Let’s talk comfort food, shall we? If you’re a fan of crispy, gooey, cheesy snacks, then these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are going to be your new favorite treat. They’re exactly what you want when you’re craving something a little indulgent, but still easy to whip up in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a crispy, golden onion ring, only to discover the warm, melty mozzarella cheese hidden inside. It’s like a cheesy surprise in every bite!
These cheesy stuffed onion rings are perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re making them for game day, a family dinner, or just because you’re in the mood for something delicious, these onion rings won’t disappoint. The crispy outside, the gooey mozzarella inside—it’s a combination that’s hard to resist!
I love creating easy recipes that pack a punch, and this one is no exception. It combines simple ingredients with big flavors, and the best part? You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need for Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
Before we start, here’s a handy shopping list of what you’ll need. Don’t worry – it’s all pretty straightforward, and you probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 large onions – Yellow or white onions are perfect for this recipe. You want the rings to be big enough to stuff with mozzarella, so don’t go for tiny onions.
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour – This will be used to coat the onion rings before they’re dipped in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Adds a nice savory depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder – We’re going for all the onion flavor here.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika – This gives the onion rings a nice color and adds a little smokiness to the flavor.
- 2 large eggs – These are for the egg wash, which helps the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings.
- 1 ½ cups of breadcrumbs – I recommend using panko breadcrumbs because they’re extra crispy, but regular breadcrumbs work fine too.
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese – A little Parmesan adds even more flavor and helps create a crispy, cheesy coating.
- 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese – I like using the block mozzarella and cutting it into sticks. It melts perfectly and gives you that amazing cheese pull.
- Vegetable oil – You’ll need enough to submerge the onion rings while frying them. I recommend using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for the best results.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, of course!
It’s a simple list, but the flavors come together to create something truly amazing. No complicated ingredients or fancy gadgets needed—just good old-fashioned kitchen staples.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
I love recipes that are easy to make but still deliver on flavor, and these cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings are exactly that. The steps are simple, and once you’ve made these once, they’ll become a go-to favorite. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings
The first step is to prep your onions. Start by peeling them and cutting them into thick slices—about 1-inch thick. You want the rings to be large enough to stuff with mozzarella, but not too big that they’re hard to handle.
Once you’ve sliced your onions, gently separate the rings. Keep the larger ones for stuffing with cheese, and set the smaller ones aside for later (you can snack on them or use them for a different recipe, like a salad).
Tip: If you cut the onions evenly, they’ll cook more consistently, which means each ring will be crispy and perfectly golden. Take your time here—it’s totally worth it!
Step 2: Stuff the Onion Rings with Mozzarella
Now, it’s time to stuff those onion rings with mozzarella cheese! Take a mozzarella stick (I recommend using fresh mozzarella for the best melt), and carefully insert it inside one of the larger onion rings. You want the cheese to fit snugly, but don’t worry if a little bit of cheese sticks out—it’s actually pretty satisfying when it oozes out while frying.
If you have some mozzarella leftover, you can snack on it while you work, or save it for a future recipe!
Once you’ve stuffed a few onion rings, lay them on a plate or tray. Make sure they’re ready to go before you start dipping them into the coating.
Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings
Next up, we’re going to coat those cheesy onion rings so they get all crispy and golden. First, whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings.
In a second shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Give it a quick stir to combine everything.
Now, one by one, take each stuffed onion ring and dip it into the flour mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. The breadcrumbs are key to getting that golden, crispy exterior, so make sure each ring is fully covered.
Step 4: Fry the Onion Rings
Once your onion rings are fully coated, it’s time to fry them. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want enough oil so that the rings can be fully submerged (about 2-3 inches of oil should do it).
To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread or a tiny bit of batter. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. Carefully place the coated onion rings into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the onion rings for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t be tempted to flip them too soon – you want to let them cook all the way through before turning them over. If you’re cooking in batches, let the oil heat back up before adding more onion rings.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the onion rings are golden and crispy, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps them stay crispy and prevents them from being too greasy.
Serve the cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the crispy onion and gooey cheese with the tangy marinara is out of this world!
Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
Let’s be real—no one likes soggy onion rings, so here are a few tips to ensure your cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings come out perfect every time.
Use Fresh Mozzarella for the Best Melting
Fresh mozzarella is a game-changer when it comes to stuffed onion rings. It melts so wonderfully and gives you that perfect cheese pull that everyone loves. I always recommend using block mozzarella and cutting it into sticks. The cheese stays inside the onion ring better, and you’ll get more even melting.
Coat Well for Maximum Crispiness
The key to crispy onion rings is making sure they’re properly coated. Don’t rush through this step – take your time to dip each ring thoroughly in the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. The more evenly coated they are, the crispier they’ll be!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When you’re frying the onion rings, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary. Overcrowding causes the oil temperature to drop, and instead of crispy onion rings, you’ll get soggy ones. Plus, they won’t cook as evenly.
Let Them Cool Before Serving
I know it’s tempting to dive in immediately, but trust me, let them cool for a minute or two. The cheese inside will be insanely hot, and you don’t want to burn your mouth on the first bite! A little patience goes a long way.
What to Serve with Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
These cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings are amazing on their own, but they’re also great when paired with other dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad is the perfect balance to these rich and cheesy onion rings. Try a simple green salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Grilled Burgers or Sandwiches: Pair these onion rings with a juicy burger or crispy chicken sandwich for a complete meal. The cheesy onion rings add a fun twist to the usual burger sides!
- Dipping Sauces: In addition to marinara sauce, try ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy mustard dipping sauce for a different flavor experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a fun, cheesy, and downright delicious snack or appetizer, look no further than these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and sure to impress anyone you serve them to. They’re the kind of food that makes everyone at the table go “wow,” and there’s nothing better than that feeling.
Give these a try and let me know what you think! I have a feeling they’ll become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large onions – Yellow or white onions are perfect for this recipe. You want the rings to be big enough to stuff with mozzarella so don’t go for tiny onions.
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour – This will be used to coat the onion rings before they’re dipped in the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Adds a nice savory depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder – We’re going for all the onion flavor here.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika – This gives the onion rings a nice color and adds a little smokiness to the flavor.
- 2 large eggs – These are for the egg wash which helps the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings.
- 1 ½ cups of breadcrumbs – I recommend using panko breadcrumbs because they’re extra crispy but regular breadcrumbs work fine too.
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese – A little Parmesan adds even more flavor and helps create a crispy cheesy coating.
- 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese – I like using the block mozzarella and cutting it into sticks. It melts perfectly and gives you that amazing cheese pull.
- Vegetable oil – You’ll need enough to submerge the onion rings while frying them. I recommend using a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for the best results.
- Salt and pepper – To taste of course!
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings
- The first step is to prep your onions. Start by peeling them and cutting them into thick slices—about 1-inch thick. You want the rings to be large enough to stuff with mozzarella, but not too big that they’re hard to handle.
- Once you’ve sliced your onions, gently separate the rings. Keep the larger ones for stuffing with cheese, and set the smaller ones aside for later (you can snack on them or use them for a different recipe, like a salad).
- Tip: If you cut the onions evenly, they’ll cook more consistently, which means each ring will be crispy and perfectly golden. Take your time here—it’s totally worth it!
Step 2: Stuff the Onion Rings with Mozzarella
- Now, it’s time to stuff those onion rings with mozzarella cheese! Take a mozzarella stick (I recommend using fresh mozzarella for the best melt), and carefully insert it inside one of the larger onion rings. You want the cheese to fit snugly, but don’t worry if a little bit of cheese sticks out—it’s actually pretty satisfying when it oozes out while frying.
- If you have some mozzarella leftover, you can snack on it while you work, or save it for a future recipe!
- Once you’ve stuffed a few onion rings, lay them on a plate or tray. Make sure they’re ready to go before you start dipping them into the coating.
Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings
- Next up, we’re going to coat those cheesy onion rings so they get all crispy and golden. First, whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings.
- In a second shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
- In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Give it a quick stir to combine everything.
- Now, one by one, take each stuffed onion ring and dip it into the flour mixture. Make sure it’s fully coated, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. The breadcrumbs are key to getting that golden, crispy exterior, so make sure each ring is fully covered.
Step 4: Fry the Onion Rings
- Once your onion rings are fully coated, it’s time to fry them. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You want enough oil so that the rings can be fully submerged (about 2-3 inches of oil should do it).
- To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of bread or a tiny bit of batter. If it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready. Carefully place the coated onion rings into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the onion rings for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t be tempted to flip them too soon – you want to let them cook all the way through before turning them over. If you’re cooking in batches, let the oil heat back up before adding more onion rings.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
- Once the onion rings are golden and crispy, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps them stay crispy and prevents them from being too greasy.
- Serve the cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the crispy onion and gooey cheese with the tangy marinara is out of this world!