Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe
Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip are a delightful and crunchy appetizer featuring sweet onions cut to resemble a flower, battered, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Served with a rich, tangy homemade ranch dip, this recipe transforms a classic restaurant favorite into an easy-to-make treat perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (per batch)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (1 mini onion per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Coating
- 4 small to medium-sized onions (Vidalia or sweet onions work best)
- 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
- Vegetable oil (for frying, enough to submerge onions)
Creamy 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 and carefully slice downward to the bottom, making 8-12 cuts without cutting all the way through, to form a flower shape.
- Soak in Buttermilk: Place the prepared onions in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let soak for 10-15 minutes to help the coating stick during frying.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper thoroughly to make the coating mixture.
- Coat the Onions: Remove onions from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each onion in the coating mixture, making sure to get between all petals. Press gently to adhere coating and shake off any excess.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping a small bit of coating into the oil; it should immediately sizzle and float.
- Fry the Onions: Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower one onion at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Repeat for remaining onions, maintaining oil temperature.
- Make the Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip: While onions fry, combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange crispy mini bloomin’ onions on a serving platter. Serve alongside the ranch dip and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- To make a healthier version, bake the coated onions at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Drain fried onions on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: bloomin onions, mini bloomin onion, crispy onion appetizer, buttermilk ranch dip, fried onion recipe, party appetizers, game day snacks
