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A platter of bite-sized blooming onions served with creamy buttermilk ranch dip.

Classic Bite-Sized Blooming Onions with Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Enjoy these crispy, golden-brown bite-sized blooming onions with a cool and creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dip. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Shallow dishes
  • Wire rack
  • Small bowl
  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep Dutch oven
  • Thermometer
  • Slotted spoon or spider
  • Plate
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

For the Blooming Onions

  • 1-2 yellow onions
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying

For the Buttermilk Ranch Dip

  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch black pepper

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions

  • Peel the onions, then slice them into ½-inch thick rounds, separating the rings and discarding any tiny inner pieces.
  • In one shallow dish, whisk together flour and seasonings; in another, whisk buttermilk and egg for dredging.

Dredge the Onions

  • Coat onion rings in buttermilk, then transfer to seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly, and place on a wire rack.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, herbs, and spices in a small bowl for the dip; then refrigerate until needed.

Fry the Onions

  • Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C), monitoring the temperature with a thermometer.
  • Carefully add onion rings in a single layer to the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Drain, Season & Serve

  • Transfer fried onion rings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then immediately sprinkle lightly with extra salt.
  • Arrange hot, crispy blooming onions on a platter with the chilled Buttermilk Ranch Dip and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying. Do not overcrowd the pot; fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve optimal crispiness. Serve immediately for best results, as the onions will lose their crispness over time.