Blooming Onion Sauce (Outback Copycat)
If you’ve ever visited Outback Steakhouse, you’ve probably tried—or at least seen—their famous Bloomin’ Onion appetizer. Crispy, golden, and impressively displayed like a blossoming flower, the real star of the show is the creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Blooming Onion Sauce. This flavorful dipping sauce perfectly complements the crunchy onion petals, balancing out their savory crunch with creamy heat. Now, you can recreate that iconic sauce at home with this easy, accurate copycat recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Restaurant-quality taste – It’s nearly identical to the original Outback sauce.
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Quick and easy – Made with pantry staples in under 5 minutes.
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Versatile – Not just for blooming onions; it’s also great with fries, burgers, chicken tenders, and more.
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Customizable – You can adjust the heat and tanginess to match your preferences.
Ingredients
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
A creamy base that binds all the flavors together. Use a good-quality mayo for the best taste. -
2 tablespoons ketchup
Adds sweetness, tang, and a slight red hue to the sauce. -
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish (drained)
This is the key ingredient for that classic spicy kick. Prepared horseradish is different from horseradish sauce—make sure it’s the plain grated kind, and squeeze out any excess liquid. -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Adds smokiness and depth of flavor, along with a warm color. -
1/2 teaspoon salt
Enhances all the flavors. -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Brings a mild garlicky background flavor. -
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Adds a subtle earthy herb note that makes the sauce more interesting. -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For a touch of heat and balance. -
Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
If you like it spicy, a pinch of cayenne adds a bit more heat.
Instructions
1. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and prepared horseradish. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
2. Add the Seasonings
Add paprika, salt, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Let It Rest
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the spices to meld with the creamy base, intensifying the overall taste. You can even make it a day ahead; it keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sauce with a hot blooming onion or your favorite dippables like fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, or veggie sticks.
Tips for Success
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Use real horseradish: Make sure it’s prepared horseradish, not horseradish sauce or creamy horseradish. The raw heat from real horseradish makes a big difference.
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Drain the horseradish: If it’s watery, squeeze it gently in a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
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Customize: Add more horseradish or cayenne if you want it spicier, or a splash of lemon juice for more tang.
Storage
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir before serving if it separates slightly.
Final Thoughts
This Blooming Onion Sauce is more than just a copycat—it’s a reliable go-to condiment that brings bold flavor to any dish. Whether you’re throwing a party, recreating your favorite restaurant meal, or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, this sauce delivers every time.
Would you like a full recipe for the blooming onion to go with it