Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Bloomin Onion

A homemade fried blooming onion is loaded with Cheddar cheese, bacon, and chicken in this crowd-pleasing appetizer served with ranch dressing.

Step: 1

Cut 1/2 inch off the pointed part of the onion and peel. Place onion on a work surface, cut-side down. Make a downward cut into the onion, starting 1/2 inch from the root, all the way to the work surface. Repeat 3 more times, making a total of 4 evenly spaced cuts around the onion to create 4 sections

Step: 2

Cut each of the 4 sections of the onion into 3 even slices to reach a total of 16 evenly spaced cuts. Turn the onion over and gently separate the outer pieces, using your fingers.

Step: 3

Whisk milk, water, eggs, and 1 teaspoon salt together in a bowl.

Step: 4

Whisk flour, ranch dressing mix, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt together in a separate bowl.

Step: 5

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

Step: 6

Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or deep, heavy pot to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step: 7

Dip onion in the egg mixture using a slotted spoon or your hand. Remove and let excess egg drip back into the egg mixture. Place onion in a bowl, cut-side up. Pour all of the flour mixture on top. Shake the bowl and distribute the flour mixture evenly using a spoon or your fingers, making sure the flour mixture reaches inside the onion’s “petals”.

Step: 8

Lift onion out of bowl by the core, turning over and patting to release excess flour. Fully submerge the onion in egg mixture again; remove and let excess egg mixture drip back into bowl. Place onion back in bowl with flour mixture and spoon to coat onion again with flour mixture.

Step: 9

Turn the onion cut-side down and place in a wire skimmer. Shake gently over the flour bowl and pat to release any excess flour.

Step: 10

Carefully lower onion in the hot oil, cut-side down. Adjust the heat so the oil temperature stays at 350 degrees (175 degrees C). Fry for 3 minutes; carefully turn onion over and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes more. Remove and drain on paper towels and season with salt.

Step: 11

Place onion on a baking sheet and top with 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese, chicken, bacon, and remaining 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese.

Step: 12

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Drizzle ranch dressing over onion and sprinkle green onion, salt, and pepper over the top.

Per Serving: 719 calories; protein 22.5g; carbohydrates 28.2g; fat 57.2g; cholesterol 128.5mg; sodium 1609.6mg.

Great taste and easy , these snack work for any meeting or gathering . When throwing a get-together , big or few people , you can’t forget the appetizers . We’ve gathered of our best snacks recipes that are sure to suprrise your guests. From lips to spreads and everything in between, you’re sure to find the perfect appetizer for any occasion .

For your holiday party, make sure to try the Cranberry Meatballs . If you’re crunched for time, the Instant Classic Cheese Tray is your easy to do .