Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe

These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings take the classic onion ring to the next level by stuffing them with gooey mozzarella cheese. The result is a crunchy, cheesy, and savory treat that is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a larger meal. Crispy on the outside, with melted cheese inside, these onion rings are a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of two beloved snacks: onion rings and mozzarella sticks.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

1. Peel the onions: Start by peeling off the outer layer of each onion. Cut the onions into thick slices—about ½ inch to 1 inch in thickness. Aim for 6-8 rings per onion.
2. Separate the onion rings: After slicing the onion, carefully separate the rings. Keep the largest and most intact rings for stuffing. You can save the smaller inner rings for making onion rings separately or for another dish.
3. Create the cheese stuffing:
   • In a small bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella with cream cheese (if using). The cream cheese will help the filling stay creamy and solid when melted.
   • Season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, herbs, or a bit of parmesan cheese for added flavor.
4. Stuff the onion rings:
   • Take one of the larger onion rings and gently stuff it with the mozzarella cheese mixture. Be generous with the stuffing but avoid overstuffing as it might spill out when frying. If necessary, press the stuffing gently into the ring to ensure it stays in place.
   • Repeat the process for the remaining onion rings.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading and Batter

1. Set up your breading station:
   • In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be used to coat the onion rings before dipping them in the wet batter.
   • In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the buttermilk and eggs together to form the wet batter.
   • In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with dried oregano or parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
2. Coat the onion rings:
   • Take a stuffed onion ring and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the buttermilk and egg mixture, ensuring the entire surface is wet.
   • Next, roll the onion ring in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the ring.
   • Repeat this process for all stuffed onion rings.

Step 3: Fry the Onion Rings

1. Heat the oil:
   • Heat about 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough for frying, around 350°F (175°C). If you have a kitchen thermometer, you can use it to ensure the temperature is right. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the top quickly, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the onion rings:
   • Carefully lower the breaded, stuffed onion rings into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
   • Fry the rings for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn the onion rings halfway through cooking to ensure even frying.
3. Drain the oil:
   • Once the onion rings are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve immediately:
   • Serve your cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings while they’re still warm and gooey inside. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Onion Rings

• Choose the Right Onions: For the best texture and flavor, use yellow onions or sweet onions. These varieties are milder and sweeter than white onions, which can be more pungent.
• Handling the Cheese: Make sure the cheese mixture isn’t too runny; you want it to hold together inside the onion ring without spilling out. If needed, add a bit more shredded cheese or a dollop more cream cheese to thicken the mixture.
• Crispy Coating: For extra crunch, double-coat the onion rings by dipping them in the flour, then the wet batter, and again in the panko breadcrumbs. This will ensure an extra-thick, crispy crust.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the onion rings will burn on the outside before the cheese has a chance to melt. If the oil is too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become soggy. Aim for around 350°F (175°C).
• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the onion rings instead of frying, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
• Stuffing Variations: Get creative with your stuffing! You can add herbs like basil or thyme, mix in chopped cooked bacon, or even experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick.

Serving Suggestions

These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings make a perfect appetizer, but you can also pair them with other dishes for a fun meal. Here are a few ideas:

1. As an Appetizer or Snack:

• Serve these onion rings as a starter at a party or family dinner. They’re great for dipping and sharing!

2. As a Side Dish:

• These cheesy onion rings go well with burgers, grilled steaks, or barbecued chicken. They can be a fun alternative to regular fries.

3. With a Salad:

• Serve them alongside a Greek salad or Caesar salad for a more balanced meal. The fresh veggies will complement the rich, cheesy rings.

4. On a Sandwich or Burger:

• Add a couple of cheesy stuffed onion rings on top of a hamburger or chicken sandwich for an extra burst of flavor and crunch. They’re also perfect on pulled pork sliders.

Creative Variations

While the original recipe is a hit, here are a few creative twists to change things up:

1. Spicy Stuffed Onion Rings:

• Add jalapeños to the cheese stuffing mixture for a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs for added heat.

2. Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Onion Rings:

• Mix in some cooked, crumbled bacon and sharp cheddar cheese for a smoky, savory filling. The bacon adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the onions and cheese perfectly.

3. Veggie Stuffed Onion Rings:

• For a vegetarian twist, stuff the onion rings with a mixture of spinach, artichokes, and cream cheese for a creamy, flavorful filling.

4. Double-Cheese Stuffed Rings:

• Combine mozzarella with a bit of cream cheese or ricotta for a creamier, more indulgent filling. The combination of cheeses will create a gooey and rich texture inside the crispy onion shell.

5. Gluten-Free Option:

• Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs if you are avoiding gluten. The panko-style breadcrumbs are available in gluten-free versions and work just as well.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are a delicious, indulgent treat that perfectly combines the crispy crunch of onion rings with the melty, gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. With a few simple ingredients, and some creative variations, you can elevate the classic onion ring into something truly special. Happy cooking!

Yield: 8-10 stuffed onion rings

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe

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These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings take the classic onion ring to the next level by stuffing them with gooey mozzarella cheese. The result is a crunchy, cheesy, and savory treat that is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even as part of a larger meal. Crispy on the outside, with melted cheese inside, these onion rings are a true crowd-pleaser that combines the best of two beloved snacks: onion rings and mozzarella sticks.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large onions (yellow or sweet onions work best)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or string cheese cut into pieces)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions:
   Peel the onions and cut them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings carefully, keeping the largest ones intact for stuffing.
   Set aside the smaller rings for later use in another recipe or discard them.
   
2. Stuff the Onion Rings:
   Take the larger onion rings and stuff the center with shredded mozzarella cheese or small pieces of string cheese.
   Carefully place one stuffed cheese piece inside each onion ring, pressing it gently so the cheese is securely enclosed within the ring.
   
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
   In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
   In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
   In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   
4. Coat the Onion Rings:
   Take each stuffed onion ring and dip it first into the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated.
   Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
   
5. Fry the Onion Rings:
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or large skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
   Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the breaded onion rings into the oil, a few at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
   Use a slotted spoon to remove the rings from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve the cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings immediately, while they’re hot and gooey! They’re great on their own or paired with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.

Notes

• Cheese Options: Feel free to use other melting cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor. You can also mix cheeses for a more complex taste.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep the stuffed onion rings and bread them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for up to 1 hour before frying to help the breading set.
• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake rather than fry, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Spicy Variation: Add a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: These are already vegetarian, but they can easily be made gluten-free by swapping the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions.