Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Recreates the signature taste of Outback's famous sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry items for easy preparation.
- Versatile: Ideal for various appetizers and snacks.
- Make-Ahead: Improves in flavor when prepared in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ketchup until smooth.
- Add Horseradish and Spices: Stir in the prepared horseradish, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Stir the sauce before serving. Enjoy with blooming onions, onion rings, fries, or fresh vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 2 cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes to overnight
- Total Time: 10 minutes, plus chilling time
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to impart a smoky taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Serve chilled; no reheating necessary.
FAQs
Can I use prepared horseradish instead of fresh?
Yes, prepared horseradish is commonly used in this recipe and provides the necessary tangy kick.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Modify the amount of ketchup to suit your taste preference.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely; in fact, the sauce develops better flavor when prepared in advance and allowed to chill.
What can I serve this sauce with?
It's perfect with blooming onions, onion rings, fries, fresh vegetables, or as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.
Conclusion
This homemade Blooming Onion Sauce offers a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that enhance any dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for various appetizers, it's a must-try for anyone who enjoys the classic Outback Steakhouse taste.

Blooming Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 Servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Blooming Onion Sauce is a perfect copycat of Outback Steakhouse's famous dipping sauce. Combining creamy mayo, sour cream, tangy ketchup, and horseradish, it’s flavored with paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper for a bold and zesty experience. Serve it with blooming onions, onion rings, fries, or veggies for a delicious upgrade to your snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ketchup until smooth.
- Add Horseradish and Spices: Stir in the prepared horseradish, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Stir the sauce before serving. Enjoy with blooming onions, onion rings, fries, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the heat level.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can be added for extra flavor.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smokier taste.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. No need to reheat—serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American