Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion: How to Make the Famous Appetizer at Home

 

Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion: How to Make the Famous Appetizer at Home

If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, chances are you’ve tried—or at least seen—their legendary Bloomin’ Onion. Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor, this oversized fried onion "flower" is a showstopper of an appetizer. It's crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired perfectly with a zesty dipping sauce.

Good news: you don’t need a deep fryer or a restaurant kitchen to make this iconic dish at home. With a few pantry staples and a bit of technique, you can recreate the Outback Bloomin’ Onion in your own kitchen.

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🧅 What Is a Bloomin’ Onion?

A Bloomin’ Onion is a colossal onion that’s been sliced to "bloom" open like a flower, battered, deep-fried until crispy, and served with a spicy dipping sauce. It’s crunchy, savory, and incredibly fun to pull apart.

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🍽️ Ingredients

For the Onion:

• 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp onion powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

• Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish

• ½ tsp paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• Dash of cayenne pepper

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🔪 How to "Bloom" the Onion

1. Peel the Onion: Cut off about ½ inch from the top (pointy end), but leave the root intact to hold the layers together.

2. Slice into Petals: Place the onion root-side down. Starting about ½ inch from the root, make downward cuts all around the onion (about 12–16 slices). Gently separate the layers to create the blooming effect.

3. Soak in Cold Water: Let the sliced onion sit in ice water for 30 minutes. This helps it open up fully.

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🧂 Prepare the Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

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🍳 Batter and Fry the Onion

1. Remove the onion from the water and pat it dry.

2. Dredge the onion in the flour mixture, making sure to get it between all the "petals."

3. Dip it in the egg-milk mixture, again coating all the layers.

4. Return the onion to the flour mixture for a second coating.

5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the onion, cut-side down, into the oil.

6. Fry for 5–7 minutes, then turn and fry another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

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🥣 Make the Dipping Sauce

Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

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🍽️ Serving

Place the Bloomin’ Onion on a plate and serve hot with the dipping sauce in the center or on the side. Let everyone pull off the crispy petals and dip to their heart’s content!

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👨‍🍳 Tips for Success

• Use a Sweet Onion: Vidalia onions are the gold standard—mild, large, and ideal for blooming.

• Double Dredge for Crunch: The two-step flour-egg-flour process ensures a crisp coating.

• Oil Temperature Matters: If the oil is too cool, the onion will be greasy; too hot, and it can burn. Use a thermometer for best results.

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Final Thoughts

Recreating the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion at home is easier than it looks—and it’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether you're planning game day snacks, a fun dinner appetizer, or just feeling nostalgic for a restaurant favorite, this DIY version hits the spot.

So go ahead—grab a big onion, heat up that oil, and bring the steakhouse home!