If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you’ve likely been tempted by their famous Bloomin’ Onion. This iconic appetizer features a large, sweet onion that is carefully sliced and fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy, flavorful outer crust while keeping the tender onion inside. Paired with a tangy dipping sauce, it’s a dish that has become a favorite for many. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking to impress your family with a fun and flavorful appetizer, making an Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion at home is easier than you might think. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, offering tips and tricks to ensure your homemade Bloomin’ Onion turns out as crispy and delicious as the one you love at the restaurant.

What is a Bloomin’ Onion?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at what makes the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion such a beloved dish. Originating from the famous Australian-themed steakhouse chain, the Bloomin’ Onion is a large onion that is sliced into wedges and deep-fried, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior. The secret to its success lies in its unique preparation: the onion is cut in a way that causes it to open up like a blooming flower as it fries, giving it its signature appearance.

The deep-frying process creates a crispy coating that pairs perfectly with the sweet, tender onion inside. Served with a special dipping sauce, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite—sweet, savory, and just the right amount of spice.

Why Make Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion at Home?

While visiting Outback Steakhouse for a Bloomin’ Onion is a treat, making it at home has its benefits. You have complete control over the ingredients, the oil temperature, and the level of spiciness. Plus, you can enjoy this iconic appetizer without leaving the comfort of your home. This recipe not only brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen but also allows you to customize it to your personal preferences.

Additionally, making an Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion at home is an excellent way to showcase your culinary skills. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, tailgate, or just as a snack, this onion appetizer is sure to impress your guests. The best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for those who aren’t seasoned chefs.

Ingredients for the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion

To recreate the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion at home, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Onion:

1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or any large, sweet onion)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
Oil for frying (vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil)

For the Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons horseradish
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash of black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper

Optional Toppings:

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

The first step in making the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is to prepare the onion. Start by cutting off the top of the onion, then carefully peel away the outer skin. You’ll want to leave the root intact, as this is what holds the onion together when it fries.

Next, place the onion on a flat surface and make 12-16 cuts into the onion, creating wedges. Be sure not to cut all the way through the root; the slices should be deep enough that the onion can open up into a flower shape when it fries.

Step 2: Coat the Onion

In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This will create the flavorful dry coating for the onion.

In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk together to create the wet mixture.

Now, take your prepared onion and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring that it’s completely coated. Afterward, transfer the onion to the flour mixture and coat it thoroughly. Be sure to gently separate the onion petals as you coat them, ensuring that every part of the onion is evenly covered in the flour mixture. You may need to gently pat the flour into the onion to ensure it sticks well.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to get the oil to the right temperature for frying so that the onion becomes crispy and golden without absorbing too much oil.

If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature consistent.

Step 4: Fry the Onion

Once the oil is hot, carefully lower the coated onion into the oil, root-side up. Fry the onion for 3-4 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to maintain the correct frying temperature. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to gently move the onion around in the oil to ensure that all the petals fry evenly.

Once the onion is golden and crispy, carefully remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While the onion is frying, it’s time to make the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Step 6: Serve the Bloomin’ Onion

Once the onion is fried and the dipping sauce is ready, it’s time to serve! Place the fried onion on a serving plate, making sure it’s opened up into a blooming flower shape. Garnish with a little fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Bloomin’ Onion with the dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion

Choosing the Right Onion: The key to a successful Bloomin’ Onion is selecting a large, sweet onion. Vidalia onions are often recommended for their mild, sweet flavor, but any large sweet onion will work.
Proper Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F is crucial to getting a crispy, golden coating. If the oil is too hot, the onion will burn, and if it’s too cool, the onion will become greasy.
Double Coating: For extra crispy onion petals, you can double-coat the onion by dipping it in the egg mixture and flour mixture twice. This adds an extra layer of crunch.
Serving Tips: Serve your Bloomin’ Onion immediately while it’s still crispy. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as it can lose its crispiness if left to sit for too long.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a fan of appetizers and snacks that are full of flavor, you might also enjoy these recipes that pair well with the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion:

Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Steaks – A delicious, cheesy alternative for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthier option.
Crispy Zucchini Chips – A crunchy, flavorful snack that’s just as crispy as your Bloomin’ Onion.
Loaded Bacon Ranch Cheese Fry Casserole – A hearty, indulgent dish that’s sure to please anyone who loves cheesy, savory goodness.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is a treat for the senses, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation, as it can be calorie-dense due to the frying process. On average, each serving of this appetizer (without the dipping sauce) contains around 300-350 calories. The dipping sauce will add additional calories depending on the amount used, so be sure to take that into account when planning your meal.

FAQs About the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion

1. What kind of onions does Outback use?
Outback Steakhouse uses large, sweet onions—typically Vidalia onions or similar varieties. These onions are chosen for their mild flavor and large size, which makes them perfect for the signature “blooming” effect when fried.

2. How long is a Bloomin’ Onion good for in the fridge?
A Bloomin’ Onion can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. To maintain its texture, reheat it in the oven or air fryer to crisp it up again.

3. Does Outback Bloomin’ Onion sauce have dairy?
Yes, the Bloomin’ Onion dipping sauce contains mayonnaise, which is made with eggs and dairy. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a non-dairy alternative.

4. What is Bloomin’ Onion seasoning?
The seasoning for a Bloomin’ Onion typically includes a blend of spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This seasoning mix gives the onion its distinctive flavor and crispy texture.

Conclusion

Recreating the Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion at home is a fun and rewarding experience that brings the iconic dish into your kitchen. With its crispy coating and flavorful dipping sauce, it’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a party, a family gathering, or just a special treat for yourself, this Bloomin’ Onion will definitely be the star of the show. Follow this easy-to-follow guide, and you’ll be able to enjoy this popular appetizer whenever the craving strikes.

Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion Copycat Recipe Guide

Author: MastertheKitchen
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 1 Bloomin' Onion (serves 2-4 people) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Recreate the famous Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion at home! Crispy, golden layers of onion seasoned perfectly and fried to a crunchy perfection. Served with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce, this appetizer is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large sweet onion
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
Oil for frying

For the dipping sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons horseradish
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
Dash of black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the onion: Slice the top off the onion and peel it. Cut the onion into 12-16 wedges, ensuring the root stays intact.
Coat the onion: In one bowl, mix the flour with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Dip the onion into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture.
Heat the oil: Heat oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the onion: Carefully place the coated onion into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onion and drain on paper towels.
Make the dipping sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, salt, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
Serve: Serve the crispy Bloomin’ Onion with the dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the oil temperature stays at 375°F while frying the onion.
You can substitute the mayonnaise in the dipping sauce with a dairy-free alternative if needed.
If the onion starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Deep frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 onion (approx.)
Calories: 300 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg