Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe
Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions are a fun and flavorful appetizer featuring sweet onions cut to resemble a flower, battered in seasoned flour and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Paired with a creamy, tangy buttermilk ranch dip, this dish is perfect for sharing or serving as a crowd-pleasing snack at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 onion per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 4 small to medium-sized onions (Vidalia or sweet onions work best)
Batter and Coating
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to submerge onions about 2-3 inches deep)
Buttermilk Ranch Dip
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions and cut off the top 1/4 inch. Place each onion cut-side down on a cutting board, then make 8 to 12 downward cuts from top to bottom without slicing through the root end, creating a flower-like appearance.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the cut onions in a large bowl and cover them completely with buttermilk. Allow them to soak for 10-15 minutes to help the coating adhere better during frying.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an evenly seasoned coating mixture.
- Coat the Onions: Remove each onion from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Carefully coat every petal with the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Shake off any excess flour mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or deep fryer to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping a small bit of coating into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and float up.
- Fry the Onions: Using a slotted spoon, gently lower one onion at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Maintain oil temperature and repeat for remaining onions.
- Make the Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip: While frying, prepare the dip by mixing 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried dill, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl. Stir until smooth and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the crispy mini bloomin’ onions on a serving platter alongside the buttermilk ranch dip. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Notes
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F for even frying and crispy texture.
- Soaking onions in buttermilk not only helps the coating stick but also tenderizes the onions slightly.
- The cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- Leftover dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Handle onions gently when coating to keep petals intact and maintain the flower shape.
Keywords: Crispy Bloomin Onion, Mini Bloomin Onion, Fried Onion Appetizer, Buttermilk Ranch Dip, Party Snack
