cheezy stuffed mozzarella onion rings
Cheezy stuffed mozzarella onion rings are a delicious snack that combine crispy fried golden onion rings with gooey, melty mozzarella cheese inside. Perfect for game days, parties, or satisfying snacks, these crunchy and cheesy rings offer a fantastic contrast of textures and rich flavors. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, they can be customized with various spices and herbs to suit any taste preference.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions (firm and thick)
- 6–8 fresh mozzarella sticks (high-quality)
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs (or vegan egg substitute)
- 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil (enough for deep frying)
- Prepare the Onion Rings: Peel the onions and slice them carefully into thick rings about 1/2 inch wide. Separate the rings gently to keep them intact and sturdy enough to hold the cheese filling.
- Stuff the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella sticks into small pieces roughly matching the size of the onion rings. Stuff each onion ring with mozzarella, either sandwiching it between two rings or placing cheese inside a single ring. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the cheese in place during frying.
- Prepare the Batter: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk or buttermilk until smooth. Place the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in a separate bowl for coating.
- Coat the Onion Rings: Dip each stuffed ring into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip in the egg mixture, followed by thorough coating with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat dipping in egg and breadcrumbs one more time.
- Fry to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chilled onion rings in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cheezy stuffed mozzarella onion rings immediately while hot, paired with dips such as marinara sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo for an irresistible experience.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for even, thick onion rings.
- Keep the mozzarella chilled before stuffing to prevent early melting.
- Double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs ensures a crispy, substantial crust.
- Maintain oil temperature using a thermometer for evenly cooked, less greasy rings.
- Let coated rings rest 10-15 minutes before frying to help batter set.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 rings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed onion rings, crispy onion rings, fried appetizer, cheesy snacks, game day snacks, party appetizers