If you love crispy onion petals, onion rings, or any crunchy fried snack, this Blooming Onion Sauce is the game changer. This version is a copycat of the famous Outback Steakhouse dipping sauce — creamy, tangy, and with just enough kick to make it addictive. And the best part? You can whip it up in minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Why This Sauce Works
Deep-fried foods and a good dipping sauce are a classic pairing. This blooming onion sauce offers a perfect balance of creaminess from mayonnaise, tang and sweetness from ketchup, and a bit of zest thanks to horseradish. Then a blend of spices—garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano—adds depth and complexity. It’s simple, yet full-flavored, making it a go-to for more than just onion dishes.
Ingredients (for about 4 servings)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish sauce
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions (step by step)
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and smooth.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve the sauce chilled alongside onion rings, blooming onion petals, or other favorite fried dishes (chicken tenders, shrimp, fries, etc.).
This recipe makes a modest amount (sufficient for four servings) — but because it stores well, don’t hesitate to double it if you anticipate heavy dipping demands.
Tips & Notes
- Make ahead: The sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Adjust to taste: If you don’t have horseradish, you can skip it — the sauce will still taste delicious, though slightly milder.
- Scale easily: Feel free to double or triple the recipe when entertaining or preparing for a crowd.
- Pairing ideas: Beyond onion petals, it’s fantastic with fried shrimp, chicken strips, onion strings, air fryer potatoes — even as a sandwich spread or burger sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~ 218 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~ 6 g
- Protein: ~ 1 g
- Fat: ~ 21 g
- Saturated Fat: ~ 3 g
- Cholesterol: ~ 12 mg
- Sodium: ~ 565 mg
- Fiber: ~ 1 g
- Sugar: ~ 4 g