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Close-up of bite-sized blooming onions with buttermilk ranch dip

Bite-Sized Blooming Onions with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Enjoy these crispy, golden-brown bite-sized blooming onions with a cool, creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dip.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Deep-fry thermometer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Baking sheet
  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Bite-Sized Blooming Onions:

  • 2-3 medium yellow onions
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for deep frying, enough to fill pot 2-3 inches deep

For the Buttermilk Ranch Dip:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt to taste
  • Pinch of black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Onions:

  • Peel and cut onions into 8-12 wedges, separating layers for even cooking.

Soak in Buttermilk:

  • Submerge onion wedges in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Dredging Station:

  • Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and seasonings in a separate bowl.

Heat the Oil:

  • Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a pot to 350-375°F (175-190°C).

Dredge the Onions:

  • Coat onion wedges thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture; optionally double-dredge for a thicker coating.

Fry the Onions:

  • Fry coated onions in hot oil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, avoiding overcrowding.

Drain and Season:

  • Remove fried onions to a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with salt.

Make the Dip:

  • Whisk together all dip ingredients until smooth while onions are frying; adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve:

  • Serve hot, crispy blooming onions immediately with the homemade ranch dip.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the oil temperature remains consistent throughout frying. Do not overcrowd the pot when frying; this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy onions. You can prepare the dip a few hours ahead and chill it for best flavor. Leftover dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.