A crispy, cheesy twist on the classic onion ring, stuffed with gooey mozzarella and fried to golden perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings combine the crispy, savory goodness of fried onion rings with the melty, gooey cheese everyone loves. The mozzarella adds a creamy texture inside each ring, making them a perfect indulgent snack or appetizer. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just because, these cheesy delights are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 large white onions
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups flour (250g)
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (230g)
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Directions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into 1-centimeter (½ inch) rings. Separate the rings, keeping the larger ones for stuffing.
- Stuff with Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella into 4 even strips. Place a smaller onion ring inside a larger one and fill the gap with mozzarella strips, using two layers of cheese for extra cheesiness. Freeze the stuffed rings for 1 hour to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: In separate bowls, place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This will be your breading station.
- Bread the Onion Rings: Coat each stuffed onion ring in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, coat with breadcrumbs, dip in the egg again, and finish by coating with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Rings: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large skillet or deep fryer. Fry the onion rings until golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the rings from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 9 onion rings
Variations
- Add Spices: Mix some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add a small amount of red pepper flakes to the mozzarella for a spicy twist.
- Different Cheese: Swap out mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a unique flavor profile.
- Baked Version: For a lighter version, you can bake these rings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, you can use yellow or red onions instead of white onions, though white onions tend to have a sweeter flavor.
2. Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Store-bought breadcrumbs work well in this recipe, but making your own can add a fresher taste.
3. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?
Shredded mozzarella will work, but using fresh mozzarella and cutting it into strips helps achieve a better melt and stretch.
4. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A simple test is to drop a small breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
5. Can I freeze the stuffed rings before frying?
Yes! You can freeze the breaded onion rings for up to a month. Just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
6. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare and bread the onion rings ahead of time, then freeze them for later use. Fry them when you’re ready to serve.
7. Can I make these without cheese?
Yes, you can make regular onion rings without stuffing them with cheese if preferred. Just skip the mozzarella and follow the same breading and frying steps.
8. Can I air-fry these instead of deep-frying?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the onion rings in a single layer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9. What kind of dipping sauces work best?
Marinara is a classic, but ranch, garlic butter, or even a spicy dipping sauce would complement these cheesy onion rings perfectly.
10. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out while frying?
Freezing the stuffed onion rings for an hour helps solidify the cheese and prevents it from leaking out while frying.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are a fun, delicious twist on a classic appetizer. Crispy on the outside, with gooey mozzarella on the inside, these treats are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Pair them with a tangy marinara sauce for the ultimate indulgent snack or side dish!
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Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are a delicious twist on the classic onion ring, stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and fried to golden perfection. These crispy, savory bites are perfect for a fun snack or appetizer, making them ideal for parties, game nights, or anytime you’re craving something indulgent. Serve with marinara sauce for the ultimate cheesy treat!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 onion rings
Ingredients
- 2 large white onions
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups flour (250g)
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (230g)
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice the onions into 1-centimeter (½ inch) rings. Separate the rings, keeping the larger ones for stuffing.
- Stuff with Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella into 4 even strips. Place a smaller onion ring inside a larger one and fill the gap with mozzarella strips, using two layers of cheese for extra cheesiness. Freeze the stuffed rings for 1 hour to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: In separate bowls, place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This will be your breading station.
- Bread the Onion Rings: Coat each stuffed onion ring in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, coat with breadcrumbs, dip in the egg again, and finish by coating with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Rings: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large skillet or deep fryer. Fry the onion rings until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per batch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the rings from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Add Spices: Mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the mozzarella for a spicy twist.
- Different Cheese: Use cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a unique flavor profile.
- Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
