Chili's Awesome Blossom

Delight your taste buds with the irresistible magic of Chili's Awesome Blossom, a show-stopping appetizer that's as fun to make as it is to eat! This crispy, golden-brown blooming onion is seasoned to perfection with a bold blend of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, ensuring every petal bursts with flavor. Dipped in a tangy, smoky homemade sauce featuring mayonnaise, horseradish, and smoked paprika, this crowd-pleaser is the ultimate combination of crunch and zest. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or craving restaurant-style comfort food at home, this deep-fried masterpiece is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any appetizer spread!

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion (like Vidalia)
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (for dipping sauce)
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (for dipping sauce)
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (for dipping sauce)
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for dipping sauce)
• 1 pinch salt (for dipping sauce)

Directions

Step 1

Cut the onion: Peel the onion and trim the top (non-root end). Place it root-side down and make 12-16 cuts from the top down toward the root, spacing them evenly, to create petals. Be careful not to cut all the way through the root.

Step 2

Gently separate the onion petals: Soak the onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes to allow the petals to bloom, then pat it dry.

Step 3

Prepare the dry coating: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Prepare the wet coating: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until smooth.

Step 5

Coat the onion: Place the onion in the dry mixture, using a spoon to ensure the mixture gets between the petals. Shake off excess flour, then dip the onion into the wet mixture, followed by a second coating of the dry mixture for extra crispiness.

Step 6

Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

Fry the onion: Carefully lower the coated onion into the hot oil, root side up. Fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.

Step 9

Serve: Place the fried blooming onion on a serving plate and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1986.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10052.9

Total Fat 1053.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 155.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 438.3mg	0%
Sodium 3997.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 199.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 45.0g
Protein 46.5g	0%

Vitamin D 208.9IU	0%
Calcium 498.1mg	0%
Iron 14.2mg	0%
Potassium 1492.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 90.6%

Protein: 1.8%

Carbs: 7.6%