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When you dig into a bbq grilled blooming onion that’s been glazed in BBQ sauce, you are getting your favorite steakhouse appetizer with a healthy twist. It’s the easiest way to take your favorite aussie appetizer outside!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own.
about this bbq grilled blooming onion recipe
If you like onion rings, onion blossoms, or any kind of grilled onion, you are going to love this bbq grilled blooming onion recipe.
These tender onion petals have a little bite to them while also a touch of sweetness from the barbecue sauce glaze coating it.
We all know the classic onion blossom that’s famous as an aussie favorite, but this version is a healthier take without lacking in flavor. I love the idea of a blooming onion because those onion petals are so fun to pick off and dunk in a savory dipping sauce.
They are perfect for sharing at your next gathering!
What makes these grilled blooming onions different is that they don’t have that fried coating. Instead, they are glazed with my favorite Head Country Original BBQ Sauce while they cook, making them tender and flavorful.
The onions are sprinkled with Head Country BBQ Original Championship Seasoning which has a robust blend of herbs and spices (and it’s a mix that I use on all my favorite grilled meats!). This combined with that delightful bbq sauce, makes for a sweet, tart, and savory combination of flavors that everyone will keep coming back to.
After dunking in the dipping sauce, you and your friends will be licking your fingers clean in pure bliss.
ingredients
bbq sauce – the best original BBQ sauce that I have tried is Head Country Original BBQ Sauce. There’s a wonderful blend of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice that makes it ideal for any BBQ recipe.
mayonnaise – for the dipping sauce, you will need either full-fat or low-fat mayonnaise. Either will work for this recipe!
sour cream – you can use full fat or light sour cream for this recipe.
spices – for the onions, I reach for the Head Country BBQ Original Championship Seasoning. It has so much flavor that’s perfect for these onions, as well as using on all your favorite meats! For the dipping sauce, you’ll need some paprika (smoked or regular) and cayenne pepper.
onions – I think vidalia onions are the best choice for this recipe! It’s a type of sweet onion that is naturally sweet with a hint of onion, making it not overpowering. Note that not all sweet onions are vidalia onions, so be sure to look for the vidalia onions! If you can’t find them, you can also use sweet onion, but the flavor will have much more of an onion punch.
this recipe’s must haves
This recipe is so straightforward, you don’t need many tools to make it! To start, you’ll need a chef’s knife and cutting board to prep the onions.
You will also need to have both Head Country BBQ Original Championship Seasoning and Head Country Original BBQ Sauce on hand!
To cook the onion, all you need is a pair of tongs and a grill.
To make the dipping sauce, you’ll need a small bowl from your mixing bowls and a whisk.
here’s how to make a bbq grilled blooming onion
make dip
To make the dip, all you have to do is whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl. I like to do this first and then place the dipping sauce in the refrigerator until I’m ready to serve the onions. You can also make this dip ahead of time (up to 2 to 3 days)!
prep onions
To prep the onions, cut the stem off an onion. Place the cut side down on the cutting board, leaving the root intact. Cut ½-inch from the root down, cutting the onion into 12 to 16 sections, making sure not to cut through the root. Flip the onion over and pull the sections out gently to separate the petals. Repeat with remaining onions.
Sprinkle the onions all over with Head Country BBQ Original Championship Seasoning.
grill
Place the onions on the grill and cook over high heat (about 400˚F) until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. After 10 minutes of grilling, brush with Head Country Original BBQ Sauce all over. Make sure you are applying a generous layer!
Grill for another 5 minutes for the glaze to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with the dipping sauce.
More tasty bbq appetizer recipes to try: BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders | Honey BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings | Hearty BBQ Charcuterie Board | Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pull Apart Sliders
can this bbq grilled blooming onion recipe be made ahead of time?
I do not recommend making the bbq grilled blooming onions ahead of time. They are best fresh off the grill! You can make the dipping sauce up to 3 days ahead of time to save yourself a little time, if you would like.
can I use a different kind of onion for this recipe?
Vidalia onions are the best type of onion to use in this recipe! They are sweet, without being too onion flavored so they are tender and easy to eat fresh off the grill. If you need to use a different onion, you can use a standard sweet onion.
do you season grilled onions?
I certainly do! I use Head Country BBQ Original Championship Seasoning to add a bunch of flavor to the onions.
Need some more inspiration for game day eats? Check out myappetizers recipe page!
what to serve with bbq grilled blooming onions
You definitely want to serve these bbq grilled blooming onions with the dipping sauce! The pairing of the bbq glazed onion and the savory sauce is a must-have for serving.
If you are looking for appetizers to serve alongside this recipe, I recommend making something on the grill since you are already firing it up! These hot honey whiskey wings are easy and totally finger lickin’ good. If you’d rather heat up the oven, I recommend a crab rangoon dip with crispy won ton chips OR jalapeño avocado cream cheese wontons.
Since you are already firing up the grill, dinner should be grilled too! A savory grilled new york strip steak is always a showstopper of a main dish. You can also continue the BBQ theme with these juicy and tender bbq apple cider Traeger ribs.
For refreshing, sparkling whiskey sours are refreshing and easy to make! If you are serving a crowd, this sweet tea mint julep punch is delightful.
Finally, if you make these bbq grilled blooming onions, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! Love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
bbq grilled blooming onion
equipment
ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp Head Country Original BBQ Sauce
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 Tbsp Head Country BBQ Original Championship Seasoning
- 4 sweet Vidalia onions peeled with root end intact
- 1 cup Head Country Original BBQ Sauce
- Fresh chopped parsley for serving
instructions
- Preheat the grill to high heat, about 400˚F.
- Make the sauce by combining all of the ingredients for the dip in a small bowl, whisking until smooth. Season to taste with salt.
- To prep the onions, start by cutting off the stem. Turn the onion cut side down. Cut ½-inch from the root down, cutting the onion into about 10 to 16 sections. Be sure not to cut through the root. Flip over and gently separate the petals. Sprinkle all over with Head Country BBQ Original Championship Seasoning.
- Add the onions to the hot grill, cooking until tender and lightly charred, about 15 minutes. After 10 minutes of grilling, brush with BBQ sauce all over. Make sure you apply a generous layer of sauce! Grill for the remaining 5 minutes to set the glaze.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with dipping sauce.
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