Oh, that crispy, golden blooming onion from Outback Steakhouse – you know the one! But let’s be real, the star of the show is that creamy, tangy dipping sauce that comes with it. I’ve been obsessed with recreating that Blooming Onion Sauce Outback Copycat magic at home, and after a few (okay, many) taste tests, I’ve nailed it. This sauce is ridiculously easy to whip up with just a handful of pantry staples, and it’s so good, you’ll want to dunk everything in it. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions. The best part? It comes together in 5 minutes flat – no fancy skills required!
Why You’ll Love This Blooming Onion Sauce Outback Copycat
This sauce isn’t just for blooming onions – it’s your new secret weapon for basically anything fried (or not!). Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Creamy with the perfect kick – that horseradish tang balanced by sweet ketchup? *Chef’s kiss*
- Ready in 5 minutes – faster than waiting for takeout
- Way better than store-bought – no weird preservatives, just real ingredients
- Surprisingly versatile – try it on burgers, fries, or even as a sandwich spread
Seriously, I keep a jar of this in my fridge at all times now. It’s that good.
Ingredients for Blooming Onion Sauce Outback Copycat
Grab these simple ingredients – I bet you have most already! Just make sure everything’s measured right for that perfect Outback flavor.
- ½ cup mayonnaise – full-fat for the best creaminess (trust me, it’s worth it)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup – the sweet base that balances the heat
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish – not sauce! This gives that signature kick
- ¼ teaspoon each: paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper – the spice dream team
Pro tip: Use fresh horseradish if you can find it – it’ll give your sauce an extra punch!
How to Make Blooming Onion Sauce Outback Copyback Copycat
Making this sauce is so easy, you’ll laugh! Here’s how to nail that Outback flavor every time:
- Grab your mixing bowl – any medium-sized one will do. I like using my trusty glass Pyrex because I can see everything combining.
- Add all ingredients at once – yes, just dump that mayo, ketchup, horseradish, and spices right in there. No fancy order needed!
- Mix like you mean it – whisk until completely smooth. I use a small silicone spatula to scrape the sides and get every bit incorporated.
- The waiting game – cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (but 1 hour is even better). This lets the flavors get to know each other properly.
That’s it! See? Told you it was simple. Now try not to eat it all with a spoon while you wait.
Pro Tips for the Best Sauce
After making this sauce approximately 87 times (not exaggerating), here’s what I’ve learned:
- Start with less horseradish – you can always add more heat later, but you can’t take it out!
- Don’t overmix – just combine until smooth. Whipping too much can make the mayo break.
- Taste after chilling – flavors develop over time. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Oh, and if your sauce seems thick? A teaspoon of water or lemon juice will thin it perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Out of something? Want to mix it up? No problem! This sauce is super flexible:
- Mayo alternatives: Greek yogurt or sour cream work great for a tangier twist (though the texture will be slightly thinner)
- Spice lovers: Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat
- No ketchup? Try tomato paste thinned with a bit of vinegar and sugar
My favorite variation? Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice – it brightens everything up beautifully!
Serving Suggestions for Blooming Onion Sauce Outback Copycat
Oh, this sauce isn’t just for blooming onions – it’s your new kitchen MVP! Of course it’s perfect with crispy fried onions (duh), but wait till you try it with:
- Sweet potato fries – the sweet-spicy combo is unreal
- Grilled burgers – way better than plain mayo
- Fried pickles – trust me on this one
- Chicken tenders – kids go crazy for it
My latest obsession? Using it as a veggie dip for raw bell peppers and cucumbers. Game. Changer.
Storage & Reheating
This sauce keeps like a dream! Just pop it in an airtight container (I use mason jars) and refrigerate – it’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to a week. No reheating needed (or recommended – it’s perfect chilled!). Want to make ahead? Go for it – the flavors actually get better after a day or two!
Blooming Onion Sauce Outback Copycat FAQs
After sharing this recipe with friends (and forcing them to taste-test), I’ve gotten the same questions over and over. Here are the answers you need:
Q1. Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared?
Absolutely! Fresh grated horseradish gives an amazing punch – just start with half the amount and adjust to taste. Warning: It’ll be spicier than the jarred stuff, so go slow!
Q2. How long does this sauce last in the fridge?
In an airtight container, it stays fresh for about a week. The flavors actually get better after a day – if you can wait that long before eating it all!
Q3. My sauce seems too thin/thick – how can I fix it?
Too thin? Add a teaspoon more mayo. Too thick? A splash of water, milk, or lemon juice will thin it perfectly. Easy peasy!
Q4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure thing! Just use vegan mayo (I like the avocado oil-based ones) and you’re golden. It tastes just as crave-worthy.
Q5. What if I don’t have paprika?
No sweat! Smoked paprika adds a nice twist, or you can skip it entirely – the sauce will still be delicious. That’s the beauty of this recipe!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these values are estimates per tablespoon (because let’s be real, who stops at just one?). Each serving packs about 80 calories, 8g fat (mostly the good kind from mayo), and 120mg sodium. Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent! Remember, exact numbers may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients.
Alright, now it’s your turn to bring that Outback magic to your kitchen! Whip up this blooming onion sauce copycat and get ready to impress everyone at your next game night or backyard BBQ. I’m telling you, once you taste that creamy, tangy goodness, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. And hey – if you put your own spin on it (extra spicy, maybe? A dash of Worcestershire? Go wild!), drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy dipping, friends!
Print
5-Minute Blooming Onion Sauce Outback Copycat That Tastes Magical
A creamy and tangy dipping sauce perfect for blooming onions or other fried appetizers.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix well until smooth.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust horseradish for more or less heat.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg