Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe

Introduction

Do you love the crunchy, flavorful experience of a classic bloomin’ onion but wish for a smaller, shareable version? Our Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip are bite-sized beauties perfect for parties, game day snacks, or impressive appetizers. With crispy petals and a rich, fluffy dip, these treats will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 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)
• For the ranch dip:
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the onions and cut off the top 1/4 inch. Place each onion cut-side down on a cutting board and slice downward into 8-12 cuts, stopping just before the bottom to create a flower shape.
2. Step 2: Place the prepared onions in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for 10-15 minutes to help the coating adhere.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Remove onions from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each onion thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating between the petals. Shake off excess.
5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C), enough to submerge the onions 2-3 inches deep. Test readiness by dropping some coating into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
6. Step 6: Carefully lower one onion at a time into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels. Repeat, maintaining oil temperature and frying in batches.
7. Step 7: While frying, prepare the ranch dip by combining buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Step 8: Serve the crispy mini bloomin’ onions on a platter with the creamy buttermilk ranch dip. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• For a healthier option, bake coated onions at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway until crispy.
• Substitute sour cream for mayonnaise in the ranch dip for a lighter flavor.
• Use whole wheat flour and breadcrumbs to add fiber and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover mini bloomin’ onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain their crispiness. You can prepare the onions through the coating stage ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to fry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these mini bloomin’ onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the onions through the coating step and store them in the fridge. Fry them just before serving for the best crunch and flavor.

What type of onion is best for this recipe?

Sweeter onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal due to their mild flavor and tenderness, but regular yellow onions work as well.

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Absolutely. Baking at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, provides a healthier alternative while keeping them crispy.

What else can I serve with the ranch dip?

This dip pairs wonderfully with vegetables, tortilla chips, chicken wings, or even as a salad dressing.

Are these suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes. Simply use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to enjoy this recipe gluten-free.

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

Crispy Mini Bloomin’ Onions with Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip offer a delightful, bite-sized version of the classic bloomin’ onion, perfect for sharing as an appetizer or party snack. These sweet onions are carefully cut into flower shapes, soaked in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Paired with a rich, tangy buttermilk ranch dip, they provide a satisfying crunch and bold flavor that will keep guests coming back for more.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (per batch)
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (1 mini bloomin’ onion with dip per serving) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 4 small to medium-sized onions (Vidalia or sweet onions work best)

Batter & 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)

Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Freshly chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions: Peel each onion and cut off the top 1/4 inch. Place the onion cut-side down on a cutting board and slice downwards into the onion, making 8-12 cuts from top to bottom without cutting through the base, creating a blooming flower effect.
2. Soak in Buttermilk: Place the prepared onions in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes to ensure the coating adheres well during frying.
3. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, seasoned breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to create the coating mixture.
4. Coat the Onions: Remove onions from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Carefully coat each onion in the flour mixture, ensuring the coating reaches between the petals. Press gently to help it stick, then shake off any excess flour mix.
5. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or deep fryer to a depth of about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Test readiness by dropping a small pinch of coating into the oil—if it sizzles and rises, the oil is hot enough.
6. Fry the Onions: Using a slotted spoon, gently lower one onion at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining onions, maintaining oil temperature.
7. Make the Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dip: While frying, combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until well mixed and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Arrange crispy mini bloomin’ onions on a serving platter alongside the creamy ranch dip. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for an extra fresh touch before serving.

Notes

• Soaking onions in buttermilk is crucial for helping the coating stick properly.
• Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain consistent oil temperature and crispiness.
• Drain fried onions on paper towels to remove excess oil for a crispy finish.
• Leftover bloomin’ onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for crispiness.
• For a healthier alternative, bake coated onions at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
• You may substitute sour cream for mayonnaise in the dip for a lighter version.

Keywords: bloomin onion, mini bloomin onion, appetizer, fried onions, buttermilk ranch dip, party snacks, game day appetizer, crispy onions