Blooming Onion Sauce Recipe

Ever find yourself in need of a sauce with personality and pizzazz? Say hello to my zingy concoction—I like to call it my secret weapon for elevating appetizers from meh to marvelous. Let’s dive into the creamy, tangy, spicy alchemy of flavors that make this sauce unforgettable.

I adore spicing up my meals. This Bloomin’ Onion Sauce does just that.

With a creamy mayonnaise base, subtle sweetness from ketchup, and a fiery hint of cayenne and horseradish, it’s the perfect balance of flavors. Thyme and oregano infusion takes it over the top.

Technically, a sauce. Practically, a dip.

A crave-worthy one at that.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Creamy texture, base for sauce, adds richness and depth.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy, brings a touch of acidity, enhances flavor profile.
• Creamed Horseradish: Provides a spicy kick, adds complexity, awakening taste buds.
• Paprika: Mild, sweet, enhances color, subtle warmth to the sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat, energizes the sauce, boosts metabolism.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons creamed horseradish
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

How to Make this

1. In a mixing bowl of medium size, put in 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.

2. Put 2 tablespoons of ketchup in the bowl with the mayonnaise.

3. Add 2 tablespoons of creamed horseradish and stir.

4. Add 1/4 teaspoon of paprika to lend a subtle smoky flavor.

5. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt.

6. If you want to infuse some herbal notes into your dish, add 1/8 teaspoon of dried oregano. Only work with fresh spices. Add them to the mortar and grind them lightly to help release their oils and aroma before using. Freshly hammering spices in this way also helps ensure an even distribution throughout the dish.

7. Blend in 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper for a hint of heat.

8. Put in a dash of 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.

9. At last, dust over the mixture 1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme.

10. Combine all ingredients and whisk together until smooth. Then, for the best flavor, refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving it with your choice of blooming onion or appetizer. That said, this dip is also delicious served right after making!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups (1/2 cup and tablespoon set)
3. Measuring spoons (teaspoon and 1/8 teaspoon)
4. Whisk
5. Mortar and pestle (for grinding spices)
6. Rubber spatula (optional, for scraping bowl)
7. Plastic wrap or lid (for covering the bowl in the refrigerator)

FAQ

• What is the best type of mayonnaise to use?Any kind of mayonnaise can be used—full-fat, light, or vegan. The only requirement is that it be creamy and smooth.
• Can I substitute the creamed horseradish?You can use prepared horseradish for a bolder taste, but you might want to change the quantity to suit your palate.
• How can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?Increase the cayenne pepper to make it spicier. Decrease it or leave it out to reduce the heat.
• Is there a substitute for paprika?You can use smoked paprika if you want to add depth, but regular paprika is fine if you want something milder.
• How long can I store the sauce?The sauce will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a week, at most, when kept in an airtight container.
• Can I make the sauce in advance?Indeed, making the sauce a few hours in advance can deepen its flavors. Just make sure to chill it until you’re ready to serve.
• What other dishes can I serve this sauce with?In addition to serving with blooming onions, the sauce is a good match for fries, burgers, sandwiches, or as a salad dressing.

Blooming Onion Sauce Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Mayonnaise. Opt instead for Greek yogurt to get a different, though just as tasty, spreadable base for your dressings. Greek yogurt has the same thickness as mayonnaise, but offers more protein and fewer empty calories.
Prepared mustard: Substitute with wasabi for a spicier flavor.
Smoked Paprika: This is a smoky-flavored spice. If you want to make something smoky-flavored and not use liquid smoke, use this spice. Why is this not at the top of the list? Because—while you can—and while many do use it in place of regular paprika, I would argue that it is not a 1:1 replacement for regular paprika, especially if you want that ingredient to have its own profile and not taste excessively smoky.
Cayenne pepper: Swap in hot sauce for a liquid alternative that packs the same punch.
Dried thyme: Use dried rosemary instead to obtain a flavor that is herby but not exactly the same.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Infusion For deeper flavor, prepare the sauce a day ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the spices to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive taste.

2. Customize the Heat Level Adjust the spiciness to your preference by varying the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat and gradually increase until you reach your desired level.

3. Fresh Spice Grinding For enhanced flavor, grind fresh spices using a mortar and pestle. This releases the essential oils and enhances the aroma and taste of the sauce.

4. Texture Variation If you prefer a slightly chunkier texture, consider using whole-grain mustard instead of creamed horseradish, which will add a little crunch and an additional layer of flavor.

5. Herbs Enhancement Fresh herbs can provide a brighter flavor. Consider using fresh oregano and thyme when available, finely chopping them before adding to the mixture for a more vibrant taste.