These golden, crispy onion rings are not your average snack. Each thick-cut onion ring is stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, and fried to perfection. To take things up a notch, they’re drizzled (or dunked!) in a rich garlic butter sauce that adds a savory, aromatic finish. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a comfort food fix, or just want to impress your taste buds, this recipe delivers on all fronts—crunch, melt, and flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large yellow or white onions
- 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese block (cut into strips or sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs (for binding)
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Garlic Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Pinch of salt
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 need pairs of rings with a gap between them to stuff the cheese—so match a larger ring with a smaller one that fits snugly inside.
- Cut mozzarella into strips that fit between the two rings. Place the cheese between the rings and press gently to seal. Repeat with remaining rings and cheese.
- Place the stuffed rings on a tray and freeze for 30–45 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during breading and frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, combine panko and regular breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Onion Rings:
- Remove the frozen rings from the freezer.
- Dip each ring first into the seasoned flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, you can double-dip: egg → breadcrumbs → egg → breadcrumbs again.
- Place the breaded rings back in the freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up before frying.
4. Fry the Onion Rings:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the rings in batches, 2–3 at a time, for about 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in a pinch of salt and chopped parsley if using. Remove from heat.
6. Serve:
- Arrange the hot mozzarella-stuffed onion rings on a platter.
- Drizzle with garlic butter or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for added flair.
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese Options: Try using pepper jack or cheddar for a spicy or sharper twist.
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Friendly: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Make Ahead: You can freeze the breaded rings and fry them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time.
Why You’ll Love It:
- The contrast of crispy coating and molten cheese is irresistible.
- Garlic butter adds a gourmet touch that elevates the dish.
- It’s a fun, unexpected twist on two classic favorites: mozzarella sticks and onion rings.
Would you like a spicy dipping sauce to go with it, like chipotle mayo or sriracha ranch? Or maybe a visual guide to help with the stuffing technique?