Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large sweet onions (like Vidalia)
• 10–12 mozzarella cheese sticks (or a block of mozzarella, cut into sticks)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prep the Onions:
   • Peel onions and slice into thick rings, about ½ inch wide.
   • Carefully separate into individual rings, keeping pairs of rings with a gap in between for stuffing.
2. Stuff with Cheese:
   • Place a piece of mozzarella between two onion rings of similar size (one inside the other).
   • Repeat with all rings and freeze them for 1 hour to help them stay intact during frying.
3. Breading Station:
   • Set up 3 bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with the breadcrumbs.
   • Season the flour and breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Bread the Rings:
   • Dip each stuffed ring into flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
   • For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps (double dredge).
   • Return coated rings to freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
5. Fry the Rings:
   • Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
   • Fry onion rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Drain on paper towels.
6. Make the Garlic Butter:
   • Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Stir in parsley and a pinch of salt.
7. Serve:
   • Drizzle hot garlic butter over crispy onion rings.
   • Serve immediately with marinara or ranch for dipping.

Let me know if you’d like a baked version or dipping sauce ideas!