Dinner

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings: Crispy, Cheesy Snack Delight Recipe

ByJack Voss October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

These mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are the perfect crispy and cheesy snack that will delight your taste buds. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they make an irresistible appetizer or party treat.

A stack of three golden-brown, crispy fried cheese rounds sits on a white plate with brown specks. Each round shows a thick, crunchy crumb layer on the outside, with creamy white melted cheese oozing out from bits where bites or breaks reveal the inside. The top of the stack is sprinkled with fresh green herb leaves, some scattered around the plate. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a blurred background that hints at a cozy indoor setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large white or yellow onions (sliced into thick rings)
8 oz low-moisture mozzarella (cut into strips to fit inside onion rings)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 eggs (beaten)
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
0.5 tsp salt
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
1 tsp chili flakes (optional heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings and pair similar sizes together. Cut mozzarella into strips and sandwich them between two onion rings to form a filled ring.
Step 2: Place the assembled stuffed rings on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to keep the cheese from leaking during frying.
Step 3: Dredge each frozen ring in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Repeat the egg and panko coating for extra crunch.
Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 rings at a time for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Garnish with parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or marinara sauce.

Tips & Variations

Ensure the rings are frozen well before frying to prevent cheese from leaking out.
For a spicier kick, add chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture instead of or alongside chili flakes.
Use sharp mozzarella for stronger flavor or mix mozzarella with a bit of grated Parmesan for added depth.
Try baking instead of frying for a healthier alternative—bake at 400°F until golden and crisp.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella-stuffed onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up shows a stack of four round, golden-brown fried cheese bites on a white plate with brown speckles, placed on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background. Each bite has a crunchy, textured coating with creamy white melted cheese oozing out from the sides in small amounts. The top cheese bite is garnished with finely chopped green herbs, and some herbs are also scattered on the plate around the stack. The warm colors and details highlight the crispiness and gooey cheese inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone, but mozzarella’s stretchiness makes it ideal for this recipe.

What oil is best for frying these onion rings?

Vegetable oil is great due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use canola or peanut oil for frying.

Jack Voss