Description

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings are a crispy, cheesy snack that’s perfect for sharing. Thick onion rings are filled with gooey low-moisture mozzarella, breaded with a flavorful panko coating, and deep-fried to golden perfection. This irresistible appetizer combines a crunchy exterior with melty cheese inside, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Onion Rings

2 large white or yellow onions, sliced into thick ½-inch rings
8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into strips to fit inside onion rings

Breading

1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 eggs, beaten
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
0.5 tsp salt

Frying

2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Garnish

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Onion Rings: Slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings and match similar sizes together. Cut the mozzarella into strips and sandwich them between two onion rings to create stuffed rings.
Freeze Stuffed Rings: Arrange the assembled stuffed rings on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent cheese leakage during frying.
Bread the Rings: Dredge each frozen ring in all-purpose flour, then dip into beaten eggs. Next, coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For extra crunch, repeat the egg dip and panko coating once more.
Fry the Rings: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2 to 3 rings at a time for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the hot onion rings with chopped fresh parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or marinara sauce.

Notes

Freezing the stuffed rings before frying is crucial to keep the cheese intact and prevent it from oozing out.
For a spicier kick, add chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture along with garlic powder.
You can experiment with different types of cheese, but low-moisture mozzarella works best for melting without excessive leakage.
Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for even frying and crispiness.
Use fresh onions for the best flavor and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed onion rings, crispy onion rings, cheesy appetizer, fried onion rings, snack recipe