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Crispy Copycat Outback Bloomin Onion Recipe Easy Homemade Appetizer

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A crispy, golden homemade version of the Outback Bloomin’ Onion appetizer featuring a double-dipped batter and a tangy creamy dipping sauce. Perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or Walla Walla recommended)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for soak)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for batter)
  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil, about 4 cups for deep frying
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (for dipping sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for dipping sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for dipping sauce)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (for dipping sauce)

Instructions

  1. Peel the large onion and slice off the top, leaving the root intact. Place root-side down and cut vertically from top down to 1/2 inch from root into 12-16 petals. Spread petals apart to form a bloom.
  2. Place the onion in a large bowl and pour in buttermilk mixed with 1 teaspoon salt. Submerge onion fully and soak for at least 15 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
  4. Remove onion from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge onion in flour mixture, making sure to coat between petals. Dip back into buttermilk quickly, then coat again with flour mixture. Set aside.
  5. Heat oil in a large deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C), filling about 3 inches deep.
  6. Using tongs, gently lower onion petal side down into hot oil. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F.
  7. Transfer fried onion to wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let rest for a minute to crisp further.
  8. Mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Use a sharp knife to avoid crushing onion layers. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to prevent sogginess or burning. Double-dipping the onion in buttermilk and flour creates the signature crunch. Fry one onion at a time to avoid overcrowding. Reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven to regain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: bloomin onion, Outback copycat, crispy onion appetizer, fried onion, homemade bloomin onion, party appetizer

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