Mozzarella Onion Rings

If you’re a fan of crispy, cheesy, and savory snacks, Mozzarella Onion Rings are about to become your new best friend. Picture this: crunchy golden onion rings on the outside, but instead of the usual onion filling, you get a gooey, melty mozzarella surprise inside. It’s like a cheesy twist on a classic favorite, and trust me, once you try these, you won’t look back.

Perfect for game day, a party appetizer, or just a fun weekend treat, these Mozzarella Onion Rings are everything you’ve ever wanted in a snack—crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, and you won’t even miss the regular onion rings. Whether you’re serving them with marinara sauce for dipping or just enjoying them as is, they’ll be a hit every single time.

Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Onion Rings

• Cheesy Delight: The mozzarella filling takes these onion rings to the next level. It’s gooey, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Crispy Crunch: The outer batter gets golden and crispy, creating the perfect contrast to the melted cheese inside.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to make these. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have crispy, cheesy perfection.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a fun snack. They’re perfect for any occasion.
• Dip-Friendly: Whether you like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy aioli, these onion rings are perfect for dipping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Mozzarella Onion Rings:

• Large Onions: Choose sweet onions or yellow onions for the best flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Cut into thin strips—this is the cheesy surprise inside!
• Flour: For the batter base.
• Cornstarch: This helps make the batter crispy and light.
• Baking Powder: To give the batter a little extra lift and make it airy.
• Eggs: For binding the batter and coating the onion rings.
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the batter.
• Oil: For frying. Vegetable oil or canola oil works best for frying at high temperatures.

(Note: Full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these cheesy beauties:

1. Prepare the Onions:

Peel the onions and slice them into rings, about ½ inch thick. Gently separate the rings, and set aside. You can keep the smaller ones to make mini onion rings, or use just the larger ones for a bigger bite.

2. Prepare the Mozzarella:

Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks into thin strips that will fit inside the onion rings. Each strip should be about the size of the inside of a ring. Set these aside.

3. Assemble the Onion Rings:

Take one of the onion rings and place a strip of mozzarella inside. Gently press the edges of the onion ring together to seal in the cheese. Repeat with the rest of the onion rings until you have all your cheesy-filled rings ready to go.

4. Make the Batter:

In a bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add a little water if the batter seems too thick, as you want it to be just thick enough to coat the onion rings.

5. Coat the Onion Rings:

Dip each stuffed onion ring first into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, and then dredge it in the panko breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will give you that nice, crispy exterior. Make sure each onion ring is well-coated and set aside.

6. Heat the Oil:

In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat up the oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F for the perfect crispy texture. You can test it by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles, you’re ready to fry!

7. Fry the Onion Rings:

Carefully add the mozzarella-stuffed onion rings into the hot oil, frying them in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the rings to stick together or not cook evenly. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

8. Drain and Serve:

Once the rings are crispy and golden, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve them hot with a side of marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Mozzarella Onion Rings

• As an Appetizer: Serve these crispy, cheesy onion rings as an appetizer to kick off any meal. Pair them with a delicious dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or even sriracha mayo.
• As a Side Dish: Serve these alongside your favorite main dish—whether it’s burgers, steak, or a pasta dinner. They make a great addition to almost any meal.
• With Drinks: Perfect for serving at game day, parties, or as a fun snack with a cold drink. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Additional Tips

• Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a mozzarella fan, you can swap in other cheeses like cheddar or monterey jack. Just make sure they melt well!
• Baking Option: If you’re not into frying, you can bake these onion rings at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. Spray them with a little cooking spray to get that golden finish.
• Make Ahead: You can prep these in advance by assembling the onion rings and storing them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. This can help the batter stick better and results in an even crispier exterior when you fry them.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I freeze these onion rings?
A1: Yes! You can freeze the assembled onion rings before frying. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry them from frozen when you’re ready to eat!

Q2: Can I make these onion rings without breadcrumbs?
A2: You can try using crushed cornflakes or panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute if you want a different texture or need a gluten-free option.

Q3: How can I make the batter extra crispy?
A3: For extra crispiness, try adding a little cornmeal to the breadcrumb coating. You can also double-coat the onion rings by dipping them in the egg wash and breadcrumbs twice.

Q4: Can I make these onion rings in the air fryer?
A4: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, lightly spray the onion rings with oil, and cook in a single layer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q5: What can I dip these in?
A5: Mozzarella onion rings are perfect with classic marinara sauce, but feel free to experiment with other dips like ranch, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo for a fun twist.

These Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate snack—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to fun weeknight meals. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

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