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Blooming Onion

Blooming Onion – Super Bowl Party Food Idea: 7 Secrets to Perfection

A show-stopping deep-fried onion appetizer with crispy, seasoned petals and a tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for Super Bowl parties and game day gatherings.

  • Total Time: 48 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 as an appetizer

Ingredients

For the Onion:

  • 1 extra-large sweet onion (4-5 inches diameter)
  • Vegetable or peanut oil for frying

For the Seasoned Coating:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For the Egg Wash:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of sugar

Instructions

  • Prepare the onion: Cut off the top 1/2 inch of the onion, leaving the root intact. Make vertical cuts from top down, stopping 1/2 inch from the root, creating 16-32 sections.
  • Soak: Submerge the cut onion in ice water for 10 minutes to 2 hours. Drain upside down on paper towels and gently spread petals.
  • Make dipping sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together and refrigerate until serving.
  • Set up coating station: Mix flour and all dry seasonings in one dish. Whisk eggs, milk, and salt in another dish.
  • Coat the onion: Pat onion dry thoroughly. Dust with seasoned flour, working between petals. Dip in egg wash, coating all surfaces. Coat again with seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere. Let rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
  • Heat oil: In a large, heavy pot, heat 3-4 inches of oil to 350°F.
  • Fry: Carefully lower the onion into hot oil, bloom-side down. Fry for 3 minutes, flip carefully, and fry 3-4 minutes more until deep golden brown.
  • Drain and serve: Remove to a wire rack over paper towels. Season with salt immediately. Let rest 2-3 minutes, then serve with dipping sauce.

Notes

  • The onion must be completely dry before coating or the breading won’t stick
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F throughout frying for best results
  • Don’t skip the double-dredging—it creates the signature thick, crispy coating
  • This appetizer is best served immediately while hot and crispy
  • Leftover seasoned flour can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months
  • Author: Emy Hayer
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Deep Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian