Pin it
This cheesy onion rings recipe combines everything I crave when the snack urge hits A crisp golden shell filled with stretchy gooey mozzarella and a hint of savory onion makes for a party favorite or a guilty treat after a long week at work I always find myself making a double batch because they disappear as soon as they hit the plate
I remember making these for my friends’ game night and nobody could believe I stuffed cheese into onion rings by hand They are that impressive and surprisingly easy
Ingredients
- Large onions: for bold onion flavor and sturdy rings Look for heavy onions with tight skin
- Mozzarella cheese block: for melt quality and stretch Use whole milk mozzarella for best texture
- All purpose flour: for the first coat to help breading stick Use unbleached flour for a clean taste
- Eggs: for helping bread crumbs adhere to the rings Fresh eggs work best
- Breadcrumbs: especially panko for crunch Choose fresh or slightly dry panko for airiest texture
- Garlic powder: to boost savory notes Seek out fragrant fresh-tasting powder
- Paprika: for mild warmth and color Look for bright red spice for freshness
- Salt and black pepper: to balance and heighten flavors Always taste your salt first if using something fancy
- Vegetable oil: for frying Pick a neutral high-smoke oil like sunflower or peanut
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Rings:
- Slice onions into thick rounds at least half an inch wide Carefully separate into rings then nest two similar sized rings so there is space for the cheese in between This keeps the cheese in place while frying
- Stuff with Mozzarella:
- Cut mozzarella into slender strips Place a strip between each nested onion ring and gently press to seal the cheese inside Push cheese all the way around the inside so you get a stretch in every bite
- Coat the Rings:
- Set up three dipping bowls One with flour mixed with salt black pepper garlic powder and paprika Another with beaten eggs A third with panko breadcrumbs Dip each onion ring first in flour making sure every surface is coated then into egg and finally coat well with breadcrumbs For extra crunch repeat with another dip in egg and breadcrumbs
- Fry to Perfection:
- Fill a large sturdy pan with enough oil to submerge rings Heat oil to around three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Drop rings in small batches gently into hot oil Fry three minutes per side or until deep golden and shatteringly crisp
- Drain and Serve:
- Transfer fried rings to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce Marinara spicy mayo or tangy ranch are delicious options
Pin it
My favorite ingredient is the panko It makes these so crunchy my family can hear the crunch from the other room The first time I served these during a family movie marathon we almost had to pause between every bite because everyone kept exclaiming over the cheese pull
Storage Tips
Let onion rings cool on a rack then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator They last two to three days Reheat in a hot oven to restore crispness Freezing before frying works well Lay coated raw rings on a tray freeze until solid then transfer to a bag and fry straight from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap mozzarella with a mix of fontina or cheddar for more intense flavor If using gluten free flour and crumbs they turn out just as crisp You can also try shallots or large sweet onions for a milder bite
Serving Suggestions
Pile onto a platter with ramekins of dips like sriracha mayo blue cheese or smoky ketchup These are great alongside sliders wings or even tucked into a burger For parties I serve mini versions with toothpicks for easy sharing
A Little History
Classic fried onion rings have been loved for nearly a century but stuffing them with cheese is a brilliant twist that likely hails from the modern bar scene The flavor mashup pays homage to cheesy fried snacks popular at state fairs and gastropubs
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare stuffed onion rings ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze the rings before frying. This helps prevent cheese leakage and streamlines preparation for later.
- → What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltability, but other melting cheeses like cheddar or gouda work well too.
- → Why use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs give the rings extra crunch and a light, airy texture once fried.
- → How can I get an extra crispy coating?
Double-coat the rings by dipping twice into egg and breadcrumbs before frying for a thicker, crunchier layer.
- → Which sauces go best with these rings?
Classic marinara, ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli complement the cheesy, savory flavors nicely.