Blooming Onion Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dip that’s famously served with the iconic blooming onion appetizer. This homemade version brings that bold, addictive flavor into my kitchen using simple pantry staples. It’s perfect not just for onion rings but for fries, burgers, and more.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how quick this sauce is to make—just a few ingredients and a quick stir, and it's ready. It has the perfect balance of creamy, zesty, and spicy notes. I use it way beyond onion rings—it’s amazing on sandwiches, with grilled chicken, or even as a veggie dip. It tastes just like the restaurant version, but I get to control the ingredients and heat level.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Ketchup
- Prepared horseradish
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- I mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
- I cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- I stir it once more before serving and pair it with whatever crispy snack I have on hand.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce, which serves 6 to 8 people as a dip.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add more heat: I increase the cayenne or add a little hot sauce when I want a spicier kick.
- Smoky twist: I sometimes swap regular paprika for smoked paprika to add a deeper flavor.
- Extra tang: A splash of lemon juice or a dash of mustard adds more tang if I’m in the mood.
- Lighter option: I use light mayo and light sour cream when I want to cut down on calories.
Storage and Reheating
I store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
This sauce is meant to be served cold or at room temperature—I don’t reheat it.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often make it a day in advance. The flavor actually improves after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.
What can I serve this with?
I use it for blooming onions, fries, onion rings, burgers, grilled chicken, and even as a dip for raw veggies.
Is it very spicy?
It has a little heat, but it’s more zesty than spicy. I adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, I sometimes swap in plain Greek yogurt to lighten it up a bit and still get that creamy texture.
What’s the best horseradish to use?
I use prepared horseradish, not the creamy kind. It gives the sauce that sharp, zippy flavor that stands out.
Conclusion
This Blooming Onion Sauce is bold, creamy, and just the right amount of zesty. It’s my go-to dip for so many snacks and meals, and I love how easy it is to whip up from scratch. Whether I’m recreating a restaurant appetizer or just want something flavorful to dip my fries in, this sauce always hits the spot.
Blooming Onion Sauce (Outback Copycat)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (serves 6–8 as a dip)
- Category: Sauce, Dip
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blooming Onion Sauce is a creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy dip that tastes just like the Outback Steakhouse original. This easy copycat recipe uses pantry staples like mayo, horseradish, and spices to recreate the bold flavor you love. Perfect for blooming onions, fries, burgers, chicken, and more—it’s a versatile sauce you'll want to keep on hand!
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp prepared horseradish (not creamy)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Stir again before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a dip or spread.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky variation.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or Dijon mustard for extra tang.
- Lighten it up with low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the cayenne to make it milder or spicier.
- Best made ahead—flavors deepen after resting in the fridge
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