This Grilled Blooming Onion is a lighter spin on a beloved Steakhouse starter.
Revamp Your Barbecue Favorites with this Grilled Blooming Onion Recipe
It’s time to rethink the classic steakhouse blooming onion with a healthier, grilled version that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This delicious starter makes a great addition to any barbecue menu, especially when looking for something more unique than the standard fare.
There’s something special about taking a well-loved classic and giving it a new, healthier twist. That’s precisely what we’re doing with the iconic steakhouse blooming onion. Instead of the traditional deep-fried approach, this recipe calls for grilling the onion, which not only cuts down on the calories but also brings out a sweet and caramelized flavor in the onion. And don’t worry, we’re not compromising on the indulgence. Olive oil, a light sprinkling of salt and pepper, and a dose of shredded cheese ensure every bite is packed with savory goodness.
This reinvented starter goes beyond the norm, adding an element of surprise and deliciousness to your barbecue spread. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to spice up your weekday grilling routine, this grilled blooming onion is an inventive alternative to the usual suspects of burgers and hot dogs. It’s all about balancing healthier eating and satisfying our cravings for comfort food.
Ingredients
- Onion
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese & Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Steak Sauce
How To Grill Blooming Onion
So how do we feel about this blooming onion so far? I happen to LOVE it! And preparing it is a breeze.
- Take a large white onion, carve it into petals while keeping it intact, douse it with olive oil, seasonings, and cheese, then wrap it in aluminum foil before letting it roast on the grill.
- The key to achieving a perfect grilled blooming onion is patience. Grill it for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the onion becomes tender. Once done, remove it from the grill, carefully unwrap the foil, and serve it hot.
Sounds simple, right? It is, and the result is a deliciously soft and cheesy onion. Best of all, you can customize this grilled appetizer with your choice of steak sauce, hot sauce, soy sauce, or any other flavoring you fancy.
Tips & Swaps
- Choose the Right Onion: Not all onions are created equal when it comes to grilling. Vidalia onions, known for their sweet, mild flavor and larger size, are ideal for this recipe. They hold their shape well during grilling and their sweetness is enhanced when caramelized.
- Spice It Up: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer the classic tanginess of steak sauce, the heat from a good hot sauce, or the savory umami from soy sauce, you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste buds. Even a combination of these sauces can work wonders.
- Secure the Onion: When cutting the onion into wedges, be careful not to cut all the way through. Keeping the bottom intact will help hold your blooming onion together while it grills.
- Cheese Choice: The recipe calls for mozzarella and mild cheddar, which offer a lovely melting characteristic and mild flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese as per your preference.
- Grill Time: Remember, patience is key. Ensure the onion is tender and fully cooked before removing it from the grill. Undercooking will result in a crunchy onion, while overcooking may cause it to become overly soft and lose its shape.
- Serving: Serve the Grilled Blooming Onion hot for the best taste. It’s excellent as a standalone appetizer, or it can complement your main grill dishes.
- Safety: Be careful when opening the aluminum foil after grilling as the steam inside can be hot.
You’ve got a crowd-pleasing grilled appetizer that brings steakhouse flavors to your backyard. This revamped blooming onion is a must-try for the grill season, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy appetizer at home.
What To Serve With Grilled Blooming Onion
- A drink! Like this Bambus Cocktail Drink or my Wine Slushies. Or how about a Mojito?
- My Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops are PERFECT for this onion. I also suggest throwing this Grilled Pork Tenderloin on the grill.
More BBQ Friendly Appetizers
ENJOY!
Grilled Blooming Onion
Ingredients
- 1 large vidalia onion
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 to 3 tablespoons shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 to 3 tablespoons shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons steak sauce, or hot sauce, soy sauce, etc…
Instructions
- Heat the grill.
- Cut onion into 6 to 8 wedges, stopping 1/2-inch short of the bottom. Do not cut through to the bottom – leave the bottom intact.
- Cut out a piece of aluminum foil.
- Place onion on foil and slowly open up the onion a little bit, pulling the wedges apart.
- Drizzle onion with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cheeses to the open center of the onion. Drizzle the entire onion with your choice of steak sauce or hot sauce, soy sauce, etc…
- Wrap the foil around the onion tightly and grill for 30 to 35 minutes or until the onion is tender.
- Remove from grill and slowly open up the foil.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
- Choose the Right Onion: Vidalia onions, known for their sweet, mild flavor and larger size, are ideal for this recipe.
- Spice It Up: Whether you prefer steak sauce, a good hot sauce, or soy sauce, you can adapt this recipe to suit your taste.
- Secure the Onion: When cutting the onion into wedges, be careful not to cut all the way through. Keeping the bottom intact will help hold your blooming onion together while it grills.
- Cheese Choice: The recipe calls for mozzarella and mild cheddar, however, feel free to use other types of cheese as you prefer.
- Grill Time: Ensure the onion is tender and fully cooked before removing it from the grill.
- Serving: Serve the Grilled Blooming Onion hot for the best taste. It’s excellent as a standalone appetizer, or it can complement your main grill dishes.
- Safety: Be careful when opening the aluminum foil after grilling as the steam inside can be hot.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
