A loaded Bloomin’ onion is a delicious appetizer that combines the unique taste of a Bloomin’ onion with extra toppings and flavors. A Bloomin’ onion starts with a whole onion that is cut into petals which open up to resemble the shape of a flower, hence the name. This onion is then battered and deep fried resulting in crispy, golden brown petals. The loaded version takes this appetizer up a notch by adding various toppings and sauces into each petal. Some common loaded Bloomin’ onion toppings include cheese, bacon, chili, and ranch dressing. The combination of the crispy onion petals and flavorful toppings makes this loaded appetizer a crowd-pleasing choice for parties or game day. Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Bloomin’ onion, popular loaded topping ideas, and tips for making your own at home.
History of the Bloomin’ Onion
The original Bloomin’ onion appetizer was created in the 1980s by Outback Steakhouse. According to legend, the dish was invented by Outback’s first employee, Tony Mayoral. Mayoral was experimenting in the kitchen when he cut a whole onion into petals resembling a flower and then deep fried it, resulting in the first Bloomin’ onion. The appetizer became an instant hit and Outback Steakhouse soon patented the dish. For over 30 years now, Outback Steakhouse has served their signature Bloomin’ onion appetizer alongside steaks and other Australian inspired cuisine. While you can still get the original version at Outback, loaded Bloomin’ onions kicked things up a notch by stuffing and topping the fried onion petals with extra flavors. Loaded Bloomin’ onions likely emerged within the last decade as restaurants and home cooks started customizing them. The loaded version has now become a popular shareable app for sports bars, gastropubs, and backyard BBQs. Part of the appeal is the fun, interactive experience of pulling out the crispy onion petals and custom dipping them into the various sauces and toppings.
Popular Loaded Topping Ideas
One of the best parts of a loaded Bloomin’ onion is getting creative with fun, flavorful toppings. Here are some of the most popular ideas:
Cheese
Melted cheese is one of the most classic loaded toppings. Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are all popular choices that will ooze deliciously over the crispy onion petals. Ranch cheese sauce is another cheesy topping for Bloomin’ onions.
Bacon
Chunks of crispy cooked bacon are a savory and salty topping that pairs perfectly with the fried onion. Bacon bits are another quick bacon topping option.
Chili
Beef chili, vegetarian chili, or white chicken chili can all make flavorful Bloomin’ onion stuffings. The chili will add some heat as well as protein.
Salsa
Chunky salsa, especially flavors like mango, pineapple, or black bean, gives a fresh, zesty taste to balance out the fried onion.
Guacamole
Creamy, cool guacamole makes a nice contrasting texture and flavor compared to the crispy onion petals.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a versatile topping that goes well with many other mix-ins like bacon, chili, and salsa.
Ranch Dressing
Creamy, herby ranch dressing is arguably the most popular dip for Bloomin’ onions. Try ranch drizzled over the petals or use it as astuffing.
Queso
Warm, gooey white queso cheese sauce takes this appetizer in a deliciously cheesy, Tex-Mex direction.
Tips for Making Loaded Bloomin’ Onions at Home
Making your own loaded Bloomin’ onion at home is easier than you might think. Here are some helpful tips:
– Choose a large yellow or sweet onion that has thin, tight outer skin. Avoid red or white onions which are more prone to falling apart when cutting.
– Use a small, sharp knife to cut a cone shape into the bottom of the onion so it sits flat. Then make vertical cuts from top to bottom, stopping about 1/2 inch from the bottom.
– Place onion in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes to help open the petals.
– Pat onion dry, then dredge in flour, dip into beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
– Fry coated onion in 365°F oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
– Let cooked onion drain on a paper towel lined plate. Gently separate petals using two forks.
– Stuff cheese, bacon, chili etc. down between the petals while onion is still warm.
– Top with extra cheese, sour cream, salsa, guac or other toppings.
– Serve immediately with ranch or other dipping sauce on the side.
Making a loaded Bloomin’ onion does take some work but it’s an impressive appetizer for game day or parties. Adjust the toppings to suit your tastes. Now let’s look at some serving ideas and recipes.
Loaded Bloomin’ Onion Recipe Ideas
Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire your own loaded Bloomin’ onion creation:
BBQ Bacon Bloomin’ Onion
– Stuff petals with shredded cheddar cheese and cooked crumbled bacon
– Top with BBQ sauce, extra bacon bits, and chives
Supreme Pizza Bloomin’ Onion
– Stuff with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and mushrooms
– Top with pizza sauce, more cheese, and pepperoncinis
Cheesy Chili Bloomin’ Onion
– Stuff with shredded cheese of choice
– Top with warm beef chili and extra shredded cheese
– Serve with sour cream on the side
Southwestern Bloomin’ Onion
– Stuff with shredded Mexican cheese blend
– Top with black bean salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro
Buffalo Chicken Bloomin’ Onion
– Stuff with shredded cheese, cooked chicken, and hot sauce
– Top with ranch dressing and crumbled blue cheese
Serving Suggestions
A loaded Bloomin’ onion makes a perfect shareable app for parties and sporting events. Here are some serving ideas:
– Set out the fried onion on a large platter with small bowls of different toppings and sauces so guests can customize their own. Provide small plates and forks for easy loading and eating.
– For a neater presentation, stuff and top each onion petal ahead of time. Secure petals together with toothpicks.
– Pair loaded Bloomin’ onions with classic dips like ranch, blue cheese, or French onion dip for easier dipping.
– Offer smaller slider rolls or toasted bread slices so guests can make little Bloomin’ onion sandwiches.
– For parties, cut the loaded onion into individual wedges or mini blooms to pass around.
– Use festive picks, napkin rings, or toothpicks to decorate football, Halloween, or other themed Loaded Bloomin’ onions.
However you serve it, this appetizer is sure to be a hit! The crispy onion combined with melted cheese, meats, and flavorful toppings will have everyone going back for more. A loaded Bloomin’ onion is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a standard loaded Bloomin’ onion appetizer:
| Serving Size | 1/4 of a large loaded Bloomin’ onion |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 990mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 12g |
Like most fried appetizers, loaded Bloomin’ onions are high in calories, fat, and sodium. One serving provides about 425 calories, 24g of fat (10g saturated), 33g of carbs, and 990mg of sodium. Most of the fat and calories come from the deep fried onion. The cheese, bacon, and sauces add even more fat and sodium. To lighten things up, use reduced-fat cheese and toppings. And be sure to balance out this fatty appetizer with healthier side dishes. Enjoy this loaded appetizer in moderation at your next game day or party!
Conclusion
A loaded Bloomin’ onion takes this Outback Steakhouse classic to new flavor heights. Stuffing the crispy onion petals with cheese, bacon, chili, salsa, and other fun toppings makes this shareable appetizer even more crave-worthy. While frying the onion at home takes some work, the impressive and interactive presentation is sure to wow guests. Just be mindful of portion sizes since these loaded appetizers can be high in calories. But for special occasions like game day, a loaded Bloomin’ onion is an indulgent way to kick off a meal. Get creative with your own favorite flavors and toppings for a baked Bloomin’ onion that your guests will devour!