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Blooming Onion Sauce

A sweet, savory, and slightly spicy homemade blooming onion sauce made with deeply caramelized onions, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices for restaurant-quality flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Sauces and Condiments
Cuisine: American
Calories: 85

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced fine
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Glass jars for storage (optional but recommended)

Method
 

  1. Slice four large yellow onions in half lengthwise, lay flat, and slice thinly into half-moon shapes.
  2. Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and let it melt and foam slightly.
  3. Add the sliced onions to the melted butter and stir to coat evenly.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the onions undisturbed for 5 minutes, then stir every 3–4 minutes for a total of 25–30 minutes until they turn golden to deep amber.
  5. When onions are light golden (around 20 minutes), add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Continue cooking and stirring the onion mixture for another 8–10 minutes until the onions are jam-like and deep amber.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and let the caramelized onions cool for 5 minutes.
  8. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon horseradish, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  9. Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then whisk until spices are evenly distributed.
  10. Fold the cooled caramelized onions and garlic into the creamy base until no white streaks remain.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Flavors improve after sitting overnight.