If you love the crispy, golden goodness of a Bloomin’ Onion but want something more bite-sized and shareable, then Awesome Blossom Onion Bites are the perfect treat for you.
These delicious, crunchy onion bites are seasoned to perfection, fried until golden brown, and served with a flavorful dipping sauce. Whether you're hosting a game night, planning a family gathering, or simply craving a savory snack, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a stress-free recipe.
Crispy and Delicious: The perfect balance of crispy, golden batter and tender onions.
Perfect for Sharing: A great appetizer for parties, game nights, or casual snacking.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and dipping sauces to match your taste preferences.
Ingredients
For the Onion Bites:
2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions work best)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup cornmeal
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Peel the onions and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Separate the layers gently, ensuring they remain intact for even coating and frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter and Coating
In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
In another bowl, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, and cornmeal.
Dip each onion bite into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
Transfer the onion bite to the dry mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Repeat the process until all onion pieces are coated.
Step 3: Fry the Onion Bites
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the coated onion bites in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until well combined and refrigerate until serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the crispy onion bites on a platter.
Serve with the dipping sauce and enjoy while hot!
Tips for Perfect Onion Bites
Use Sweet Onions: Vidalia onions provide the best flavor and texture.
Chill the Coated Onions: Let them sit for 10 minutes before frying to ensure the coating sticks.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F for the crispiest results.
Try Different Seasonings: Experiment with Cajun, ranch, or even Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated onion bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I use an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover onion bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crispy.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
5. What are some alternative dipping sauces?
While the classic sauce is delicious, you can try honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for variety.
6. Can I prepare them in advance?
You can coat the onion bites in advance and refrigerate them for up to 3 hours before frying.
7. Can I use red onions?
Yes, but they have a sharper taste. If you prefer a sweeter bite, stick to Vidalia or yellow onions.
8. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are great choices because of their high smoke point.
9. Can I make these spicy?
Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper in the batter and add hot sauce to the dipping sauce for extra heat.
10. How do I prevent sogginess?
Serve immediately, avoid overcrowding while frying, and reheat properly to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Awesome Blossom Onion Bites are a crowd-pleasing snack that delivers the same crispy, flavorful experience as a full Bloomin’ Onion but in a convenient bite-sized form. Whether you're a fan of deep-fried appetizers or simply love onions, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Try it out today and wow your family and friends with these irresistibly crunchy treats!
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