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These mozzarella stick onion rings offer a perfect blend of crispy coating and gooey, melted cheese tucked inside sweet onion rings. They make a fantastic snack or appetizer that impresses at any gathering with their golden crunch and savory flavor.
I first tried making these for a weekend get together, and they disappeared so fast everyone asked for the recipe. Now they are a regular at game night because they hit that perfect cheesy crunch spot.
Ingredients
- Two large yellow onions: choose firm onions with smooth skin for easy slicing
- Ten mozzarella cheese sticks: go for highquality lowmoisture mozzarella for the best melt without excess moisture
- Two cups allpurpose flour: this creates the first dry layer to help the coating stick well
- Three large eggs and two tablespoons milk: beaten to form the wet breading layer make sure eggs are fresh for a smooth mixture
- Two cups plain breadcrumbs: opt for fine or panko depending on preferred crunch
- One teaspoon garlic powder: adds mild savory depth
- One teaspoon Italian seasoning: a blend of herbs that enhances flavor complexity
- Salt and black pepper to taste: essential for seasoning the coating just right
- Vegetable oil for deep frying: use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve crispiness
Instructions
- Slicing and Preparing Onion Rings:
- Peel the onions and slice them into halfinch thick rounds. Carefully separate individual rings and pair one larger ring with a smaller one to form a base and lid for the cheese.
- Filling the Rings with Cheese:
- Cut mozzarella sticks lengthwise into pieces that fit snugly between your paired onion rings. Place the smaller ring inside the larger, then tuck in the cheese segments so the filling stays secure. Press gently to close.
- Freezing to Set the Shape:
- Lay the assembled onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least one hour. This step is crucial to keep the cheese and rings from falling apart when frying.
- Preparing the Breading Stations:
- Set up three shallow bowls. Fill the first with flour. In the second, beat eggs with milk. In the third, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful crust.
- Coating and Frying the Rings:
- Heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep fryer or heavy skillet. Take frozen onion rings and dredge first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Fry in batches for about two to three minutes on each side or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil immediately.
- Serving:
- Allow the onion rings to cool just enough so they can be handled comfortably. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch for a delicious snack.
The secret to keeping the cheese inside without oozing out during frying is the freezing step. I love when the edges get perfectly crisp and the cheese melts just right inside. It reminds me of making these with my family on lazy weekends when everyone crowds the kitchen sharing stories and laughter.
Storage Tips
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture instead of the microwave to keep them crisp. For prepping ahead, freeze the assembled onion rings before breading and frying. That way you can fry fresh batches whenever you want.
Ingredient Substitutions
Mozzarella sticks work best but you can try other firm cheeses like provolone if you prefer a sharper flavor. Glutenfree allpurpose flour and breadcrumbs can be used to make this dish glutenfree just ensure your seasoning blends are compatible. You can swap vegetable oil with canola or sunflower oil for frying if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these cheesy onion rings with classic marinara sauce, spicy sriracha mayo, or cooling ranch for dipping. They make a fun side to burgers, grilled chicken, or even a casual salad. A cold beer or sparkling soda also complements the crispy, cheesy flavors well.
Serve these warm with your favorite dipping sauce for best texture. They are at their crispiest when enjoyed fresh.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What type of onions work best for stuffing?
Large yellow onions sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings hold their shape well and provide the perfect base for stuffing mozzarella.
- → How can I prevent the cheese from melting out during frying?
Freezing the assembled stuffed rings for at least one hour before coating and frying helps the cheese stay securely inside.
- → What is the recommended oil temperature for frying?
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F to ensure the coating crisps quickly without absorbing excess oil.
- → Can I prepare the stuffed onion rings in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze the stuffed onion rings before breading and frying to save time later.
- → What seasonings enhance the breadcrumb coating?
Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper add savory depth to the crunchy breadcrumb coating.
- → What dipping sauces complement these onion rings?
Marinara and ranch sauces provide creamy and tangy options that balance the rich cheese and savory coating.