Blooming Onion Sauce (Outback Copycat)

Craving that signature creamy, zesty dipping sauce from your favorite steakhouse? You know the one that perfectly complements every bite of a crispy blooming onion? Say hello to this Blooming Onion Sauce copycat recipe—the homemade version that’s so spot-on, you might never order out again!

This flavorful dipping sauce is made with simple pantry staples, takes just five minutes to prepare, and adds a restaurant-style touch to everything from fries to sandwiches. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a killer condiment for burger night, this sauce is always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast & Foolproof – Ready in 5 minutes, no cooking required.
Tastes Just Like the Original – That signature Outback-style zing.
Incredibly Versatile – Fries, tenders, burgers… you name it.
Make Ahead Friendly – Gets even better after a chill in the fridge.
No Fancy Ingredients – All pantry staples you likely already have.

Serving Ideas

While this sauce was made to pair with blooming onions, it's far more versatile than that. Try it with:

Onion rings or French fries
Chicken tenders, nuggets, or grilled chicken
Fried pickles or zucchini chips
Burgers and sliders
Sweet potato fries
Wraps, sandwiches, or even veggie trays

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what goes into making this magic sauce:

Mayonnaise & Sour Cream – A creamy duo that forms the base.
Ketchup – Adds sweetness and slight acidity.
Paprika & Cayenne – For smoky heat and vibrant color.
Garlic & Oregano – Classic flavor enhancers.
Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning and balance.

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by increasing the cayenne or even adding a splash of hot sauce.

Tips for Success

Chill before serving: Letting the sauce sit for 30 minutes (or even overnight) allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Make it spicier: Add more cayenne or a pinch of chili powder.
Use it on everything: This isn’t just for onions—slather it on burgers or use it as a veggie dip!
Store properly: Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.

Storage Info

You can store your blooming onion sauce in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Give it a good stir before each use.

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content—it may separate when thawed.

Final Thoughts

This copycat Blooming Onion Sauce is the real deal—creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, just like the one you get at Outback Steakhouse. It takes only minutes to make, uses basic ingredients, and enhances just about any savory dish.

Once you whip it up, you’ll want to keep a jar in the fridge at all times—it’s that good. Try it and see why it’s a must-have for dipping enthusiasts everywhere!

Blooming Onion Sauce

Creamy, zesty, and full of bold flavor — the perfect dipping sauce for blooming onions, fries, tenders, and more.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, to taste

Equipment

Medium mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Whisk or spoon
Airtight container for storage

Method

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and ketchup.
Add paprika, salt, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne.
Whisk all ingredients together until fully smooth.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serve chilled with blooming onion or your favorite dippables.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the cayenne or add a splash of hot sauce.

Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor.

Sauce keeps for up to 1 week in the fridge.