Tennessee onions better than onion rings

Tennessee Onions Better Than Onion Rings Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large Vidalia onions (or any sweet onion, Vidalia is preferred for that classic Tennessee sweetness)

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds that subtle smoky Tennessee flavor)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups cornmeal (for crispy coating)

• Vegetable oil (for frying, about 3-4 cups in a deep pan)

• Honey or maple syrup (optional, for drizzling)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Pinch of smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions:

• Peel the onions and slice them into about ½ inch thick rings. Separate each ring carefully so they stay intact.

• Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (this tenderizes and adds tang).

2. Make the Batter & Coatings:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

• In another bowl, beat the eggs and add the buttermilk from the soaking bowl (or fresh if you like it thinner).

• In a third bowl, place the cornmeal.

3. Coat the Onions:

• Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk (reserve the liquid in the egg mixture).

• Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture first (this helps batter stick).

• Then dip into the egg & buttermilk mixture.

• Finally, dredge in cornmeal — this gives the crunch and southern texture.

4. Fry ‘Em Up:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).

• Fry the onion rings in batches (don’t overcrowd) until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.

• Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Dipping Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Adjust seasoning to taste.

6. Serve:

• Serve the crispy Tennessee Onion Blooms hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

• Optional: Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the fried onions for a sweet & savory combo that’s next level.

Why This Is Better Than Regular Onion Rings:

• Using Vidalia or sweet onions gives a naturally sweeter flavor.

• The buttermilk soak tenderizes the onions and adds tang.

• The cornmeal crust adds extra crunch and that Southern grit texture.

• The spiced flour mixture layers in smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes.

• The dipping sauce is balanced with creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors to complement the onion bloom.