Bite-Sized Blooming Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe

Introduction

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions are a fun twist on a classic appetizer, featuring sweet Cipollini onions delicately fried to golden perfection. Paired with a creamy buttermilk ranch dip, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and impress guests at any gathering.

Ingredients

• 12 pieces Cipollini Onions (small and sweet for blooming)
• 1 cup Buttermilk (swap with whole milk mixed with vinegar if desired)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for the best texture)
• 1 tablespoon Spice Mix (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, black pepper) (adjust for heat)
• 4 cups Oil (for frying) (use vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the onions by trimming the tops and bottoms, then carefully scoring the sides to create the blooming effect.
2. Step 2: If peeling is difficult, soak the onions in warm water for a few minutes to loosen the skins.
3. Step 3: Pour the buttermilk into one bowl for dipping the onions.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the spice mix, mixing thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Dip each onion into the buttermilk, then dredge in the spiced flour mixture. Repeat by dipping again in buttermilk and dredging in flour for a double coating.
6. Step 6: Heat the oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) ensuring it is hot enough for frying.
7. Step 7: Fry the onions cut-side down for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through cooking for even crispness.

Tips & Variations

• Use a spice mix tailored to your preference by adjusting the heat level or adding herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
• Try substituting the flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-friendly.
• Serve with a side of homemade or store-bought ranch dip for added creaminess.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, soak onions longer to reduce sharpness before frying.

Storage

Store any leftover blooming onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Yes, but Cipollini onions are ideal due to their small size and natural sweetness. Larger onions can be used but may require longer frying time and different scoring technique.

What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

You can use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a simple buttermilk substitute. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using.

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

Discover the delicious and crispy Bite-Sized Blooming Onions served with a creamy buttermilk ranch dip. These small Cipollini onions are carefully prepared, double-coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mix, and deep-fried to golden perfection, making a perfect appetizer or snack.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 bite-sized blooming onions 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 12 pieces Cipollini Onions (Small and sweet for blooming)

Dipping and Coating

• 1 cup Buttermilk (Swap with whole milk mixed with vinegar if desired)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (For the best texture)
• 1 tablespoon Spice Mix (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Dry Mustard, Salt, Black Pepper) (Adjust for heat)

Frying

• 4 cups Oil (for frying) (Use vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and tools needed for making blooming onions. This step ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Prepare the Onions: Trim the tops and bottoms of the Cipollini onions carefully, then score the sides to help create the ‘blooming’ effect when cooked.
3. Soak Onions: Soak the trimmed and scored onions in warm water if peeling proves difficult, which helps loosen the skins for easier removal.
4. Mix Buttermilk: Pour buttermilk into a bowl for dipping the onions before coating. This step helps the flour mixture stick better.
5. Combine Spices and Flour: In another bowl, thoroughly mix the all-purpose flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating.
6. Double-Coat the Onions: Dip each onion first in the buttermilk, then dredge it in the seasoned flour. Repeat by dipping again in buttermilk and dredging once more in the flour mixture for an extra crispy coating.
7. Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C), ideally using vegetable or canola oil for frying.
8. Fry the Onions: Carefully place each coated onion cut-side down into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through to ensure even frying.

Notes

• Use a deep pan or fryer to maintain consistent oil temperature while frying.
• Adjust spice mix heat level to taste, omitting or adding chili powder if desired.
• Drain fried onions on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
• Substitute buttermilk with whole milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice as a dairy alternative.

Keywords: blooming onions, fried onions, appetizer, cipollini onions, buttermilk ranch dip, crispy onions