Imagine the crunch of golden onion rings fused with the stretchy, melty goodness of mozzarella sticks. These Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are a party-ready snack that delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a dramatic cheese pull. Thick onion slices are stuffed with mozzarella, double-coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and fried until gloriously crisp. Whether you’re hosting game night, craving a midnight snack, or just want to impress your taste buds, this recipe brings the wow factor with every bite.
Ingredients:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large white onions, sliced into ½-inch thick rings
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into strips to fit inside onion rings
For the Breading Station:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Frying:
- Vegetable or canola oil, for deep frying
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy aioli
👩🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Onion Rings
Peel and slice the onions into thick rings. Carefully separate them and pair similar-sized rings—one smaller inside a larger. These will form the “shell” for your mozzarella filling.
🧅 Tip: Use the larger outer rings for stuffing and save the smaller ones for another dish.
Step 2: Stuff with Mozzarella
Cut mozzarella sticks into strips that fit snugly between the paired onion rings. Place a smaller ring inside a larger one and fill the gap with mozzarella. Press gently to secure. Repeat with remaining rings.
🧀 For extra cheesiness, double up the mozzarella layers!
Step 3: Freeze the Rings
Place the assembled rings on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 30–60 minutes. This helps the cheese stay intact during frying and makes breading easier.
Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three bowls:
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Dip each frozen ring into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
🔄 Double coating = extra crispy shell and better cheese containment.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this keeps the temperature stable and ensures even cooking.
⚠️ Watch closely—overfrying can cause the cheese to ooze out.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the rings to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or chipotle mayo
- Pair with burgers, grilled chicken, or loaded fries
- Add to a party platter with sliders and wings
🔄 Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix
- Herb Infusion: Mix Italian seasoning or dried basil into the coating
- Air-Fried Version: Spray with oil and air-fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes
- Baked Option: Bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway
These onion rings are crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Want a tropical twist with pineapple salsa or a sugar-free dipping sauce? I’ve got plenty of riffs to keep your snack game sizzling!