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Blooming Onions Appetizer: A Delicious Guide to Making This Crispy Delight at Home

  • Author: Melissa
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Indulge in the crispy, savory delight of a blooming onion, a stunning appetizer that combines the sweetness of a large onion with a flavorful batter. This visually appealing dish is not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings, this blooming onion is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the fun of sharing this delightful dish with loved ones!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sweet onion (such as 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 (such as ranch or spicy mayo)

Instructions

  1. Start by selecting a large sweet onion. The size is important because you want to create a beautiful bloom that can hold up to frying.
  2. Peel the onion carefully, removing the outer skin. Make sure to keep the root end intact, as this will help hold the onion layers together during the blooming process.
  3. Place the onion root-side up on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make four vertical cuts down into the onion, stopping about 1 inch from the root.
  4. Next, turn the onion and make four more cuts, this time perpendicular to the first set.
  5. Gently pull apart the layers of the onion to create the bloom effect. Rinse the onion under cold water to help separate the layers further, then pat it dry with a paper towel.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
  7. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully combined.
  8. Take the prepared onion and dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring that it is fully coated. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before moving to the next step.
  9. Transfer the onion to the bowl with the flour mixture. Use your hands to coat the onion thoroughly.
  10. Once the onion is fully coated, gently shake off any excess flour and set it aside on a plate. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.
  11. In a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the onion (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  12. Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, root-side down. Fry the onion for about 10-12 minutes, or until it turns a deep golden brown.
  13. While frying, gently spoon hot oil over the top of the onion to ensure even cooking.
  14. Once the onion is golden brown, carefully remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  15. While the onion is cooling, prepare your dipping sauce.
  16. Once the onion has cooled slightly, place it on a serving platter. Gently pull apart the petals to make it look even more inviting.
  17. Serve the blooming onion with your choice of dipping sauce on the side.
  18. To eat, simply pull off a petal and dip it into the sauce.

Notes

  • If you want to make your blooming onion even more flavorful, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture. It adds a nice cheesy flavor and enhances the crispiness.
  • For a healthier version, you can bake the onion instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated onion on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray it lightly with cooking spray and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
  • Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture. Adding Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or even a bit of lemon zest can give your blooming onion a unique twist.
  • If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
  • This blooming onion makes for a fantastic appetizer for parties, game days, or family gatherings. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and a fun dish to share.
  • Don’t forget to have fun while making this dish! Cooking is all about enjoying the process and sharing delicious food with loved ones.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes

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