Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion

The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin Onion is one of the most iconic restaurant appetizers in America—and now you can recreate it at home! A single large sweet onion is cut to resemble a blooming flower, coated in a seasoned flour batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Served with a creamy, zesty dipping sauce, this appetizer is as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings, the Bloomin’ Onion is guaranteed to wow your guests and disappear fast!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Method: Deep Fry

Ingredients:

For the Bloomin’ Onion

• 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Dipping Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the onion: Peel the onion and cut off the non-root end. Place root-side down and slice 16–20 cuts from top to root, leaving about 1/2 inch uncut to keep the onion intact. Gently separate the petals.
2. Set up dredging stations: In a large bowl, mix the flour, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. Coat the onion: Dip the onion in the seasoned flour, making sure each petal is coated. Shake off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour for a second coating.
4. Fry the onion: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the onion root-side up into the hot oil. Fry 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve: Place the Bloomin’ Onion on a platter with the dipping sauce in the center or on the side. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• Keep it crisp: Make sure the oil is hot enough (375°F) before frying, or the onion will absorb too much oil.
• Extra spice: Add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder for a spicier version.
• Make ahead: Prep the onion and dredge it up to a few hours ahead; refrigerate until ready to fry.
• Alternative sauce: Try ranch dressing with a dash of hot sauce for a quick dip.
• Serving idea: Place the sauce in a small bowl in the middle of the onion for that authentic restaurant look.