Looking for a dish that wows your guests without stressing you out? This baked blooming onion is the perfect answer for your next gathering. It is cozy, warm, and full of flavor.
There is something magical about the smell of savory spices on a crisp fall evening. You get all the crunch without the heavy grease of frying. It is timely, delicious, and ready for your table right now.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy fall weeknights or game days. It is much lighter than the traditional restaurant version you know. You only need a few pantry staples to get started today.
Your family will love pulling apart the crispy, golden petals together. It is budget-friendly and feeds a small crowd very easily. This dish makes healthy eating feel like a treat for everyone.
Simple Method
Don’t let the fancy shape of the onion intimidate you. You just need a few careful cuts to start the process. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this with ease.
The oven does all the hard work while you relax. You will have a show-stopping appetizer in under an hour. It is a simple way to impress your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients are likely already in your kitchen right now.
- 1 large sweet Vidalia onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
Step-by-Step
- Preheat convection oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Remove the stem end of the onion and peel the outer skin, maintaining the root base integrity.
- Position onion cut-side down. Execute four primary vertical cuts toward the root, stopping 0.5 inches from the base. Subdivide into 16 symmetrical segments.
- Invert the onion and manually expand segments to achieve a floral geometry.
- Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Whisk eggs in a separate vessel until homogenous. Place panko in a third vessel.
- Sift the flour mixture over the onion, ensuring total coverage between segments.
- Apply egg wash to all surfaces of the floured onion.
- Uniformly coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and apply a high-coverage coating of olive oil spray.
- Bake covered with foil for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until internal core is tender and exterior reaches a golden-brown finish.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm with a side of creamy dipping sauce. It pairs perfectly with a cold drink on a cozy game day. You can also serve it alongside a juicy grilled steak.
Set it in the center of the table for everyone to share. Sharing is the best part of this fun, pull-apart dish. Your guests will definitely ask you for the recipe later.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. To get the best crunch back, use your oven again.
Reheat at 350°F for about ten minutes until it is warm. Avoid the microwave because it will make the coating soft. You can even prep the onion a few hours early.
Recipe Tips
- Use a very sharp knife to ensure clean, even cuts.
- Do not skip the step of sifting flour between every petal.
- Apply a generous layer of oil spray for a golden finish.
- Make sure the root stays intact to hold the shape together.
- Add a pinch of dried herbs for a seasonal fall flavor.
- Check the very center for tenderness before pulling from the oven.
- Use a sweet Vidalia onion for the most mild, delicious taste.
Make It Your Own
- Swap panko for crushed crackers for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Add grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs for an extra salty kick.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend to keep everyone at the table happy.
Quick Answers
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can cut and flour the onion a few hours early. It is best to bake it right before you serve it. This guarantees the maximum crunch for your guests.
What is the best dipping sauce?
A mixture of mayo, ketchup, and horseradish is a classic choice. You can also use ranch or a spicy honey mustard. Choose whatever your family loves the most.
I hope this cozy baked blooming onion brightens your fall evenings. It is a fun way to bring the family together around the table. Give it a try and enjoy every crispy bite!
— Lidia
Baked Blooming Onion
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet Vidalia onion
- 1/2 cup all -purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large egg s
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat convection oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Remove the stem end of the onion and peel the outer skin, maintaining the root base integrity.
- Position onion cut-side down. Execute four primary vertical cuts toward the root, stopping 0.5 inches from the base. Subdivide into 16 symmetrical segments.
- Invert the onion and manually expand segments to achieve a floral geometry.
- Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Whisk eggs in a separate vessel until homogenous. Place panko in a third vessel.
- Sift the flour mixture over the onion, ensuring total coverage between segments.
- Apply egg wash to all surfaces of the floured onion.
- Uniformly coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and apply a high-coverage coating of olive oil spray.
- Bake covered with foil for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until internal core is tender and exterior reaches a golden-brown finish.
