Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods—crispy onion rings and gooey mozzarella sticks. Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy shell that gives way to a molten core of melted cheese, all wrapped around a sweet, tender onion ring. These are not your average onion rings—they’re bigger, bolder, and bursting with flavor. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun weekend treat, these rings are guaranteed to impress. Whether you dip them in marinara, ranch, or enjoy them as-is, they’re a cheesy, crunchy dream come true.
Ingredients:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow or white onions
- 200g (about 7 oz) mozzarella cheese block (cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Optional for Serving:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo or sriracha ketchup
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion Rings
- Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about ½ inch wide.
- Carefully separate the rings. You’ll want to pair larger rings with slightly smaller ones to create a “cheese pocket” between them.
- Take a strip of mozzarella and wrap it around the inside of a large onion ring. Then insert a smaller ring inside to hold the cheese in place. Press gently to secure.
- Repeat with remaining onion rings and cheese strips. Place them on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps the cheese stay intact during frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In one bowl, place the flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor.
3. Bread the Onion Rings
- Remove the frozen onion rings from the freezer.
- Dip each ring first into the flour, coating all sides.
- Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
- Finally, coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double layer.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the rings into the hot oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the rings and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra touch.
Serving Suggestions:
- These rings are perfect on their own, but they also make a killer side dish for burgers or grilled sandwiches.
- Serve them stacked on a skewer for a dramatic appetizer presentation.
- Pair with a cold soda or a chilled beer for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese Options: Try using pepper jack for a spicy twist or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
- Air Fryer Method: Spray the breaded rings with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make Ahead: Freeze the breaded rings and store in a zip-top bag. Fry straight from frozen when ready to serve.
These Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are a celebration of texture and flavor—crispy, gooey, savory, and utterly addictive. Want to pair them with a creamy dip or maybe turn them into a burger topping next? I’ve got ideas!