Cactus Blossom

Price: $33.99 / 820 cal

The Texas Roadhouse Cactus Blossom is a bold, deep-fried onion appetizer shaped like a blooming flower, celebrated for its crispy, golden batter and zesty dipping sauce. This shareable starter features a large sweet onion, sliced to open up like a blossom, hand-battered with a peppery blend of seasonings, then fried to crunchy perfection. It has become an iconic menu item, offering a flavorful, Texan twist compared to similar appetizers like the Outback Bloomin’ Onion.

Ingredients

Cactus Blossom Ingredients

Batter: The onion is dipped in a seasoned batter made with:

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt
• A liquid (often beer in copycat recipes) to create a light and crispy coating

Frying Oil: The battered onion is deep-fried in vegetable or canola oil until golden brown and crunchy.

Cactus Blossom Dipping Sauce

Main ingredients include:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour Cream
• Prepared Horseradish
• Chili Sauce (like Sriracha or traditional chili sauce)
• Cayenne Pepper & Paprika
• Additional spices for a bold, zesty flavor

Customization Options

• Pulled Pork Topping (Pulled Pork Cactus Blossom)
• Chili Cheese Cactus Blossom (topped with TXR Chili and melted cheese)
• Smothered with Jack, Cheddar, American, or Parmesan Cheese
• Added Jalapeños, Green Chiles, Mushrooms, or Sautéed Onions
• Alternate Sauces (BBQ, Ranch, extra Cajun Horseradish Sauce)
• Loaded Blossom (combo of cheese, jalapeños, pulled pork, and sauces)
• Add-On Shrimp, Catfish, or Ribs (when available)
• Custom heat/spice level for dipping sauces (where offered)

For any of these, ask your server—availability and pricing may vary by location.

Nutrition Facts

Allergens

• Milk
• Wheat
• Egg
• Fish
• Soy

Copycat Recipes

A crispy, golden-brown blooming onion served with a zesty dipping sauce — just like at Texas Roadhouse!

Ingredients

For the Cactus Blossom

• 1 large or colossal yellow onion
• Oil for deep frying (canola or vegetable oil works best)

Seasoned Flour Mix

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Batter

• 1½ cups cornstarch
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 12 oz beer or club soda (carbonation makes it crispier)

Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¼ cup chili sauce (like Heinz)
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish sauce
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

1. Peel the onion and cut about ¾ inch off the top.
2. Place the cut side down on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make 12–16 vertical cuts from the top down, leaving about 1 inch uncut at the root to hold it together.
3. Gently remove the center core.
4. Submerge the cut onion in ice water for at least 30 minutes. This helps the petals “bloom.”

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili sauce, horseradish, and cayenne pepper.
2. Blend until smooth, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Batter and Fry

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375–400°F.
2. In one bowl, whisk the seasoned flour ingredients.
3. In another bowl, whisk the batter ingredients until smooth.
4. Remove the onion from ice water and pat dry.
5. Coat the onion thoroughly in the seasoned flour, getting between all the petals.
6. Dip it into the batter, making sure every petal is covered.
7. Carefully lower the onion into hot oil. Fry for 1½–2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove with tongs or a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Serve

1. Place the fried Cactus Blossom on a serving plate.
2. Put the dipping sauce in a small bowl in the center.
3. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

FAQs