This creamy, tangy sauce is the perfect companion to Outback’s famous Blooming Onion – and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have restaurant-quality dipping sauce in minutes.

The Classic Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use quality brand for best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons cream-style horseradish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl
2. Whisk until completely smooth
3. Taste test and adjust – more horseradish for kick, ketchup for sweetness
4. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes (flavors improve overnight)
5. Serve chilled with your favorite fried foods

Yield: About 3/4 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes minimum

Pro Tips for Perfect Sauce

Getting the Texture Right:

• Use full-fat mayonnaise for authentic richness
• Whisk vigorously to ensure no lumps
• For ultra-smooth sauce, use immersion blender
• Let it rest – sauce thickens slightly when chilled

Flavor Balance:

• Can’t find cream-style horseradish? Mix 1 tbsp prepared horseradish + 1 tbsp sour cream
• Too spicy? Add more mayo
• Too mild? Extra horseradish or dash of hot sauce
• Want more tang? Add 1/2 tsp white vinegar

Variations to Try

Spicy Southwest Version:

• Add 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1/4 tsp cumin

Garlic Lovers:

• Use 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Add 1 clove minced fresh garlic
• Include 1/4 tsp onion powder

Lighter Version:

• Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayo
• Use sugar-free ketchup
• Still tastes great with fewer calories

Perfect Pairings Beyond Blooming Onions

This versatile sauce works great with:

• Onion rings (classic!)
• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Chicken tenders
• Fried mushrooms
• Mozzarella sticks
• Coconut shrimp
• Vegetable tempura
• Grilled burgers (as a spread)

Storage Guidelines

Refrigerator Storage:

• Airtight container: Up to 5 days
• Glass jar: Best for maintaining flavor
• Label with date: Track freshness

Make-Ahead Tips:

• Flavors peak after 24 hours
• Make double batch – it goes fast!
• Don’t freeze – mayo separates when thawed

Troubleshooting

Sauce too thin?

• Add more mayo
• Chill longer to thicken

Too thick?

• Thin with 1 tsp milk or water

Flavors seem flat?

• Add pinch more salt
• Squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up

Missing restaurant taste?

• MSG (1/8 tsp) is the secret many restaurants use
• Or use 1/4 tsp concentrated vegetable base

Nutritional Info (per 2 tablespoons)

• Calories: ~100
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 200mg

Fun Fact

The original Outback Blooming Onion sauce recipe was created in 1988 and has remained virtually unchanged. One blooming onion uses almost an entire cup of this sauce at the restaurant!

Quick Reference Card

Base Formula:

• 4 parts mayo
• 1 part ketchup
• 1 part horseradish
• Seasonings to taste

Scaling Up:

• Double all ingredients for parties
• Triple for game day crowds
• Keeps same ratios

Enjoy your homemade Outback experience! This sauce is so good, you might find yourself making it just to have on hand for any fried food craving.