If you love the iconic Blooming Onion from your favorite restaurant, then you’re in for a treat! This Blooming Onion Sauce is the perfect dipping companion for that crispy, flavorful onion you know and love. The sauce is creamy, tangy, with a slight kick that complements the crunch of the onion perfectly. Trust me, once you make this sauce, you’ll want to dip everything in it—fries, chicken tenders, veggies… you name it! It’s the ideal balance of flavors that will elevate any appetizer or side dish.
Why You’ll Love Blooming Onion Sauce
Perfect Pairing: This sauce was made with the Blooming Onion in mind, so it’s the ideal dip for that crispy onion. But don’t stop there! It’s a great dip for a variety of appetizers.
Tangy and Creamy: The combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a few key spices gives this sauce a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that’s addictive.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in just a few minutes. No need to wait in line at the restaurant when you can make this tasty sauce at home!
Versatile: While it’s great with a blooming onion, you can use it for fries, onion rings, or even as a sandwich spread.

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Ingredients
For the Blooming Onion Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base that makes the sauce rich and smooth.
- 1/4 cup ketchup – Adds a bit of sweetness and tang to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon horseradish – For that zesty kick that takes the flavor up a notch.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a slight tanginess and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – A touch of smoky flavor to balance the tanginess.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For savory, garlicky goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Amplifies the onion flavor, giving the sauce a savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – For a little heat; adjust to your spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – A bright, citrusy kick to round out the flavors.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and fresh lemon juice.
2. Mix Well:
Stir everything together until smooth and well combined. Make sure all the ingredients are fully incorporated for the best flavor.
3. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the sauce and adjust any of the ingredients to your liking. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne or horseradish. If you prefer it a bit milder, add a little more mayonnaise or ketchup.
4. Chill:
For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sauce chilled with your blooming onion or your favorite crispy appetizer. It’s also great for dipping fries, onion rings, or even chicken tenders!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 90
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 0%
Iron: 0%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Blooming Onion Sauce
- As a Dip: Serve it with a crispy blooming onion, onion rings, or fries for the ultimate indulgent snack.
- Sandwich Spread: Slather it on sandwiches or burgers for an extra creamy and tangy layer of flavor.
- Chicken Dip: Perfect for dipping chicken tenders or grilled chicken strips.
- Veggie Dip: Use this sauce as a creamy dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or cucumber slices.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Heat: If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add some hot sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
Make It Ahead: This sauce is great for making ahead of time. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together, so you can make it the night before.
Customize It: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients to personalize the sauce. Add a little smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
A1: Yes, regular yellow mustard will work just fine, though Dijon mustard gives a slightly tangier flavor.
Q2: Can I make this sauce spicier?
A2: Absolutely! You can increase the amount of horseradish or cayenne pepper to add more heat. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like.
Q3: How long will the Blooming Onion Sauce last?
A3: This sauce will last for about a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.
Q4: Can I make this sauce vegan?
A4: Yes! You can use vegan mayonnaise and any vegan sour cream or substitute it with additional mayonnaise.
Q5: Is this sauce good for other dishes?
A5: Yes! This sauce works wonderfully as a dip for other fried foods like chicken tenders, fries, and even as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Q6: Can I freeze this sauce?
A6: It’s not recommended to freeze this sauce, as the mayonnaise and sour cream may separate when thawed.
Q7: Can I use store-bought horseradish sauce instead of plain horseradish?
A7: Yes, you can, but be sure to taste it first, as some horseradish sauces may be more flavorful or tangy than plain horseradish.
Q8: What can I serve with Blooming Onion Sauce besides a blooming onion?
A8: It’s great with fries, onion rings, chicken wings, or even as a dipping sauce for crispy veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
Q9: How can I make this sauce less tangy?
A9: If you find it too tangy, you can reduce the amount of Dijon mustard or horseradish and add more mayo or ketchup to balance the flavor.
Q10: How can I make the sauce creamier?
A10: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a bit more mayonnaise or even a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
This Blooming Onion Sauce is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, creamy, and slightly spicy dips. It’s quick to make, super versatile, and pairs perfectly with crispy appetizers or as a spread for sandwiches and burgers. With its rich flavor and tangy kick, this sauce is sure to become your new favorite dip! Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you ever went without it!
Print
Blooming Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 1 cup of sauce 1x
Description
This creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Blooming Onion Sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for your crispy, golden blooming onions. With a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and seasonings, it’s the ideal complement to the crunchy texture of the onion petals. Serve this sauce at your next BBQ, appetizer night, or as a dipping sauce for fried foods!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Mix the ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
-
Season to taste:
- Stir the sauce until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper to your liking.
-
Chill (optional):
- For best results, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving.
-
Serve:
- Serve the blooming onion sauce chilled alongside crispy blooming onions, onion rings, or other fried appetizers.
Notes
- For a tangier sauce, you can add a little more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or try incorporating some hot sauce for a different kick.
- This sauce can also be used as a dip for other fried foods, like mozzarella sticks or chicken tenders.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Dipping Sauce, Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg