Name: Bite-Sized Blooming Onions
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds cipollini onions – the star of the dish, adds sweetness and texture.; 2 large eggs – helps bind the flour and spices to the onions.; 1 cup buttermilk – softens the onions, ensuring a tender bite.; 2 cups all-purpose flour – creates the crispy coating.; 1 tablespoon paprika – gives a mild, sweet spice.; 1 tablespoon kosher salt – enhances the overall flavor.; 1 tablespoon pepper – adds a slight heat and depth.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder – provides a robust garlic flavor.; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – offers a spicy kick.; Vegetable oil for frying – necessary for cooking, gives a crispy finish.; For the Onion Dip: ¼ cup mayo – base for the dipping sauce.; ¼ cup sour cream – adds creaminess to the dip.; 1 tablespoon ketchup – provides tanginess.; ½ teaspoon paprika – for a mild spice in the dip.; Pinch of salt and pepper – seasons the dip.

Description

Explore how to make bite-sized blooming onions with our easy-to-follow guide. Perfect your cooking skills and impress at your next party with these crispy, flavorful treats!

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds cipollini onions – the star of the dish, adds sweetness and texture.
2 large eggs – helps bind the flour and spices to the onions.
1 cup buttermilk – softens the onions, ensuring a tender bite.
2 cups all-purpose flour – creates the crispy coating.
1 tablespoon paprika – gives a mild, sweet spice.
1 tablespoon kosher salt – enhances the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon pepper – adds a slight heat and depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – provides a robust garlic flavor.
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – offers a spicy kick.
Vegetable oil for frying – necessary for cooking, gives a crispy finish.
For the Onion Dip:
- ¼ cup mayo – base for the dipping sauce.
- ¼ cup sour cream – adds creaminess to the dip.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup – provides tanginess.
- ½ teaspoon paprika – for a mild spice in the dip.
- Pinch of salt and pepper – seasons the dip.

Instructions

Prep the Onions: Start by slicing off the root end of the cipollini onions, cutting as little as possible. Peel them carefully. Using a sharp knife, vertically cut the onion into eighths, ensuring not to slice through completely.
Soak: Place the onions in a mix of buttermilk and eggs, letting them marinate for at least 5-10 minutes to soak. Optionally, you can prepare this step a night before to deepen the flavors.
Coat: Mix flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. Remove onions from the buttermilk mixture, dust them heavily with the flour mix, ensuring coverage in all sections.
Fry: Heat the oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the onions for about 4 minutes until golden brown. Ensure they are spread out to avoid clumping.
Drain and Serve: Remove the onions from the oil, let them drain for a minute on paper towels, then serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.

Notes

Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature (350 degrees F) is crucial for the perfect fry.
Preparation: You can cut and soak the onions up to a day in advance, which can help streamline the cooking process during party preparations.

Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 4 min
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American