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
Scale
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
