Creamy Roasted Onion Bloom is a flavorful, oven-roasted onion dish with a crispy, caramelized exterior and a soft, tender center. Baked to perfection and drizzled with a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is a delicious appetizer or side that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or salads.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Features a beautifully roasted onion with a crispy, golden exterior.
- A rich and creamy sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the onion.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare.
- Pairs well with steak, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
- A great alternative to fried onion rings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Roasted Onion Bloom:
- Large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions)
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Butter, melted
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Roasting the Onion Bloom:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the onion: Cut off the top of the onion and remove the outer skin. Place the onion root-side down and make 8-12 cuts from the top downward, stopping just before the root to create a “bloom” effect.
- Season: Gently separate the onion petals and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Roast: Place the onion on the baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Finish with butter: Drizzle melted butter over the roasted onion before serving.
Making the Creamy Sauce:
- Mix the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Garnish and serve: Drizzle or dip the roasted onion bloom in the creamy sauce, garnishing with chopped chives.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle Parmesan or shredded cheddar on the onion during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic reduction over the onion before serving for extra depth of flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream for the sauce.
- Air Fryer Method: Roast the onion in an air fryer at 375°F for 20-25 minutes for a crispier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may become mushy.
FAQs
What type of onion works best for this recipe?
Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions work best because they caramelize beautifully.
How do I keep the onion from falling apart?
Make sure to leave the root intact when slicing to help hold the layers together.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare and season the onion in advance, but roast it just before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with grilled steak, chicken, burgers, or as a side to roasted vegetables.
Can I make this without the creamy sauce?
Yes, it’s delicious on its own or with a balsamic glaze or garlic butter drizzle.
How do I get the onion extra crispy?
Roast uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes and increase the heat to 425°F for the final 5 minutes.
Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes, cook at 375°F for 20-25 minutes for a crispier texture.
Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it’s completely vegetarian unless you modify the sauce with non-vegetarian ingredients.
Can I use a different dipping sauce?
Absolutely! Try ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for variety.
How do I prevent the onion from drying out?
Covering it with foil for the first half of roasting helps retain moisture.
Conclusion
Creamy Roasted Onion Bloom is a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural sweetness of roasted onions while adding a rich, creamy element. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or snack, this flavorful dish is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of meals. Try it for your next dinner or gathering, and enjoy the delicious balance of caramelized onion and creamy sauce
Print
This Creamy Roasted Onion Bloom is a delicious and unique side dish! A whole roasted onion blooms open, coated in a rich, cheesy cream sauce and seasoned to perfection. Perfect for a steak dinner or holiday table
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 large onion (yellow or sweet)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the onion: Peel and cut the onion into sections without slicing all the way through, creating a “bloom” effect.
- Roast: Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes until tender.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened.
- Assemble & serve: Pour the sauce over the roasted onion, garnish with parsley, and serve warm!
Notes
- Sweet onions like Vidalia work best for this recipe.
- You can add bacon bits or crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Serve alongside steak, roasted chicken, or mashed potatoes.