Cheesy Onion Rings are the ultimate indulgent snack, combining the savory flavor of crispy onion rings with gooey mozzarella cheese. Stuffed with cheese and coated in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, these rings are perfect for serving as an appetizer, side dish, or even a fun treat for a party. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ve got a snack that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these Cheesy Onion Rings because they take traditional onion rings to the next level. The combination of sweet onion and creamy mozzarella cheese inside each crispy ring is simply irresistible. The double coating of flour, batter, and breadcrumbs ensures an extra crispy crunch, while the cheese melts perfectly inside. Whether I’m serving them as a party snack or just craving something delicious, these cheesy bites never disappoint!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Components:
1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
8 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 cups cooking oil
Toothpicks for securing
Dry Ingredients:
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine salt
Directions
Prepare the Onion Rings: I start by pairing two slices of onion – one larger than the other – so that when I place the smaller ring inside the larger one, there’s space between them. I slice the mozzarella cheese sticks to fit between the rings and place the cheese between the onion pieces. Then, I secure everything with a toothpick.
Heat the Oil: In a deep cooking pot, I heat the oil over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to fry the rings to a golden crisp.
Prepare the Dry Mixture: I combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt in a bowl and mix well. I dredge each onion ring in the dry mixture and place them on a wire rack to keep them from sticking together.
Make the Batter: In a separate bowl, I mix the milk and beaten egg until well combined. Then, I add the wet mixture to the remaining dry ingredients and stir until a batter forms.
Coat the Onion Rings: I dip the dredged onion rings into the batter, making sure they’re fully coated. Then, I place the rings back on the wire rack to allow any excess batter to drip off. Afterward, I coat the rings with Panko breadcrumbs for that crispy exterior.
Fry the Rings: I carefully fry the onion rings, starting with one side until it’s golden brown. Then, I flip the rings and fry the opposite side until it’s equally golden and crispy.
Serve: Once the onion rings are crispy and golden, I remove the toothpicks and serve them warm with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Yield: 12-16 onion rings (depending on the size of the onion)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes per batch
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
Spicy Cheesy Onion Rings: For a spicy kick, I can add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture before dipping the onion rings.
Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, I could use other melting cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: To make these gluten-free, I can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Leftover onion rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezer: If I want to keep them longer, I can freeze the onion rings after they’ve been battered and breaded (before frying). When ready to cook, I simply fry them directly from the freezer.
Reheating: For the crispiest results, I reheat the onion rings in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes. I can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made onion rings for this recipe?
While fresh onion rings are preferred, I could use store-bought onion rings for convenience. However, I won’t get the same cheesy center unless I modify the recipe by adding cheese to the center myself.
Can I make these without mozzarella cheese sticks?
Yes! If I don’t have mozzarella cheese sticks, I can use shredded mozzarella or any cheese that melts well. Just be sure to add enough cheese to fill the space between the onion rings.
How can I make the onion rings even crispier?
For an extra crispy texture, I can double-coat the onion rings by dipping them in the flour, batter, breadcrumbs, and then dipping them back in the batter and breadcrumbs again before frying.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I can prepare the onion rings ahead of time by breading them and storing them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. If I want to freeze them, I can do so before frying them and then fry directly from frozen.
Can I make these without frying?
Yes! I could bake them instead of frying by placing the breaded onion rings on a lined baking sheet and baking them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Cheesy Onion Rings are a delightful twist on a classic snack, and they never fail to satisfy. The combination of crispy, crunchy breading and gooey cheese inside makes for an irresistible treat. Whether I’m serving them at a party, enjoying them with friends, or indulging in them as a snack, they’re always a hit. With the perfect balance of savory and cheesy, these onion rings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!
Cheesy Onion Rings take the classic snack to the next level, with gooey mozzarella cheese stuffed inside crispy onion rings, coated in a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a fun treat or party appetizer.
Ingredients
1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
8 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup milk
1 egg, beaten
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 cups cooking oil
Toothpicks for securing
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
Pair two slices of onion (one larger than the other) and place a mozzarella cheese stick between them. Secure the onion rings with a toothpick.
Heat the oil in a deep cooking pot over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to fry the onion rings to a golden crisp.
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt. Dredge each onion ring in the dry mixture and set them aside on a wire rack.
In a separate bowl, mix the milk and beaten egg until well combined. Stir in the remaining dry ingredients and make a batter.
Dip each dredged onion ring into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the rings back on the wire rack to allow excess batter to drip off, then coat them in Panko breadcrumbs.
Fry the onion rings in the hot oil until golden brown, flipping to ensure both sides cook evenly. Remove the toothpicks once fried.
Serve the cheesy onion rings warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
Experiment with different melting cheeses like cheddar or provolone for variation.
Make these gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
