Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Golden, crispy, and filled with gooey melted mozzarella, these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings take the classic onion ring to a whole new level. With a crunchy coating and a cheesy surprise inside, they’re perfect for snacking, game days, or impressing your guests with a fun and indulgent appetizer.
Pure Comfort
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside—these mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are a dream for cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re dipping them into marinara sauce or enjoying them on their own, they’re the perfect bite of comfort food.
Ingredients
What You Need
- 2 large onions (preferably white or yellow)
- 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese block
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Steps to Make It
1. Prepare the Onions and Cheese
- Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings (about ½ inch thick).
- Separate the rings carefully.
- Cut the mozzarella into strips that fit inside the onion rings.
2. Assemble the Rings
- Take two onion rings, one smaller than the other, and insert a mozzarella strip between them, creating a cheese-filled ring.
- Repeat with the remaining onion rings and mozzarella.
3. Coat the Rings
- In one bowl, add the flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for extra crispiness.
4. Fry Until Crispy
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the rings in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
Make It Perfect
- Seal the Cheese: Make sure the mozzarella is fully covered with batter to prevent leakage during frying.
- Double Coat: Dipping twice in egg and breadcrumbs makes the rings extra crunchy.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
Mix It Up
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs.
- Cheese Varieties: Try using cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor.
- Baked Version: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
Perfect Partners
- Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing for a tangy contrast.
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky, perfect for dipping.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky-sweet twist.
Busy Day Hero
These onion rings come together quickly, making them an easy snack or side dish for any occasion.
Work Ahead
- Assemble the rings in advance and freeze them before frying.
- Coat them with breadcrumbs and store in the freezer for up to a month.
Save Some For Later
- Store leftover rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for crispiness.
Everyone’s Happy
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser—cheesy, crunchy, and downright delicious.
Good For You Too
While indulgent, using air frying or baking can reduce oil content without compromising flavor.
Easy Clean Up
- Use parchment paper under your prep station to minimize mess.
- Fry in batches to prevent excess oil splatter.
Switch It Up
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Vegan: Try plant-based cheese and egg replacers.
Simply Perfect
With the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy goodness, these onion rings are irresistible!
FAQs
1. Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Can I use frozen onion rings?
It’s best to use fresh onions, but you can coat pre-made rings for extra crispiness.
3. Why is my cheese leaking out?
Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed in the onion and coated well to prevent melting leaks.
4. Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. What’s the best way to keep them crispy?
Serve immediately or reheat in the oven or air fryer.
6. Can I use other cheeses?
Yes! Try cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavors.
7. What can I dip them in?
Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or BBQ sauce are all great options.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate snack—crispy, gooey, and full of flavor. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, they’ll be a hit at any gathering. Try them today and enjoy a cheesy, crunchy treat!
More Cheesy Delights to Try!
- Pair these crispy onion rings with a side of Crack Chicken Tenders for the ultimate snack platter.
- If you’re craving more gooey cheese-filled delights, try Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs, a fluffy and satisfying treat.
- Want to add a fun twist to your appetizer spread? Check out these Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs for a bite-sized explosion of flavor.
- Complement your onion rings with a rich and indulgent Balsamic Blackberry Bliss Grilled Cheese, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve your onion rings alongside Million Dollar Lasagna for a cheesy feast.
Spinach Dip Cheese Crisps
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Ingredients
Cheese Crisps Base
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spinach Dip Flavor
- 1 cup fresh spinach finely chopped
- 2 tbsp cream cheese softened
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, chopped spinach, cream cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
- Scoop small mounds of the cheese mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon to form thin circles.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to crisp up further.
- Enjoy warm or store in an airtight container for later.