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Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions

that are perfect for game day, parties, or snacking anytime! No fork needed, just dip & devour
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Onions

  • 4 –5 small yellow or sweet onions about 2–2.5" wide
  • Salted ice water for soaking

Breading Station

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Egg Wash

  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup buttermilk or whole milk

For Frying

  • Vegetable or peanut oil enough for deep frying

Dipping Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp horseradish or Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch cayenne or hot sauce optional
  • Salt pepper & a dash of lemon juice

Instructions
 

. Prep the Onions

  • Peel onions, cut off root ends so they sit flat.
  • Make 4–6 vertical cuts around each onion without slicing through the base.

Gently spread petals apart.

  • Soak in salted ice water for 30 minutes to enhance bloom and reduce sharpness.
  • Set Up the Breading Station
  • In Bowl 1: Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt & pepper.
  • In Bowl 2: Whisk eggs and buttermilk.
  • Pat onions dry. Dredge in flour mix, dip in egg wash, then dredge again. Press flour into petals.

Fry the Onions

  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry 2–3 onions at a time for 2–3 mins until golden. Flip once.
  • Drain on wire rack or paper towels. Salt while hot.

Make the Sauce

  • Mix all sauce ingredients. Adjust heat or tang to your liking.
  • Chill until serving.

Serve

  • Serve warm with dipping sauce. Watch them disappear. 😄

Notes

  • Spicy variation: Add more cayenne or use chipotle powder in the flour mix.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch blend.
  • Vegan: Use plant-based milk and mayo, and replace eggs with aquafaba or a flax egg.
  • Make-ahead: You can cut and soak the onions a few hours ahead.
  • Air fryer version: Spray coated onions with oil and air fry at 375°F for 6–8 mins, flipping once.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSodium: 360mg
Keyword bite-sized blooming onions
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