Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings
These Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and loaded with flavor. Perfect as a party snack, appetizer, or game day treat—they’re like onion rings and mozzarella sticks had a delicious baby.
Total Time
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10–15 mins
Total Time: ~35 mins
Ingredients:
2 large onions, cut into thick rings
Mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks or string cheese, sliced into rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Olive Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the onion rings:Slice onions into thick rounds and separate the rings.
Choose pairs of similar-sized rings and insert mozzarella pieces between them (a smaller ring inside a larger one, with cheese in the gap). Freeze for 30 minutes to firm them up.
2. Set up breading stations:
1 bowl: flour
2nd bowl: beaten eggs
3rd bowl: breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
3. Coat the rings:Dredge each frozen stuffed ring in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, double dip (egg and breadcrumbs again). Freeze for 10 more minutes.
4. Fry the rings: Heat olive oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry rings in batches until golden and crisp (about 2–3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve: hot with marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo for dipping.
Tips:
Don’t skip freezing—it keeps the cheese from leaking out during frying.
Air fryer version: Spray with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 mins, flipping halfway.
Add Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
Frequently asked questions FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! After breading, you can freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
2. Why is the cheese leaking out while frying?
This usually happens if:
The coating isn’t sealed well (double dip in breadcrumbs helps).
You didn’t freeze them long enough before frying.
The oil temperature is too low—make sure it’s around 350°F (175°C).
3. Can I bake or air-fry them instead of deep frying?
Yes!
Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil for best results.
Oven: 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes. Use a wire rack for crispiness and spray with olive oil.
4. What kind of mozzarella works best?
Use low-moisture mozzarella string cheese or block mozzarella cut into firm sticks. Avoid fresh mozzarella—it melts too fast and leaks out easily.
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and ensure any seasonings used are gluten-free.
6. What dips go well with these?
Top choices include:Marinara or pizza sauce ranch dressing
Nutritional Information
Calories: 380 kcal
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 450mg
Calcium: 200mg