Name: Blooming Onion Sauce: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that unforgettable tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy dip served alongside crispy, golden blooming onions at Outback Steakhouse, you’re in for a treat. This Blooming Onion Sauce: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Dipping Sauce Recipe captures every luscious flavor of the original, made effortlessly with simple pantry staples. The velvety mayonnaise base melds beautifully with the zesty horseradish and smoky paprika, creating a harmonious sauce that instantly transforms any fried onion or appetizer into a mouthwatering experience. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll never want to order takeout again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white bowl with a blue rim, there are eight different ingredients placed separately. Starting from the top: a yellow powder, a white creamy layer, a large pile of coarse black pepper, and a small mound of white granulated salt are on the right side. On the left side, there is a large dollop of thick red ketchup, a small pile of dried green herbs, a brown powder, a dark red powder, and a light beige paste near the center. The bowl is on a metal wire rack above a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This sauce may be simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From creamy richness to smoky warmth, every component enhances the final dip in its own special way.

Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation that gives the sauce its luscious, smooth texture.
Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of acidity to brighten the mix.
Prepared horseradish sauce: Brings the signature sharp, spicy kick reminiscent of classic Outback sauce.
Granulated garlic: Introduces deep, savory notes that enhance overall taste.
Smoked paprika: Imparts a gentle smoky flavor that complements fried onion’s crispy edges.
Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a subtle earthiness, rounding out the spices.
Dried oregano: Brings a hint of herbal brightness for balance.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors to life.
Black pepper: A pinch of heat and complexity finishing the sauce perfectly.

How to Make Blooming Onion Sauce: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by scooping ½ cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of ketchup into a small mixing bowl. These two form the creamy, mildly sweet backbone of the sauce, ensuring it’s smooth and luscious right from the start.

Step 2: Add the Punchy Flavors

Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish sauce, which gives this dip its characteristic bite and zest. Follow with ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to build savory depth and that subtle smoky essence you’ll love.

Step 3: Spice It Up with Herbs and Seasonings

Sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin and ¼ teaspoon dried oregano for warmth and herbal nuance. Don’t forget to add ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper to season the sauce thoroughly; this step ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Mix Until Smooth and Chill

Stir all the ingredients vigorously until you have a perfectly smooth, uniform sauce. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer into an airtight container, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify, making the sauce irresistibly good.

How to Serve Blooming Onion Sauce: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Dipping Sauce Recipe

A white rectangular plate is full of golden-brown crispy onion rings stacked in a loose pile, each ring coated with a crunchy textured layer. The onion rings have small green herb sprinkles scattered on top for a fresh look. Next to the plate on a black and white checkered cloth lies a small clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light orange dipping sauce, speckled with tiny dark bits and green herbs. The whole setting rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the sauce already sings on its own, topping it with a few finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. A light dusting of smoked paprika over the top can also make it look as gorgeous as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This sauce isn’t just for blooming onions! Pair it with crispy fries, fried pickles, or even use it as a bold burger spread. It’s incredibly versatile and will elevate many classic American favorites with that signature Outback flair.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the sauce in a small rustic bowl nestled inside a larger plate surrounded by golden, crunchy onion petals for a dramatic, share-worthy appetizer. For parties, create individual dipping cups so everyone can enjoy their own perfect portion without any sharing battles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Blooming Onion Sauce: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Dipping Sauce Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks when stored in a tightly sealed container, meaning you can prepare it well before your gathering and have it ready anytime.

Freezing

Because mayonnaise-based sauces can separate when frozen, it’s best not to freeze this sauce. Instead, focus on keeping it chilled for freshness and optimal flavor.

Reheating

This sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature, so simply remove it from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without reheating, which can affect its texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh horseradish instead of prepared horseradish sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh horseradish will give a sharper, more intense heat, so start small and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering the sauce.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used in this copycat recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and ensure your ketchup and horseradish are vegan-friendly. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

How long should the sauce chill before serving?

Chilling the sauce for at least 30 minutes is key to letting all the flavors marry, but if you have more time, an hour or two will deepen the taste even further.

Can this sauce be used for other dishes?

Definitely! It’s wonderful with any fried appetizer, on sandwiches, as a topping for grilled meats, or even as a zesty salad dressing base with a little thinning.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough making this Blooming Onion Sauce: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Dipping Sauce Recipe in your own kitchen. Its incredible flavor and ease of preparation will have you spooning it over your favorite crunchy bites and sharing it with everyone at your table. Get ready for a saucy love affair that’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Sara

Blooming Onion Sauce: Copycat Outback Steakhouse Dipping Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need