Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

If you’re someone who craves crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites, then let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food: Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter. Picture this: a golden-brown crispy onion ring that gives way to melty mozzarella cheese, all drizzled with a rich, savory garlic butter. It’s like your favorite onion rings took a little cheesy detour and ended up at the most delicious party. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make and will have everyone at your table saying, “Wow, I didn’t know onion rings could be this good.” Trust me, these mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are perfect for sharing—or not. It’s totally okay if you decide to keep them all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Here’s why these onion rings will become your new favorite snack or appetizer:

Cheesy Goodness

The mozzarella filling is the star of the show! It’s gooey, stretchy, and so satisfying—because let’s face it, cheese makes everything better.

Crispy Perfection

The onion rings get that perfect crispy crunch on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside. It’s the ideal texture contrast!

Flavored to Perfection

The garlic butter drizzle takes these onion rings from good to outstanding. It’s like the finishing touch that elevates every bite.

Great for Any Occasion

These mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are a crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for a fun party appetizer, a weekend snack, or even as a side dish to your favorite main course.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter:

For the Onion Rings:

• Large onions: The foundation of the dish! Choose onions that are big enough to slice into rings but not so big that they overwhelm the cheese filling.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: These are the key to creating the ooey-gooey, melty center.
• All-purpose flour: For dredging the onion rings before frying, giving them that crispy golden crust.
• Cornstarch: Helps to create an extra-crunchy coating.
• Eggs: A little egg wash helps the flour mixture adhere to the onion rings.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Adds that extra crispiness to the coating. They’re perfect for a satisfying crunch.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning the onion rings and the breadcrumb mixture.

For the Garlic Butter:

• Unsalted butter: The base for our rich garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that bold, savory flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a little pop of color and freshness to the garlic butter.
• Salt: To bring all the flavors together.

(Note: Exact measurements for the ingredients can be found in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Follow these steps to make these irresistible mozzarella-stuffed onion rings:

1. Prep the Onions and Mozzarella

Start by peeling and slicing the onions into thick rings. Try to make each slice around 1/2 inch thick for the best balance of crispy crust and tender onion. Carefully cut the mozzarella sticks into smaller pieces to fit inside the onion rings. You’ll want the mozzarella to be just a bit smaller than the diameter of the onion ring.

2. Stuff the Onion Rings

Place a slice of mozzarella inside each onion ring. Press gently to secure the cheese inside the onion. Set the stuffed onion rings aside on a plate.

3. Prepare the Coating

In one shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.

4. Coat the Onion Rings

Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then dip it into the egg wash, and finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat with all the onion rings.

5. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of bread into it—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready for frying.

6. Fry the Onion Rings

Carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the onion rings for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Make the Garlic Butter

While the onion rings are frying, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Stir in the fresh parsley and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.

8. Drizzle and Serve

Once the onion rings are fried and crispy, drizzle the warm garlic butter over them, making sure each one gets a nice coating. Serve immediately, and enjoy the cheesy, crispy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one serving (assuming 4 onion rings per serving):

• Serving Size: 4 onion rings
• Calories per Serving: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Vitamin D: 8% DV
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 8% DV
• Potassium: 250mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

These mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer, but you can also serve them alongside a variety of dishes:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo for dipping.
• As a Side: Pair them with a juicy burger, grilled steak, or crispy chicken for an extra indulgent meal.
• Salad: Pair with a light, refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the onion rings.
• Pizza Night: These onion rings are the perfect companion to a slice of pizza—cheese and onion rings, what could be better?

Additional Tips

• Cheese Tip: Use fresh mozzarella sticks for the best stretchiness. Avoid shredded mozzarella, as it won’t melt as nicely.
• Make Them Ahead: You can prepare the onion rings in advance and freeze them before frying. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Fry them from frozen for a crispy treat.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the flour mixture or the breadcrumbs.
• Try Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a unique twist on the flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use sweet onions instead of regular onions?
A1: Yes! Sweet onions like Vidalia can add a mild, sweet flavor to the onion rings, making them even more delicious.

Q2: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A2: Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Make sure to spray them with a little cooking spray to help with crispiness.

Q3: How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
A3: Make sure the mozzarella is cut to fit snugly inside the onion rings. Also, don’t overfill them, as this can cause the cheese to leak during frying.

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A4: Absolutely! You can experiment with other melty cheeses like gouda, provolone, or cheddar. Just make sure it melts well.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe gluten-free. The texture will still be crispy and delicious.

Q6: Can I make these ahead of time?
A6: You can prep the onion rings ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer before frying. This makes it easy to cook them when you’re ready.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to help them stay crispy.

Q8: Can I make these without garlic butter?
A8: Sure! If you prefer, you can skip the garlic butter and enjoy the onion rings with your favorite dipping sauce instead.

Q9: What can I use as a dipping sauce?
A9: You can pair these onion rings with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or even a creamy aioli for dipping.

Q10: Can I fry these in an air fryer?
A10: Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the onion rings for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be crispy and delicious!

Conclusion

These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, they’re sure to be a hit. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in no time—once you try them, you won’t be able to stop!

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