Crispy, gooey, and totally irresistible—these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are a game-changer! Imagine biting into a perfectly golden onion ring, only to be met with a stretchy, melty mozzarella center. It’s like onion rings and mozzarella sticks had the most delicious baby ever.
Whether you’re making these for a fun snack, game-day treat, or just because you’re craving something extra indulgent, trust me—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
This isn’t just any onion ring recipe—it’s next-level deliciousness that brings together two classic favorites in one crunchy, cheesy bite. Here’s why you need to make them ASAP:
Versatile: Perfect for appetizers, party snacks, or even a fun side dish.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just slice, stuff, coat, and fry!
Customizable: Want it spicier? Add some chili flakes! Prefer a different cheese? Go for it!
Crowd-Pleasing: No one can resist crispy-fried, cheesy goodness. Trust me, they’ll disappear in minutes!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
These simple ingredients come together to make pure magic:
Large Onions: The base of the rings—go for big, firm onions to get the perfect size.
Mozzarella Cheese: The ultimate gooey, stretchy filling. Use mozzarella sticks or slices for easy stuffing.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the batter stick for the perfect crispy coating.
Eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together before frying.
Breadcrumbs: Creates that golden, crunchy exterior. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for flavor.
Vegetable Oil: For frying—use an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy, cheesy onion rings:
Prepare the Onions: Slice the onions into thick rings and separate them into pairs, using two rings to create a hollow space for the cheese.
Stuff with Cheese: Cut mozzarella sticks or slices to fit inside the onion rings. Place a smaller onion ring inside a larger one and fill the space with cheese.
Freeze for Stability: Place the stuffed rings on a tray and freeze for 20-30 minutes. This helps keep everything together while frying.
Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, mix flour with seasonings. In another, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
Coat the Rings: Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour mixture, then into the eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F. The right temperature ensures a crispy outside without absorbing too much oil.
Fry to Perfection: Fry the rings in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Cool: Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the melty, crunchy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: The full nutritional breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
These onion rings are best served hot and fresh, with a dipping sauce to complement their crispy, cheesy goodness. Try them with:
- Marinara sauce for a classic mozzarella stick vibe.
- Ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Garlic aioli for an extra punch of flavor.
- Spicy sriracha mayo if you love a little heat.
Additional Tips
- Double coat for extra crunch: Dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice for an even crispier texture.
- Freeze before frying: This prevents the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: They give a crunchier, more textured coating.
- Work in batches: Frying too many at once can lower the oil temperature and make them greasy.
FAQ’s
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I air-fry these?
Absolutely! Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and golden.
3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is best for that perfect stretch, but you can also try cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
4. Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! You can freeze the coated onion rings and fry them straight from the freezer when ready.
5. Why is my cheese leaking out?
Make sure the onion rings are frozen before frying and that the coating is well-sealed.
6. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
7. What oil is best for frying?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the best results.
8. Can I use fresh mozzarella?
It’s best to stick with low-moisture mozzarella to avoid excess liquid.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
10. What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed cornflakes or panko for a crunchy alternative.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate crispy, gooey snack that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making them for a party, movie night, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, they’re always a hit.
So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy onion rings and melty cheese in every bite!
Print
Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed onion rings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy onion rings are stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, coated in a golden breadcrumb crust, and fried to perfection. A delicious twist on classic onion rings, perfect for an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, cut into thick rings
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Slice the onions into thick rings and separate them. Match up rings that can be stacked with mozzarella cheese in between.
- Place a strip of mozzarella cheese inside a smaller onion ring, then fit a larger onion ring around it to form a stuffed ring.
- Coat each stuffed ring in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the stuffed onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freeze the coated onion rings for 30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Try different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for variation.
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed onion ring
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg