Grilled Onion Blossoms Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Onion Blossoms are a fun and flavorful appetizer that transforms simple sweet onions into a crispy, tender delight. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, they make the perfect snack for gatherings or a delicious side dish.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 sweet Vidalia onions, peeled with root end intact
- Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Season the sauce with salt to taste and set aside.
- Step 2: In another small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt. This will be your cheese-spice seasoning.
- Step 3: Trim the stem off each onion and place the onion flat side down on a cutting board. Carefully cut downward from about 1/2 inch above the root into 12 to 16 sections, taking care not to cut through the root so the “petals” stay connected. Gently flip the onion over and pull the sections outward slightly to create a blooming effect.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the cheese-spice mixture evenly over all the onion petals. Drizzle the onions with olive oil.
- Step 5: Place the onions on the grill, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the onions are tender and have a light char.
- Step 6: Remove from the grill, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm with the prepared dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use sweet Vidalia onions for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to the dipping sauce or seasoning mix.
- For a vegetarian Worcestershire alternative, use tamari or soy sauce in the dipping sauce.
- Try baking the onion blossoms in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes if you don’t have access to a grill.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled onion blossoms in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on a grill to retain their crispness. The dipping sauce can be kept separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other mild onions like Maui or sweet yellow onions, but Vidalias work best due to their natural sweetness and size.
How do I prevent the onion petals from falling apart?
Be sure to cut just above the root without slicing through it completely; this keeps the petals connected and intact during grilling.
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Grilled Onion Blossoms Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Grilled Onion Blossoms recipe transforms sweet Vidalia onions into flavorful, petal-shaped appetizers. Coated with a savory Parmesan and spice mixture, then grilled to tender, lightly charred perfection, they are served with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce for a deliciously unique and crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
Seasoning Mix
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
Main Ingredient
- 4 sweet Vidalia onions, peeled with root end intact
- Olive oil or preferred oil, for drizzling
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Grill and Prepare Sauce: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Stir well to make a smooth dipping sauce. Set aside.
- Mix the Seasoning: In another small bowl, mix together finely grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt. This seasoning blend will coat the onion petals and add a burst of flavor.
- Prepare the Onions: Trim the stem off each onion to create a flat surface, then place the onion flat side down. Carefully cut downwards about 1/2 inch from the root end, slicing into 12 to 16 sections, making sure not to cut through the root so the petals stay connected. Flip the onion over and gently pull sections outward to separate the petals like a blooming flower. Evenly sprinkle the cheese and spice seasoning all over the onion petals.
- Grill the Onion Blossoms: Lightly drizzle the prepared onions with oil to prevent sticking and promote caramelization. Place them on the grill and cover. Grill for approximately 15 minutes until the onions are tender and lightly charred on the edges, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the grilled onion blossoms from the grill. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately alongside the prepared dipping sauce for dipping the petals.
Notes
- Keep the root intact to hold the onion petals together during grilling.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the level of heat in both the sauce and seasoning.
- Use a grill basket or foil if using a charcoal grill to prevent onions from falling through grates.
- These can be served as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Grilled Onion Blossoms, Vidalia Onion Recipe, Grilled Appetizer, Parmesan Onion, Onion Flower, Summer Grill Recipe
