These Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are a glorious mash-up of two beloved comfort foods: onion rings and mozzarella sticks. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a molten, stretchy cheese pull that’s nothing short of magical. Perfect as a party appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent treat, these rings are made by sandwiching mozzarella between two onion layers, then coating them in a crispy breadcrumb crust and frying to golden perfection.
They’re fun to assemble, even more fun to eat, and pair beautifully with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or the star of the show, these cheesy rings are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet onions (like Vidalia), peeled
- 8–10 mozzarella cheese sticks (or block mozzarella, cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- (Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor in the batter)
Instructions:
- Slice and Separate the Onions:
Cut onions into ½-inch thick slices and gently separate them into rings. Pair similar-sized rings together, creating a “double ring” with space in between for the cheese. - Stuff with Mozzarella:
Cut mozzarella sticks into strips that fit snugly between two onion rings. Place a smaller ring inside a larger one and press the cheese strip between them. Repeat with remaining rings and cheese. Freeze the assembled rings for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape. - Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs (season with chili flakes or herbs if desired).
- Coat the Rings:
Working one at a time, dip each frozen ring into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in panko. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko step for a double coating. Return coated rings to the freezer for 10–15 minutes. - Fry to Perfection:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot 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. Drain on paper towels. - Serve Hot:
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces—marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo are all excellent choices.
Tips & Variations:
- Air Fryer Option: Spray coated rings with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Freeze fully breaded rings and fry straight from frozen when ready to serve.
- Flavor Boost: Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra umami.
- Mini Version: Use smaller onion rings and cheese cubes for bite-sized party snacks.
These Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are a crunchy, melty masterpiece—perfect for when you want to wow your guests or treat yourself to something outrageously good. If you’re feeling adventurous, My, we could even turn these into a layered snack tower with dipping sauces between each ring. Shall we stack the fun even higher?