Trader Joe’s Newest Restaurant Copycat Appetizer Has Fans ‘Screaming’

Trader Joe’s has never been above borrowing a great idea. The grocer happily follows the lead of social media trends, global flavors, and even fellow grocery brands until it lands on exactly what fans want (even if subtlety isn’t always the store’s strong suit).

But lately, the chef-loved retailer has been looking beyond the supermarket aisle and straight to restaurant menus for inspiration. From fast food chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s to even fine-dining establishments like Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park, no one is safe from the Trader Joe’s treatment.

And now, to the extreme delight of shoppers, TJ’s sights are set on a universally beloved restaurant appetizer—one you’ve almost certainly shared around the table before.

Trader Joe’s Launches New Onion Flowers

This week, Trader Joe’s fans spotted a brand-new restaurant-style app in the frozen aisle: Onion Flowers.

Whether it immediately brings to mind Outback Steakhouse’s iconic Bloomin’ Onion or Chili’s Awesome Blossom look-alike, chances are, you mentally jumped straight into a chain restaurant booth at first sight of the thing. And what a beautiful thing that is: Being able to enjoy a staple of your favorite sit-down spot right in the comfort of your own home.

“I’m screaming!!!!!!” one shopper shared. “DUUUUUUDE this is huge,” wrote another.

The grocer first teased the idea of a fried onion appetizer last April, when it featured a BBQ’d Onion Blossom recipe in its online newsletter. Now, it’s officially going all in with a heat-and-eat version hitting store shelves.

Trader Joe’s Onion Flowers feature two whole onions that are battered, deep-fried, and sliced into pull-apart, snackable onion “petals.” From the presentation to the flavor, it checks all the boxes of a classic restaurant starter—and especially perfect for upcoming game day parties.

Naturally, fans are already jumping to share ideas for a dipping sauce. “Yum!! Their buttermilk ranch or Peri-Peri sauce would be good with this,” one shopper suggested.

Here at Allrecipes, we’re big fans of the original Bloomin’ Onion, whether we’re ordering the OG at a restaurant or attempting one at home. But a freezer-friendly option that crisps up beautifully and gets on the table in minutes? That’s a worthy option in our book, too.

Onion Flowers are rolling out to Trader Joe’s stores now. So, no matter what’s on the dinner menu in your house tonight, you can now start things off with a crispy fried onion appetizer for the table—courtesy of the chef (the chef is you, heating it up in the air fryer).

First, copycat P.F. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps—now, a copycat Bloomin’ Onion? Perhaps lowering our dining-out budget in 2026 won’t be so difficult after all.