
By Becky Hardin
Published Nov 26, 2018
This Baked Blooming Onion is a healthier version of a favorite restaurant appetizer. A Superbowl spread wouldn’t be complete with this Bloomin’ Onion recipe! Make this Blooming Onion Recipe healthier by baking it instead of frying it. It’s just as delicious!

Baked Blooming Onion Recipe
This baked blooming onion recipe is my take on a popular restaurant appetizer that everybody loves. Baked instead of fried makes it a whole lot healthier!
This Baked Blooming Onion is my idea of a classic dish. Growing up in Missouri, the fine dining options were…slim. Don’t get me wrong, there is some delicious food here (hello BBQ!!!), but the options are definitely limited.
As a kid, I seriously LOVED Outback Steakhouse (I know, I know). It felt like such a treat every time we went there, and my favorite thing to get was the Bloomin’ Onion !
Kids don’t have to worry about consuming thousands of calories for an appetizer, but my 32 year old body DOES have to worry about it. I still want my blooming onion, but I really don’t want that to be the only thing I can afford to eat for days!
That’s why this Baked Blooming Onion recipe is perfect! It’s easily just as tasty, but just a fraction of the calories and fat.
Now that I know how to make a blooming onion at home (just a little bit healthier), I can make this tasty appetizer any time I want!
This Baked Blooming Onion Recipe is a healthier version of a restaurant favorite!

How to Make a Blooming Onion
It was a real game-changer when I realized I could make this Blooming Onion Recipe at home. I no longer needed to use any special occasion as an excuse to go out to eat and spend a bunch of money on this epic appetizer.
Now I can make it myself any time I please! And the fact that this Baked Blooming Onion is much healthier the way I make it is even better.
I always wondered how to make a blooming onion when I saw it at the restaurant. It’s almost like a work of art. I was surprised by how easy it actually is to make though. Just follow a few steps and you’ve got this delicious baked appetizer to share.

Step by Step Instructions:
- Cut the onion to create that awesome bloomin’ onion shape
- Combine Panko breadcrumbs, paprika, & Cajun seasoning in a bowl
- Whisk the egg whites together in a separate bowl
- Coat each onion petal with egg white and then sprinkle with panko mixture
- Work from bottom top top, then add a final layer over the whole thing
- Cover with aluminium foil and bake for 5 minutes
- Bake another 10-15 minutes uncovered
Now the Baked Blooming Onion is crisp and ready to serve!

Easy Super Bowl Appetizer
You can make your man (or woman!) super happy by making this Bloomin’ Onion Recipe for the Superbowl . This crispy, flavorful appetizer is so great for sharing and it will be gone in no time! It makes the perfect addition to any game day menu. And even though it tastes fried, it’s not!
I know that Pat will be propped in front of the TV for the day, only getting up to get more food. I’ll be sure to have healthier options like this for him while he watches the last of the season’s football (hallelujah), and I watch the commercials. It should be a good time.
Copycat Bloomin’ Onion Sauce
I adapted this recipe from one of my VERY favorite blogs, Gimme Some Oven . I’ve talked about Ali before…she is just so good. I got to meet her at a conference earlier this year and she is just as sweet as she is talented. Her photography is some of my favorite on the web, I hope you check her out!
Her recipe includes an easy and delicious dipping sauce to pair with this delish Baked Blooming Onion…get some!

This Baked Blooming Onion Recipe is just too good. I’m craving it right now! And since it’s baked instead of fried, I feel a little bit better about serving it up whenever I feel like it. Make this Bloomin’ Onion Recipe and see for yourself!
See the recipe card below for details on how to make this Baked Blooming Onion Recipe. Enjoy!
Be sure to try these other delicious appetizers too:
- Bacon Cheese Fries with Ranch
- Best Guacamole Recipe Ever
- Pigs in a Blanket with Cheese
- Avocado Egg Rolls
- Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 large yellow onion
- ▢ ⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ▢ 2 large egg whites
Video
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Use a large knife to cut off the top about ¼-inch of the onion until a few of the inside layers are exposed. Be careful to cut the top side, not the root side. Peel the outermost layer of the onion down to the root, leaving the root as is. 1 large yellow onion
- Lay the onion cut side down on the cutting board. Then use a knife to section the onion into 16ths, beginning with your knife ⅛-inch away from the root and cutting straight down. You can cut more sections if you have an especially large onion. Once all cuts are complete, turn the onion over and set it on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. The onion will fall open, but you’ll also want to use your fingers to separate the onion petals and open it completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Whisk the egg whites together in a separate bowl. ⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, 2 large egg whites
- To coat the onion, I started in sections. I would coat each onion petal with egg whites and then sprinkle liberally with the panko mixture. I worked from the bottom to the top in each section, and then turned the onion to work on the next section. I brushed the entire onion with one more layer of egg white and sprinkled the mixture over the entire onion once done with the sections.
- Bake covered with aluminum foil for 5 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the onion is tender and the edges are browned.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Baked Blooming Onion
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion
- ⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 large egg whites
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Use a large knife to cut off the top about ¼-inch of the onion until a few of the inside layers are exposed. Be careful to cut the top side, not the root side. Peel the outermost layer of the onion down to the root, leaving the root as is. 1 large yellow onion
- Lay the onion cut side down on the cutting board. Then use a knife to section the onion into 16ths, beginning with your knife ⅛-inch away from the root and cutting straight down. You can cut more sections if you have an especially large onion. Once all cuts are complete, turn the onion over and set it on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet. The onion will fall open, but you’ll also want to use your fingers to separate the onion petals and open it completely.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko, paprika, Cajun seasoning, and salt. Whisk the egg whites together in a separate bowl. ⅔ cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, 2 large egg whites
- To coat the onion, I started in sections. I would coat each onion petal with egg whites and then sprinkle liberally with the panko mixture. I worked from the bottom to the top in each section, and then turned the onion to work on the next section. I brushed the entire onion with one more layer of egg white and sprinkled the mixture over the entire onion once done with the sections.
- Bake covered with aluminum foil for 5 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the onion is tender and the edges are browned.
Video
Notes
Nutrition

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
