Blooming Onion Bites are a crispy, flavorful appetizer that brings the taste of your favorite restaurant right into your kitchen. Sweet onions are coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture, fried until golden, and served with a zesty, creamy dipping sauce. This recipe is simple, fun to make, and perfect for game days, parties, or a delicious snack anytime.

Ingredients

For the Blooming Onion Bites:

1 large sweet onion or 2 medium onions
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup water
Oil for frying
Seasoned salt

For the Dipping Sauce:

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons ketchup
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish or 1 tablespoon horseradish mayo
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Combine all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Cut the onion in half vertically and slice down to create wedges.
In a bowl, mix the flour with all seasonings except the seasoned salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and water.
Ensure onion wedges are separated and place them in a large freezer bag. Add about ¾ cup of the flour mixture and shake to coat.
Lift out about six onion wedges at a time using a fork and dip them into the egg mixture.
Remove from the egg mixture and toss in the remaining flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
Place coated onions on a rack and gently tap to remove excess flour.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 360-375°F. Fry onions in small batches for about six minutes or until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding.
Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with seasoned salt.
Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve Blooming Onion Bites immediately after frying to enjoy maximum crispiness.
Pair with your favorite dipping sauces or add extra spice for a kick.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add hot sauce to the dipping sauce.
Garlic Herb: Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder to the flour mix.
Baked Version: Coat the onions and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the coating.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the coated onions before frying for extra flavor.
Sweet & Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon sugar to the flour mixture for a hint of sweetness balanced with the cayenne.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions? Sweet onions like Vidalia work best, but yellow onions are a good alternative.
How do I prevent the onion from falling apart? Separate slices fully before coating and handle gently.
What oil is best for frying? Use neutral oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable or canola oil.
Can I prepare the onions ahead of time? Yes, coat and refrigerate for a few hours before frying.
How can I make the dipping sauce spicier? Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Is it possible to bake the onion bites? Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Can I freeze Blooming Onion Bites? Freeze uncooked coated onions and fry later for best results.
How do I know when the oil is ready? Use a thermometer (360–375°F) or test with a small coated onion piece—it should sizzle immediately.
Can I make the dipping sauce dairy-free? Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative or plain yogurt.
What can I serve with Blooming Onion Bites? They pair well with salads, grilled meats, or as part of an appetizer platter.

These Blooming Onion Bites are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfectly complemented by a zesty dipping sauce. They are ideal for entertaining or a flavorful snack at home. Serve them hot for the best taste and crunch, and enjoy a fun, restaurant-style appetizer made right in your kitchen.

Blooming Onion Bites with Dipping Sauce

Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Instructions

Combine all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Cut the onion in half vertically and slice down to create wedges.
In a bowl, mix the flour with all seasonings except the seasoned salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and water.
Ensure onion wedges are separated and place them in a large freezer bag. Add about ¾ cup of the flour mixture and shake to coat.
Lift out about six onion wedges at a time using a fork and dip them into the egg mixture.
Remove from the egg mixture and toss in the remaining flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
Place coated onions on a rack and gently tap to remove excess flour.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or pan to 360-375°F. Fry onions in small batches for about six minutes or until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding.
Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and sprinkle with seasoned salt.
Serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.

Notes

- Serve Blooming Onion Bites immediately after frying to enjoy maximum crispiness.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces or add extra spice for a kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- The dipping sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.