A Baked Blooming Onion is a healthier take on the classic fried appetizer, offering all the crispy, flavorful allure with fewer calories. This eye-catching dish involves slicing an onion to resemble a flower that “blooms” as it bakes, with its petals pulling apart to reveal tender, caramelized layers. Coated in a savory blend of spices and breadcrumbs, each petal becomes irresistibly crunchy and golden. Perfect for sharing, a Baked Blooming Onion is served with a zesty dipping sauce that complements its sweetness and spice, making it an ideal starter for gatherings or a special treat during family movie nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray (for baking)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Onion:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by cutting off about 1/2 inch from the top of the onion, and peel the outer skin. Leave the root intact to hold the onion together. Turn the onion cut-side down and make vertical slices about 1/4 inch apart, stopping just before you reach the root to keep the slices connected at the base. Gently flip the onion over and separate the “petals” to form the blooming effect.
- Season the Onion:
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour mixture evenly over the onion, ensuring it gets between the petals.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk. Brush this mixture all over the onion, including the insides of the cuts.
- Breadcrumbs Coating:
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss to mix well. Carefully coat the onion with the breadcrumbs, again making sure to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Bake:
- Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and place the onion on it. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the onion is tender and the outside is golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- While the onion bakes, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve:
- Remove the onion from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce.
This Baked Blooming Onion is a delightful dish that combines the appeal of comfort food with a lighter, oven-baked approach. It’s perfect for those who love the idea of a blooming onion but prefer a less greasy version. Enjoy sharing this tasty, eye-catching appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
