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Oven-Baked Blooming Onion

Category: Experience the Richness of Southern Cuisine

Enjoy a golden, crunchy blooming onion inspired by classic steakhouse flavors—yet made lighter with oven baking. A large sweet onion is delicately cut to create petals and soaked for better separation. It's dipped in a savory egg wash, then coated in a lively blend of panko, flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and seasoning. After a generous mist of oil, the onion bakes to a crisp, smoky crust at high heat. Serve hot with spicy mayo for a stunning, shareable appetizer that skips the fryer but doesn’t skimp on bold flavor.

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Updated on Fri, 25 Jul 2025 18:41:55 GMT
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A spoon is scooping up food from a bowl. | krispyrecipes.com

This oven-baked blooming onion is a show-stopping appetizer that brings the steakhouse classic to your table without the mess and heaviness of deep frying. Its crispy petals and smoky crust make it a crowd-pleaser every time I make it for friends game night

I fell in love with this lighter blooming onion after trying a dozen fried versions that left me feeling weighed down This healthier twist is now my go-to for parties or when I want to impress without the fuss

Ingredients

  • Large sweet onion: look for firm onions with papery skin and a flat bottom for easier cutting
  • Eggs and milk: help the crumbs stick and give a golden crust fresh eggs beat up fluffier and whole milk adds richness
  • Breadcrumbs: panko style deliver the crispiest texture use fresh for maximum crunch
  • Flour: helps the crumb layer cling and coats each petal evenly all-purpose works best
  • Paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and black pepper: smoky sweet and a little heat choose smoked paprika if you like a deep barbecue flavor
  • Spray oil: ensures even browning and crunch in the oven use avocado or olive oil spray for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut and Soak the Onion:
Keep the root intact Trim the stem end and peel off skin Stand the onion root-side down With a sharp knife make 12 to 16 vertical cuts from the top to almost the root creating petals Soak in ice water for 30 minutes This helps the petals bloom open and removes some sharpness
Prepare the Coating Bowls:
Whisk eggs with milk in a wide shallow bowl to create an egg wash In another bowl blend breadcrumbs flour paprika garlic powder cayenne salt and black pepper Use your hands to mix thoroughly Every crumb should get seasoned
Coat the Onion:
Drain the soaked onion and gently shake dry Dip the onion in the egg milk mixture Use a spoon or your fingers to work the egg wash into each petal Place the onion in the breadcrumb bowl Sprinkle breading over the top and carefully separate petals to coat every surface Press crumbs lightly so they adhere
Arrange and Bake:
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with oil Stand your breaded onion in the center Lightly mist the entire onion with spray oil Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 30 to 35 minutes Watch for the edges to turn deep golden and crisp
Serve and Enjoy:
Lift onto a serving plate Surround with spicy mayo or your favorite dipping sauce Pull apart petals and let everyone dig in
A plate of oven-baked blooming onions. Save
A plate of oven-baked blooming onions. | krispyrecipes.com

Sweet onions make all the difference for taste and appearance At my house the spices are the biggest hit My kids once tried to outguess which petal would be the crunchiest and it turned into a friendly competition

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers let the blooming onion cool fully before storing Refrigerate in a container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture Warm pieces up in a hot oven or air fryer so they crisp up again Avoid the microwave because it makes the coating soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

To make this gluten free swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for finely crushed cornflakes or gluten free crumbs For egg free use plant-based egg replacer plus a splash of dairy free milk If you like extra heat a pinch more cayenne or a few chili flakes in the crumbs will do the trick

Serving Suggestions

Serve on a big platter with flavorful dips Spicy mayo ranch or barbecue sauce are always welcome Pair with other finger foods at a party or alongside a grilled main If you want extra garnish sprinkle chopped chives or a pinch of smoked salt over the top right before serving

A plate of food with a blooming onion. Save
A plate of food with a blooming onion. | krispyrecipes.com

Cultural Context

Inspired by classic American steakhouse appetizers the blooming onion first popped up in the late 1980s and quickly became an iconic party food Today you will find copycat versions everywhere I love the oven baked approach because it feels nostalgic but fits modern kitchens and more health-focused diners

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I cut the onion for blooming?

Keep the root intact. Make 12–16 vertical cuts from the top down to create petals, then soak in ice water to help them spread.

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko adds extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs will work though the texture may be slightly different.

→ Is there an air-fryer option?

Yes. Air-fry at 190°C for about 18 minutes until golden and crispy, checking regularly for even browning.

→ How do I make it gluten-free?

Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko instead of standard breadcrumbs for a similar crisp coating.

→ What dipping sauce pairs well?

Spicy mayo or a simple dipping sauce with mayonnaise, hot sauce, and a touch of lemon is traditional and delicious.

Oven-Baked Blooming Onion

Crispy oven-baked blooming onion with paprika, panko, and savory spices—pub-style, no deep-frying needed.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
35 min
Total Time
50 min

Recipe Category: Southern Delights

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Recipe Yield: 6 Servings (1 large blooming onion)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Onion & Coating Wash

01 1 large sweet onion
02 2 eggs
03 60 ml milk

→ Breading

04 120 g panko breadcrumbs
05 60 g all-purpose flour
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
08 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 Salt, to taste
10 Black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing

11 Spray oil

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Cut off a thin slice from the root end to stabilize the onion. Keeping the root intact, slice the onion into 12–16 vertical sections, stopping about 1 cm from the root so the sections remain attached.

Step 02

Soak the cut onion in ice water for 30 minutes to help the petals separate and bloom.

Step 03

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 04

Drain the onion and shake off excess water. Dip the onion in the egg wash, ensuring all petals are coated. Dredge the onion in the breadcrumb mixture, gently working crumbs between the separated petals for even coverage.

Step 05

Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with oil. Place the coated onion on the sheet and mist generously with spray oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.

Step 06

Remove from oven and serve immediately, accompanied by spicy mayonnaise if desired.

Additional Notes

  1. For a lighter alternative, the onion can be air-fried at 190°C for about 18 minutes until crisp.
  2. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute panko and flour with crushed cornflakes.

Required Tools

  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet tray
  • Spray bottle for oil

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains wheat (flour, breadcrumbs)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains milk

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 130
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 3 g