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This rich Blooming Onion Dip brings that iconic steakhouse flavor straight to your kitchen. I crafted this after many tries to nail that perfect combo of smooth, zesty and spicy elements that makes this famous side so addictive.
I first whipped this up during a game day gathering last year. When I watched everyone keep coming back for more until they'd scraped the bowl clean, I knew I'd gotten it right. These days my buddies ask for it whenever they stop by.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Creates the smooth foundation that gives this dip its velvety feel. Go with full-fat for the best taste.
- Ketchup: Gives a hint of sweetness and nice color. Pick a good brand for better flavor.
- Prepared horseradish sauce: Delivers that unmistakable zing. Nothing beats fresh but jarred works fine too.
- Granulated garlic: Adds rich flavor depth. Try minced fresh garlic for even stronger taste.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a touch of smokiness. Look for Spanish varieties for authentic flavor.
- Ground cumin: Adds earthy notes and depth. If you can, toast and grind whole seeds yourself.
- Dried oregano: Gives a hint of herbs. Mediterranean types pack more punch.
- Kosher salt: Lifts all the other flavors. Its bigger flakes work great in this dip.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity. Grind it fresh for best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Core Elements:
- Put your mayonnaise, ketchup, and horseradish into a medium bowl. Stir them together until everything looks smooth with no streaks left. You'll see a light coral color at this point. Don't forget to run your spoon along the sides to get everything mixed in properly.
- Put In Seasonings:
- Add your granulated garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir hard for half a minute until all spices spread evenly through the dip. You'll notice tiny flecks throughout as the herbs get mixed in.
- Check Flavor:
- Take a little taste to see if you like it. Now's when you can make it your own. Want it hotter? Throw in extra horseradish or pepper. Need more tang? A few drops of lemon juice does wonders. This way you'll get exactly what you want.
- Let It Sit:
- Cover your bowl tightly or pour into a container with a lid. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours works even better. Letting it sit helps all those flavors come together and get stronger, making your dip taste way better.
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Horseradish is really the key that makes this dip special. I found this out during a trip through Wisconsin, where I stopped at a horseradish farm and saw how this fiery root changes from super hot when fresh to wonderfully deep when mixed into creamy dips. The way it works with mayonnaise is simply amazing.
Make It Your Own
This dip is super easy to tweak however you like. Want it hotter? Just double up on horseradish and toss in some cayenne. If you like things more tangy, mix in a bit of Dijon and some fresh lemon juice. For more smoke flavor, add extra smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke. The basic recipe gives you a great starting point to play around with.
Beyond The Blooming Onion
While I made this sauce for blooming onions, it works for tons of other foods too. Try it spread on your next burger or sandwich to make it way better. Dunk sweet potato fries, roasted veggies, or chicken strips in it. I really love it on fish tacos or mixed into potato salad instead of plain mayo. The creamy texture and bold taste makes almost anything taste better.
Storage Tips
Keep your dip fresh by storing it in a container with a tight lid in your fridge. The flavor actually gets better during the first day after making it. Give it a quick mix before using if it looks separated. While it'll stay good for about a week, it tastes best in the first few days. Don't leave it out for more than two hours, since the mayo can go bad quickly if it gets warm.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this sauce in advance?
You bet! Making it ahead works great. Actually, putting it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes makes the flavors come together better and gives it a nicer feel.
- → What can I serve with this sauce?
This sauce tastes amazing with onion rings, french fries, crunchy veggies, chicken strips, or you can even spread it on your sandwich.
- → Can this sauce be made vegan?
For sure! Just swap out regular mayo for vegan mayo and you'll have a plant-friendly version of this tasty sauce.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
You can totally change how spicy it is by adding more or less horseradish, paprika, or cumin depending on what you like.
- → How long does the sauce last in the refrigerator?
When you keep it in a sealed container, this sauce stays good in the fridge for about 5 days.
- → Can I use fresh garlic in place of granulated garlic?
Fresh garlic works great if you want a stronger kick. Just chop it really small so it mixes well with everything else.