Keto Blooming Onion Recipe (Easy and Crispy) 🧅 (2024)

Published: · Updated: by Cast Iron Keto · 8 Comments

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This recipe for a Keto Blooming Onion is easy, delicious, and makes a great appetizer! Complete with a recipe for Horseradish dipping sauce. This ketofied version of the classic appetizer is a far cry nutritionally from their restaurant counterparts, but right on par in the flavor department.

Keto Blooming Onion Recipe (Easy and Crispy) 🧅 (1)
Jump to:
  • Preparation and cooking overview
  • Chef's note
  • 🧅 Ingredients for this keto blooming onion recipe
  • Ingredient substitutions
  • Additional ingredients
  • Cooking tools required
  • Tools substitute options
  • How to make a gluten-free Baked Blooming Onion: step-by-step guide
  • Cooking methods
  • Preparation steps
  • Cooking instructions
  • What to serve with a keto-blooming onion?
  • How to make it healthier
  • Time-saving tips
  • What can I prepare ahead of time?
  • Storage and reheating instructions
  • Storage tips
  • Reheating best practices
  • Recipe wrap-up and conclusion
  • Frequently asked questions
  • 📖 Recipe

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing keto-blooming onion takes only 40 minutes. Cut the onions into petals, dip in beaten egg, coat with flour mixture, and drizzle with olive oil. Then, bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes until golden.

Chef's note

Get creative with your seasoning by adding a pinch of your favorite herbs or spices to the flour mixture – think garlic powder, fresh herbs, or even a touch of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. If you're looking to up the heat, amp up the cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Snacks recipe.

🧅 Ingredients for this keto blooming onion recipe

  • 3 medium onions
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Horseradish sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 ½ tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Ingredient substitutions

Don't fret if there's a particular ingredient you don't have. These handy substitutions are here to save the day:

  • Cayenne pepper: Use red pepper flakes as a substitute for cayenne pepper in this recipe.
  • Paprika: If you have chili powder, use it instead of paprika. Chili powder is typically a blend of different spices, including paprika, so it can add a similar touch of spiciness to the dish.

Additional ingredients

Want to take this appetizer to a whole new level of deliciousness? Add these flavorful ingredients:

  • Crushed pork rinds: Mix crushed pork rinds with flour before coating the onion petals. They will provide a crispy and savory texture to the onion.
  • Garlic powder: Adding a dash of garlic powder to the coating mixture will enhance the savory flavors of the onion and provide a delicious aroma.
  • Fresh herbs: Use chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or basil as a garnish to add freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.
  • Lemon zest: Grating some lemon zest over the finished blooming onion will add a touch of brightness and citrusy notes, balancing the flavors.

To make this keto-blooming onion recipe, you will need the following tools:

  • 10.5" cast-iron skillet
  • 3 small bowls
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast iron skillet, use a large oven-safe skillet or a baking dish for baking the onions.
  • Whisk: If you don't have a whisk, use a fork to beat the eggs.
  • Foil: If you don't have aluminum foil, use parchment paper or a lid to cover the skillet while baking.

How to make a gluten-free Baked Blooming Onion: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the required ingredients.
  2. Peel the onions.
  3. Crack the eggs into a small bowl.

Cooking instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. In another small bowl, mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, paprika, salt, and cayenne. In another small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the sauce and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. To cut the onions, start by cutting off ½ inch of the pointy side of the onion, then peel off the outside layer. Lay the onion cut side down. Then, starting a ½ inch from the top (the end that’s not cut off), make 4 cuts through the onion across from each other. Repeat between the cuts until you have between 8-12 cuts, depending on the size of your onion. Flip the onion over and gently fluff out the petals.
  3. Dip each onion into the egg mixture, making sure to coat the inside and outside of each petal, let the excess fall off, then dredge through the flour mixture. You can use a spoon to make sure you get flour on each petal. Place the onions in a large 10.5″ cast iron skillet and drizzle or spray with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  4. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. If the onions haven’t browned enough, you may place them under your broiler set to high for 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve with the horseradish sauce.

Make the horseradish sauce

  1. Take an 8 to 10" horseradish root, peel it, and chop it into pieces.
  2. Add the chopped pieces to a small food processor. Add a little water, vinegar, and a pinch of salt, and blend. Transfer the prepared horseradish to an airtight jar.
  3. In a small bowl, add 1½ tablespoons of the prepared horseradish and combine it with other sauce ingredients, including mayonnaise, ketchup, cayenne pepper, and paprika.
  4. Your keto horseradish sauce is ready.

Chef's pro tip

Choose an onion of about softball size. For a uniformly coated and crispy onion, give each petal a luxurious dip into the egg mixture and let the excess drip off before dredging it through the flour mixture. Additionally, use a spoon to sprinkle flour on each petal for full coverage. This technique prevents clumping and ensures a beautiful, golden crust on every petal.

Keto Blooming Onion Recipe (Easy and Crispy) 🧅 (2)

What to serve with a keto-blooming onion?

The blooming onion is a versatile keto appetizer that effortlessly complements a wide range of foods. The following dishes pair well with this recipe:

  • Sirloin Steak: The crispy texture and flavorful onion petals perfectly complement the tender and juicy steak.
  • Baked Chicken: Enjoy finger-licking goodness by serving baked chicken with the blooming onion.
  • Fried Zucchini: Serve fried zucchini alongside the blooming onion for a low-carb treat that perfectly complements the flavors and textures of the appetizer.
  • Crispy Bacon Strips: Serve crispy bacon strips alongside the onion for a delicious combination of savory flavors and contrasting textures.
  • Grilled Shrimp Bruschetta: It makes a delightful seafood pairing with the blooming onion, bringing a taste of coastal indulgence to your plate.
  • Pulled Pork Sliders: Enjoy tender and flavorful pulled pork sliders alongside the blooming onions for a satisfying and meaty combination that is sure to please.

How to make it healthier

  • Choose organic onions, eggs, and spices whenever possible.
  • To lower the sodium content, reduce the amount of salt or go for a low-sodium alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with herbs and spices instead.
  • Incorporate more nutrients by adding grated Parmesan cheese, ground flaxseed, or chia seeds to the coating mixture. These ingredients boost the fiber and healthy fat content of the recipe.

Time-saving tips

  • Use an apple cutter: Peel and trim a medium-sized onion, then cut about ½ inch off the top. Position an apple cutter over the onion's flat top, press down to create evenly spaced cuts, and gently separate the petals.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Mix the dry ingredients: Combine the almond flour, coconut flour, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper in a bowl and store it in a sealed container. Having the dry mixture ready will save time and make the coating process smoother.
  • Make the horseradish sauce: Prepare the horseradish sauce and store it in the refrigerator until it is ready to serve. Horseradish sauce can be stored in an airtight jar in a fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: For storage, tightly wrap the leftover keto-blooming onion with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste.

Note: Freezing is not recommended for the keto-blooming onion, as the texture may become soggy upon thawing.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Place a single portion of the keto-blooming onion on a microwave-safe plate and reheat for 1-2 minutes on high power until heated.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the onion on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
  • Air fryer: Place the leftover onion in the air fryer basket and heat it at around 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of warmth and crispiness. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it, a crispy, golden Keto Blooming Onion that's as delightful to look at as it is to savor. With each petal offering a burst of flavors and textures, this low-carb treat is perfect for sharing with friends at gatherings, as an appetizer to impress, or simply as a snack during your cozy movie nights.

With its enticing aroma and indulgent taste, this dish is ready to steal the show at any mealtime – be it lunch, dinner, or a satisfying snack. Don't just wait for special occasions; make any day extraordinary with this mouthwatering recipe.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, onions are keto-friendly. While onions do contain carbohydrates, they are relatively low in net carbs, making them suitable for a keto lifestyle when consumed in moderation. Onions also provide fiber and various essential nutrients, making them a flavorful and nutritious addition to keto recipes.

Absolutely! The keto-blooming onion can be made in an air fryer for healthier cooking. Simply follow the recipe instructions for coating the onion petals and place them in the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy. In just a few minutes, you'll have a fantastic air-fried blooming onion ready to enjoy.

No, this is the best ratio of flour mixture that we have found. It creates the perfect crust. Just almond flour tends to burn, and just coconut flour tends to, well, be too coconutty.

You can serve these as an appetizer, side dish, or snack! They're great with steak. We highly recommend the horseradish sauce that is given with this recipe.

The exact carb count may vary depending on the size of the onion used and the specific measurements of the ingredients. However, as a general guideline, a standard serving size of a keto-blooming onion typically contains around 9 to 10 grams of net carbs.

You can use any size of onion for this recipe. You can also use mini blooming onions for individual servings. Choose smaller onions and follow the same cutting and coating process described in the recipe. Adjust the baking time accordingly, reducing it slightly since smaller onions will cook faster.

  • To cut the onions, start by placing them on a cutting board and slicing off a ½ inch of the pointy side of the onion then peel off the outside layer.
  • Lay the onion cut side down.
  • Then, starting a ½ inch from the top (the end that's not cut off), make 4 cuts through the onion across from each other.
  • Repeat between the cuts until you have between 8-12 cuts depending on the size of your onion.
  • Flip the onion over and gently fluff out the onion petals.

📖 Recipe

Keto Blooming Onion Recipe (Easy and Crispy) 🧅 (3)

Keto Blooming Onion

This recipe for Keto Blooming Onions is easy, delicious, and makes a great appetizer! Complete with a recipe for Horseradish dipping sauce.

4.72 from 14 votes

Print Rate Pin Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: comfort, easy, gameday

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 141kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 medium onions
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup coconut flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Horseradish Sauce:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 ½ tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400° F. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl, in another small bowl mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, paprika, salt, and cayenne. In another small bowl combine all of the ingredients for the sauce, refrigerate until ready to use.

  • To cut the onions, start by cutting off a ½ inch of the pointy side of the onion then peel off the outside layer. Lay the onion cut side down. Then, starting a ½ inch from the top (the end that’s not cut off), make 4 cuts through the onion across from each other. Repeat between the cuts until you have between 8-12 cuts depending on the size of your onion. Flip the onion over and gently fluff out the petals.

  • Dip each onion into the egg mixture making sure to coat the inside and outside of each petal, let the excess fall off then dredge through the flour mixture, you can use a spoon to make sure you get flour on each petal. Place the onions in a large 10.5″ cast iron skillet and drizzle or spray with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

  • Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Bake covered for 15 minutes, remove foil and bake another 15 minutes. If the onions haven’t browned enough you may place them under your broiler set to high for 5 minutes until golden brown. Serve with the horseradish sauce.

Make the horseradish sauce

  • Take an 8 to 10" horseradish root, peel it, and chop it into pieces.

  • Add the chopped pieces to a small food processor. Add a little water, vinegar, and a pinch of salt, and blend. Transfer the prepared horseradish to an airtight jar.

  • In a small bowl, add 1½ tablespoons of the prepared horseradish and combine it with other sauce ingredients, including mayonnaise, ketchup, cayenne pepper, paprika, and seasonings.

  • Your keto horseradish sauce is ready.

Notes

Nutritional info does not include sauce.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Keto Blooming Onion

Amount Per Serving

Calories 141Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 55mg18%

Sodium 228mg10%

Potassium 127mg4%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 689IU14%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 43mg4%

Iron 1mg6%

*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.

Keto Blooming Onion Recipe (Easy and Crispy) 🧅 (2024)

FAQs

How many net carbs in a blooming onion? ›

Carbs in Outback Steakhouse Aussie-tizers To Share Bloomin' Onion. Outback Steakhouse Aussie-tizers To Share Bloomin' Onion (1 serving) contains 123g total carbs, 109g net carbs, 155g fat, 18g protein, and 1950 calories.

What is the blooming onion batter made of? ›

Whisk the flour, cayenne, paprika, thyme, oregano, cumin and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl. In a small deep bowl, whisk the eggs, milk and 1 cup water. Place the onion in a separate bowl, cut-side up, and pour all of the flour mixture on top.

Why soak a blooming onion? ›

If you have the time, soak your onion in cold water overnight to allow it mellow a bit and "bloom" better. Use deep, small bowls for dunking so you don't have to handle the onion as much, which can mess up the petals. After the first dunk, let the onion sit for 5 minutes and double dunk.

What is the blooming onion sauce made of? ›

Make sauce: Mix mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup, paprika, cayenne, salt, oregano, and black pepper together in a medium bowl until well combined. Cover and store in the refrigerator until needed.

How healthy is a blooming onion? ›

One such appetizer, Outback Steakhouse's Bloomin' Onion, has more than 800 calories, 58 grams of fat and 22 grams of saturated fat, plus 1,520 milligrams of sodium. These numbers don't include the dipping sauce, which is also loaded with fat, calories, and sodium.

Why does a blooming onion have so many calories? ›

Nutrition. The egg wash and deep frying preparation process of the dish means it is high in calories; a single blooming onion with dressing contains approximately 1,660 calories and 87 grams of fat.

How do you crisp up a blooming onion? ›

Simply preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees, cut the onion in half, and spray it with a small amount of cooking spray or oil to get a bit of extra crispiness. Put it in the air fryer for five minutes on each side, flipping it halfway through, and ... that's it. That's the whole process. It's so, so easy.

How do you make Paula Deen blooming onions? ›

Spicy Onion Bloom
  1. 1 large sweet onion.
  2. 1 cup buttermilk.
  3. 1 teaspoon Paula Deen Hot Sauce.
  4. 1½ cups all-purpose flour.
  5. 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
  6. 2 tablespoons Paula Deen House Seasoning.
  7. 2 large eggs.
  8. 1 teaspoon water.

How do restaurants make blooming onions? ›

Instead, it's a large onion that's been cut into strips that, when spread out, resemble the petals of a flower. The raw onion is then coated with mildly spicy flour mixture and thrown in the deep fryer before being served with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.

Why it is important to soak the onion for 30 minutes prior to mixing process? ›

A simple soak leaches some of that enzyme from the onion, leaving behind a mellower flavor and a much more palatable salad topper. (Cook's Illustrated has also had success with a bath of water and baking soda, but simple H20 will do the trick nicely.)

Why do you put vinegar in onions? ›

the onions are stored and preserved in salted vinegar solution so that it can be used later. basically, when the onions are stored with vinegar, it not only preserves it. but the onions would absorb salt and sour taste from vinegar and thus making the ideal accompaniment.

How many days is a blooming onion good for? ›

Like most fried foods, Outback bloomin onion is best enjoyed fresh. That said, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. I recommend using your oven or air fryer to reheat it to avoid any sogginess. Heat at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

What country does blooming onion come from? ›

The blooming onion was probably invented in the mid 1980s in New Orleans, a city no stranger to ultra-rich fried foods, at Russell's Marina Grill, where it still goes by the name of “onion mum.” The founder of Outback Steakhouse worked at Russell's at the time.

How do you get a free Bloomin onion at Outback? ›

Visit dine-rewards.com for full program details. SIGN UP NOW FOR A FREE BLOOMIN' ONION®, MATE! In signing up I acknowledge that I am 18 years of age or older, want to receive email offers from Outback and agree to the terms and conditions of the Dine Rewards program.

Who has the original blooming onion? ›

AN APPETIZER FROM ONION HEAVEN

Our Bloomin' Onion® is our icon of appetizers. Created in 1988 by Outback founder Tim Gannon, it's our secret family recipe that never fails to delight.

How many calories are in 1 blooming onion from Outback Steakhouse? ›

That baby looks DANGEROUS. The dish contains a whopping 3,080 calories (which is probably why Outback recommends splitting the dish among 6 or more friends). For those keeping track, the original Bloomin' Onion is only 1,954 calories.

How many servings are in a Bloomin onion? ›

At 3,080 calories, the company claims it's meant to be for six people. That's cute. Just like the serving size on a pack of Thin Mints is "four cookies" and not "one sleeve."

How many net carbs are in a whole onion? ›

How Many Carbs In Onions? What about net carbs in onions? Since they have a small amount of fiber, the average whole onion contains 11.3 grams of net carbs.

How many net carbs are in spring onions? ›

Scallions or spring onions, tops and bulb, raw (0.25 cup) contains 1.8g total carbs, 1.1g net carbs, 0g fat, 0.5g protein, and 8 calories.

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