Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion

 

Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion: Make This Restaurant Favorite at Home

If you’ve ever eaten at Outback Steakhouse, you know the Bloomin’ Onion isn’t just an appetizer — it’s a showstopper. Crispy, golden, and loaded with zesty flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes heads turn when it hits the table.

Now, you can bring that restaurant magic home with this easy and delicious copycat Bloomin’ Onion recipe. With a few pantry staples and a little know-how, you’ll get all the crunch, seasoning, and dipping sauce goodness — no reservation required.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Crispy and golden just like the original

• ✅ Flavor-packed coating with bold seasoning

• ✅ Homemade dipping sauce that’s creamy and zesty

• ✅ Fun to make and even more fun to eat

• ✅ Great for parties, game day, or a weekend treat

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Ingredients

For the Onion:

• 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together all dipping sauce ingredients. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the onion — the flavor gets better as it sits!

2. Cut the Onion

Peel the onion and place it root-side down. Make 4 cuts downward, then 3–4 more in between each section to create “petals.” Be careful not to cut all the way through. Gently separate the petals.

Tip: Chill the cut onion in ice water for 30 minutes to help it open up and become crispier when fried.

3. Prepare the Batter

In one bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg.

4. Dredge the Onion

Dip the onion into the buttermilk mixture, making sure it gets between all the petals. Then coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour between the layers. Repeat if you want an extra-crispy coating.

5. Fry the Onion

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the onion into the hot oil, cut side down, and fry for 3–4 minutes. Flip and fry another 3–4 minutes until deep golden brown.

Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

6. Serve with Dipping Sauce

Place the fried onion on a plate, and serve immediately with your homemade dipping sauce in the center or on the side.

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Tips for Success

• Use a sweet onion for that signature Outback flavor

• Cold onion + hot oil = crispier result

• Double-dip in flour for maximum crunch

• Don’t overcrowd the pot — use enough oil to fully submerge the onion

• If you don’t have a deep fryer, use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven with a thermometer for safety

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Make It Lighter

• Air fryer version: Spray the dredged onion with oil and air fry at 370°F for 10–15 minutes, checking for crispness.

• Bake it: Place dredged onion on a greased baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.

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Final Thoughts

The Outback Steakhouse Bloomin’ Onion is one of those dishes that people remember. Crunchy, spicy, and totally addictive — it's the ultimate appetizer for sharing (or not). With this homemade version, you can enjoy all the flavor and fun without leaving your kitchen.

Serve it at your next game day party, movie night, or just because — and don’t forget the dipping sauce. That creamy, zesty kick is half the magic.