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal for the signature mild taste and tender texture.
- Can I use an air fryer for Blooming Onion?
- Yes! Spray with oil and air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, checking for crispness. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 as an appetizer
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
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1Cut the top of the onion and peel it. Place the onion cut-side down and make 12-16 vertical cuts, being careful not to cut through the root. Gently separate the onion petals.
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2In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
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3In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
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4Dip the prepared onion into the flour mixture, making sure to coat all petals. Shake off excess. Then dip the onion into the egg mixture, ensuring it gets between all petals. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coating.
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5Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the onion into the hot oil, cut-side down, and fry for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
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6Remove the onion with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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