If you love crispy onion rings and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, then you’re in for a treat with these Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings! This mouthwatering snack combines the crunch of perfectly battered onion rings with the cheesy goodness of melted mozzarella. They’re a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for game days, parties, or just a tasty indulgence.
Ingredients:
2 large onions8 oz mozzarella cheese block (or string cheese sticks)1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions and Cheese:
Peel the onions and cut them into thick rings, about ½ inch wide. Separate the onion layers and set aside. Cut the mozzarella cheese block into thick strips (or use pre-cut string cheese sticks). You’ll want the cheese strips to fit snugly between two onion layers. - Stuff the Onion Rings:
Take two onion layers, one larger and one slightly smaller, and sandwich a piece of mozzarella cheese between them. Repeat until all the onion rings are stuffed with cheese. - Set Up a Dredging Station:
In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Coat the Onion Rings:
Dip each stuffed onion ring first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, press the onion ring into the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered. - Chill the Rings (Optional but Recommended):
Place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating stick better and prevents the cheese from oozing out during frying. - Heat the Oil:
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the onion rings. - Fry the Onion Rings:
Fry the mozzarella stuffed onion rings in small batches, cooking each for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the rings and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. - Serve:
Serve the onion rings hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy coating and melted mozzarella goodness!
Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings:
- Freeze the Cheese: If you’re worried about the mozzarella leaking out during frying, try freezing the cheese for 15-20 minutes before assembling the rings. This will help it stay intact while frying.
- Baking Option: For a slightly healthier version, you can bake the onion rings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious!
- Extra Seasoning: Feel free to get creative with the breadcrumb mixture by adding herbs like dried parsley, oregano, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture if you like a little heat in your onion rings.
Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings:
These Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings take the classic fried onion rings to a whole new level with the addition of gooey melted mozzarella inside. The combination of crispy, golden breading, the sweetness of the onions, and the cheesy center creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them as a party appetizer or a game day snack, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The recipe is easy to follow and doesn’t require too many ingredients, making it a great go-to when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. Plus, the option to customize the seasoning means you can tweak the flavor to your liking.
So next time you’re craving something indulgent, whip up a batch of these Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip for the ultimate cheesy, crunchy snack that’s sure to disappear fast!
FAQs: Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings
1. Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying them?
Yes! To bake the onion rings, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded onion rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. They won’t be as crispy as frying, but still delicious.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying?
To avoid cheese leakage, make sure the cheese is cut to fit snugly between the onion layers and that the rings are well-coated in breadcrumbs. Chilling or freezing the stuffed onion rings for 15-20 minutes before frying can also help keep the cheese intact.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is great for its meltiness, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for a different flavor. Just make sure the cheese is firm enough to hold its shape while stuffing the rings.
4. Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed onion rings and freeze them before frying. After breading, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.
5. What dipping sauces go well with these onion rings?
Mozzarella stuffed onion rings pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Popular choices include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo. Feel free to serve them with your favorite dip!
