Bite-Sized Blooming Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and tools needed for making blooming onions. This step ensures a smooth cooking process.
- 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.
- Soak Onions: Soak the trimmed and scored onions in warm water if peeling proves difficult, which helps loosen the skins for easier removal.
- Mix Buttermilk: Pour buttermilk into a bowl for dipping the onions before coating. This step helps the flour mixture stick better.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C), ideally using vegetable or canola oil for frying.
- 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
