This creamy and spiced blooming onion sauce is my go-to for dipping crispy onion rings, fries, or any golden-fried appetizer. It’s tangy, savory, and has just the right amount of kick — just like the one served at Outback Steakhouse. Whipping it up takes only a few minutes, and it tastes even better after chilling for a bit.

Blooming Onion Sauce (Outback Steakhouse Copycat)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, uses pantry staples, and tastes just like the restaurant version. There’s no cooking involved, which means I can make it on the spot whenever I’m frying up some snacks. The combination of horseradish, ketchup, and spices makes it flavorful enough to pair with just about anything savory.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish sauce
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

directions

I combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
I stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
Then I cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
I like to serve it with crispy onion rings, fries, or even on burgers.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling)

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier version or a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter tang. If I’m out of smoked paprika, regular paprika still works — just a bit less smoky. For a lighter version, I swap in Greek yogurt for half of the mayo, and it still turns out great.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. I always give it a good stir before using it again. Since it’s a no-cook sauce, I never reheat it — I just serve it cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

What can I serve with blooming onion sauce?

I usually serve it with onion rings, fries, chicken tenders, or as a spread for burgers and sandwiches. It’s also great as a veggie dip.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance. The flavors meld together even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

Is this sauce spicy?

It has a mild kick from the horseradish and black pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. If I want more heat, I add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne.

Can I freeze blooming onion sauce?

I don’t recommend freezing it, since the mayo base can separate and change texture once thawed. It’s best kept in the fridge.

How can I make it vegan?

I use vegan mayonnaise and double-check that the horseradish sauce is plant-based. Everything else in the recipe is naturally vegan.

Conclusion

This blooming onion sauce is a must-have dip when I’m frying up appetizers or throwing together a snack platter. It’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether I’m hosting friends or just want something to elevate my fries, this copycat Outback-style sauce never disappoints.