Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods: classic onion rings and gooey mozzarella sticks. These golden-fried delights feature thick onion rings stuffed with creamy mozzarella cheese, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and deep-fried to perfection. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a molten cheese pull and a burst of sweet onion flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or a fun side dish, these onion rings are guaranteed to steal the show. Dip them in marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for the full experience.
Ingredients:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow or white onions
- 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese block or string cheese
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 ½ cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onion Rings
Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about ½ inch wide. Carefully separate the rings and pair them up by size—each pair will form a “cheese sandwich.” You’ll want to use the larger outer rings for stuffing.
2. Cut and Insert the Mozzarella
Cut the mozzarella into strips or use string cheese, trimming them to fit snugly between two onion rings. Place a smaller ring inside a larger one, then press mozzarella strips into the gap between them. Repeat with remaining rings and cheese. Once assembled, place them on a tray and freeze for 30–60 minutes. This helps the cheese stay intact during frying.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with milk.
- Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bread the Onion Rings
Remove the frozen onion rings from the freezer. Working one at a time, dredge each ring in the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra-crispy crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. Place the breaded rings back on the tray and freeze for another 15–20 minutes to firm up.
5. Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for even frying.
6. Fry the Onion Rings
Fry the onion rings in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve Hot
Serve the cheesy onion rings immediately while the cheese is still melty. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
Tips for Success:
- Freezing is essential—it prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.
- Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour or breadcrumb mixture.
- These can be made ahead and frozen—just fry straight from frozen when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a party appetizer with a trio of dips.
- Pair with burgers, sliders, or grilled sandwiches for a fun twist.
- Stack them high and drizzle with cheese sauce or hot honey for a dramatic snack platter.
Would you like a baked version, an air fryer adaptation, or a spicy jalapeño-cheddar twist next? I’d love to help you remix it!