Name: Awesome Blossom Onion Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large sweet onions; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Oil for frying; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Pinch of cayenne pepper

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If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer with a golden, shattering crunch and a creamy, zippy dip, you have to try these Awesome Blossom Onion Bites. They transform humble onions into addictive, restaurant-worthy treats: think sweet petals of onion encased in a light, flavorful batter, paired with a tangy sauce that pulls everything together. It’s everything you love about a blooming onion—only in irresistible, dippable form! Perfect for game days, movie nights, or whenever you want to serve up a plate of pure happiness.

Awesome Blossom Onion Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Awesome Blossom Onion Bites is that each ingredient plays a purposeful role—nothing complicated, just the building blocks for a stunning appetizer. Here’s how every ingredient adds its own magic, from crisping up the coating to making the flavors shine.

2 large sweet onions: Sweet varieties (like Vidalia) make the bites pleasantly mild and addictive, but yellow onions work for a bolder kick.
1 cup buttermilk: This tenderizes the onion petals and helps the coating stick while adding subtle tang.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The sturdy base for a crisp, airy crust that fries up perfectly golden.
1/2 cup cornstarch: Lightens the coating for that shatteringly crisp bite you crave.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a pop of color.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory, aromatic depth straight to the coating.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Doubles down on the allium flavor in a subtle, savory way.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just enough to wake up your taste buds—it’s a gentle heat, not a punch.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for punchy seasoning from the inside out.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little backbone and depth to balance the sweetness of the onions.
Oil for frying: Go for something neutral like vegetable or canola to let the onion flavors shine.
For the dipping sauce: Nothing completes these bites like a creamy, tangy sauce for dunking!
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base for your sauce.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a sweet-tangy note and that classic pinkish color.
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish: For that zesty, steakhouse-inspired kick.
1/4 teaspoon paprika: Echoes flavors from the coating and adds a hint of smokiness.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Melds perfectly into the sauce for subtle depth.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Punches up all the flavors just enough.
Pinch of cayenne pepper: Brings a whisper of heat to the creamy dip.

How to Make Awesome Blossom Onion Bites

Step 1: Prep the Onion Petals

Start by peeling your sweet onions and chop them into bite-sized petals. Think about the size of a generous potato wedge—big enough to grab, but not so big that they’re hard to eat in one or two bites. These will be the star of your Awesome Blossom Onion Bites, so take your time separating the petals for even cooking.

Step 2: Soak in Buttermilk

Transfer the onion petals to a bowl and pour over the cool, tangy buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes—this softens the onions and infuses a gentle tang while priming them to grab onto every bit of that flavorful flour mixture.

Step 3: Mix Up the Seasoned Coating

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. You’ll see the mixture take on a warm, golden hue and smell absolutely irresistible—kitchen magic in the making!

Step 4: Whip Up the Dipping Sauce

In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne. A quick whisk, and you’ve got the ultimate creamy-spicy dipping sauce. Pop it in the fridge so the flavors can meld while you fry.

Step 5: Dredge the Onions

Lift the onion petals from the buttermilk (let the extra drip off), then toss them in your seasoned flour mixture. This flour-cornstarch combo will cling beautifully, giving you that sought-after crispy shell. Don’t be shy—make sure every petal is well coated!

Step 6: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Work in batches, gently dropping in the coated onion petals—don’t crowd them. Fry for 2–3 minutes per batch, just until crispy and deeply golden. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 7: Serve ’Em Up!

Pile your Awesome Blossom Onion Bites onto a platter, serve warm, and pair with the chilled dipping sauce. The contrast of crispy-hot onion and cool, zesty sauce is what makes these bites so unforgettable!

How to Serve Awesome Blossom Onion Bites

Garnishes

Sprinkle your masterpiece with a little chopped fresh parsley or green onion for a vibrant pop of color. A dusting of extra paprika or cayenne on top brings an inviting hint of spice and instantly lets everyone know there’s bold flavor ahead.

Side Dishes

Awesome Blossom Onion Bites pair well with a range of sides. Try serving them alongside crispy potato wedges, a bright, tangy coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad to balance out the decadence. For game days, they’ll shine with other finger foods like sliders and wings.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel free to get playful! Serve them in a shallow basket lined with checkered parchment for a fun, diner-style vibe, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board with ramekins of sauce tucked around. For parties, arrange the onion bites into a blooming “flower” shape—guaranteed to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Awesome Blossom Onion Bites (it happens, but not often!), cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their best texture for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a resealable freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to a month—just be sure to reheat from frozen so the coating doesn’t get soggy.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Awesome Blossom Onion Bites in a 400°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until sizzling and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the coating and lose that amazing crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Awesome Blossom Onion Bites ahead of time?

You can prep your onions and mix your coating and sauce a day head, storing everything separately. Fry the bites just before serving to maintain their irresistible crispiness.

What’s the best oil for frying these bites?

Neutral, high-heat oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are ideal. They don’t overpower the delicate onion and ensure a golden, crisp finish every time.

Can I make Awesome Blossom Onion Bites gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and double-check that your cornstarch is gluten-free. The bites will still turn out shatteringly crisp and delicious.

Can I air fry instead of deep frying?

Yes! For a lighter version, simply air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You’ll still get seriously crispy results with less oil.

Is the sauce spicy?

The dipping sauce has a subtle heat from the horseradish and cayenne, but it’s more zesty than fiery. If you love extra heat, just add a bit more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the mix!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want to treat yourself, Awesome Blossom Onion Bites are a guaranteed hit. They’re outrageously crispy, bursting with flavor, and that sauce ties everything together in the best way. Give these a try—they just might become one of your new favorite appetizers!

Awesome Blossom Onion Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Awesome Blossom Onion Bites are a crispy and flavorful appetizer featuring bite-sized sweet onion petals coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a zesty dipping sauce, they are perfect for snacking or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion Bites:

2 large sweet onions
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper

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Instructions

Prep the Onions: Peel and cut the onions into bite-sized petals. Soak them in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Coating: Mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.
Make the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dipping sauce ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Fry the Onion Bites: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Dredge onion pieces in the flour mixture, then fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve: Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce.