Introduction

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions are a fun and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to impress. These bite-sized onion flowers are perfectly seasoned, fried to golden crispiness, and paired with a creamy buttermilk ranch dip. They’re great for sharing or serving at your next gathering.

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 small to medium-sized onions (Vidalia or sweet onions work best)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (for dip)
1 teaspoon dried dill (for dip)

Instructions

Step 1: Peel the onions and cut off the top 1/4 inch. Place each onion cut-side down on a cutting board and make 8-12 downward cuts all the way to the bottom, without slicing through, creating a flower shape.
Step 2: Place the prepared onions in a large bowl, cover with buttermilk, and let soak for 10-15 minutes to help the coating stick.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix together flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to make the coating.
Step 4: Remove onions from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Carefully coat each onion in the flour mixture, pressing gently between petals, then shake off extra coating.
Step 5: Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to cover the onions (about 2-3 inches deep) to 350°F (175°C). Test by dropping a bit of coating in; it should sizzle immediately.
Step 6: Using a slotted spoon, lower one onion at a time into the hot oil. Fry 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining onions, keeping oil temperature steady.
Step 7: For the dip, combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and adjust seasoning as preferred.
Step 8: Serve the crispy mini bloomin’ onions warm, paired with the creamy buttermilk ranch dip. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder, sweeter flavor that crisps nicely.
For extra heat, increase cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder to the coating.
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Try serving with different dips like spicy sriracha mayo or blue cheese dressing for variety.

Storage

Store any leftover fried bloomin’ onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. The ranch dip can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days; stir before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the onions ahead of time?

You can prep and soak the onions in buttermilk a few hours ahead, but it’s best to coat and fry them just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

What oil is best for frying bloomin’ onions?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works well due to their high smoke points and neutral flavor, ensuring even frying and a crisp texture.

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 86 reviews

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions are a delightful appetizer featuring sweet onions cut into blooming flower shapes, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb and flour mixture, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Served alongside a creamy buttermilk ranch dip, this recipe offers a crunchy texture paired with a tangy, savory dip, making it a perfect starter for any gathering or snack time.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (1 mini bloomin’ onion per person) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Coating

4 small to medium-sized onions (Vidalia or sweet onions work best)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2-3 inches deep in skillet)

Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip

1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried dill
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions and cut off the top 1/4 inch. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board and make 8-12 downward cuts all the way to the bottom without slicing through, creating a blooming flower effect.
Soak in Buttermilk: Submerge the prepared onions in a large bowl filled with buttermilk. Let soak for 10-15 minutes to help the coating adhere during frying.
Prepare the Coating: Mix together the flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the coating mixture.
Coat the Onions: Remove the onions from the buttermilk, shake off excess liquid. Carefully coat each onion thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure coverage between the petals, then shake off any extra coating.
Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer to submerge the onions (about 2-3 inches). Heat to 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping some coating into the oil; it should sizzle and rise immediately.
Fry the Onions: Carefully lower one onion at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Maintain consistent oil temperature for remaining onions.
Make the Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip: While frying, mix together buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the hot, crispy mini bloomin’ onions on a serving platter. Serve alongside the creamy buttermilk ranch dip. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne pepper to the coating mixture or dip.
Ensure onions are fresh and firm for best blooming effect.
Maintain oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked onions.
Use Vidalia or sweet onions for natural sweetness that balances the spicy coating.
Let the coated onions rest briefly before frying to help the coating set.
Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Keywords: bloomin onion, crispy onion appetizer, fried onions, buttermilk ranch dip, fried snack, party appetizer, onion flower