The Best Baked Blooming Onions with Creamy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Blooming onions are a fun, crispy appetizer that make an impressive start to any meal. This baked version offers all the crunch and flavor without the extra oil from frying, making it a lighter treat you’ll love. Serve it with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce for the perfect combo.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia is a winner)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Chop off the top of the onion (leave the root intact) and peel off the skin. Place the onion root-side down on a cutting board and carefully slice it into 8–12 even segments, cutting just short of the root so the onion stays together. Gently separate the petals with your fingers.
- Step 3: Prepare your breading station using three bowls: Bowl 1 with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; Bowl 2 with whisked eggs and milk; Bowl 3 with panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Dredge the onion in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat between all the petals. Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by a thorough coating of panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they stick well.
- Step 5: Place the breaded onion onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray generously with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning the pan halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Step 6: While the onion bakes, mix all the dipping sauce ingredients—mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and salt—in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 7: Serve your baked blooming onion hot and crispy with a generous scoop of the creamy dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper in the breading or add a touch more hot sauce to the dipping sauce.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Make sure your onions are very dry after peeling to help the breading adhere better.
- Try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the panko mixture for extra flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover baked blooming onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. The dipping sauce can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia work best due to their mild flavor and size, but yellow onions can also be used. Avoid very small onions as they won’t bloom as well.
Why is my breading not sticking properly?
Make sure to thoroughly coat the onion in the flour mixture first, pressing gently between petals. Also, the onion should be dry before starting, and pressing the panko gently ensures it adheres well before baking.
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The Best Baked Blooming Onions with Creamy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 large blooming onions (serves 4–6 as an appetizer) 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Enjoy a healthier twist on the classic fried blooming onion with this baked version. Large sweet onions are seasoned, breaded with a crunchy panko coating, and baked to golden perfection. Paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce, this appetizer is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Onion:
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia is preferred)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cut the Onion: Chop off the top (not the root) and peel away the onion’s skin. Place it root-side down and carefully cut into 8–12 even segments, making sure to stop just short of the root so the onion stays intact. Gently separate each of the petals for easier breading.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three bowls: one with flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper mixed; the second with whisked eggs and milk; and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Onion: Dredge the onion thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it gets between all the petals. Next, dip into the egg and milk mixture, then coat generously with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help the crumbs stick well.
- Bake to Golden Goodness: Place the breaded onion on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the entire onion generously with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy texture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, turning the pan halfway through baking for even color and crispness.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, hot sauce (if using), paprika, garlic powder, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Time to Serve: Serve the hot, crispy blooming onion immediately with a generous scoop of the creamy dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dip, increase the amount of hot sauce to taste.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the onion by repeating the egg and panko step before baking.
- Using a Vidalia or other sweet onion helps balance the spices with natural sweetness.
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the root to keep the onion intact for a beautiful bloom.
- This recipe is an excellent alternative to traditional deep-fried blooming onions, reducing oil and calories.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked blooming onion, blooming onion recipe, healthier blooming onion, baked appetizer, crispy onion, panko breaded onion, party appetizer, American snack
