Get ready for your new favorite snack or appetizer: cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings. These crispy golden rings are stuffed with gooey mozzarella and fried to perfection. Think of them as a cross between mozzarella sticks and classic onion rings with double the crunch and double the flavor. They’re a viral worthy treat just like our crispy chicken strips or cheesy mashed potato puffs.
Why You’ll Love These Onion Rings
- Perfect blend of creamy cheese and crunchy onion
- Golden, crispy coating with every bite
- Great for game day, parties, or a fun dinner side
- Pairs beautifully with marinara, ranch, or spicy dip
- Easy to make ahead and fry in batches
“Crispy on the outside, melty in the middle, and totally addictive. These flew off the table in minutes!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Large white onions | 2 |
| Mozzarella cheese slices | 3 (cut into strips) |
| All purpose flour | 2 cups (250g) |
| Eggs | 5 (beaten) |
| Breadcrumbs | 2 cups (230g) |
| Oil for frying | As needed |
| Marinara sauce (for dipping) | To taste |
Step by Step: How to Make Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
1: Prepare the Onions
- Peel and slice onions into thick 1 inch rounds.
- Gently separate the rings you’ll want 18 intact pieces to work with.
2: Stuff the Rings
- Cut mozzarella slices into strips that fit snugly inside the onion rings.
- Press a strip of cheese into the center of each ring. For bigger rings, you may need 2 strips.
- Freeze the stuffed rings for 10-15 minutes to help them hold shape during frying, just like we do for our filled donuts.
3: Bread the Onion Rings
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each stuffed ring into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
4: Fry to Golden Perfection
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to sizzle instantly when a ring is added.
- Fry the rings in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
5: Drain and Serve
- Transfer the cooked onion rings to a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dip just like our crispy crab rangoon rolls.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 3 Rings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Delicious Variations and Creative Twists
These cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings are already a showstopper, but you can take them to the next level with a few fun additions. I love experimenting with different coatings and fillings to create new versions that still keep that signature crunch and cheese pull. Just like our customizable homemade donuts, the possibilities are endless.
Fun Variations to Try
- Spicy crunch: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs for a kick of heat.
- Italian style: Mix grated Parmesan and Italian herbs into the breadcrumb coating for a bolder flavor, like we do in our savory bakes.
- Double cheese: Stuff rings with a combo of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper, richer taste.
- Gluten free: Use gluten free breadcrumbs and flour the results are still super crispy, like our gluten free cheese bread.
Baking Option for a Lighter Version
Want a healthier twist? Bake instead of fry. You’ll still get golden edges and gooey cheese without the extra oil just like our baked no knead donuts.
How to Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Place breaded onion rings on the sheet and spray generously with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
What to Serve with Cheesy Onion Rings
These onion rings are fantastic on their own, but they also make the perfect side dish or snack to complement bigger meals. I love pairing them with fresh greens, hearty mains, or cozy sauces similar to how we serve our layered potato bakes.
Perfect Pairings
- Dip station: Serve with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo for dipping.
- Meal combo: Plate alongside garlic cheeseburger rollups or sliders for a bold dinner.
- Party platter: Combine with crispy potato pancakes and wings for the ultimate game day spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These onion rings are best served hot and fresh, but leftovers still reheat well if stored properly similar to how we store and reheat our homemade naan and fried snacks.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store cooled onion rings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving it makes the coating soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze fully coated, uncooked rings on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Fry or bake straight from frozen.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use cold cheese: Slightly chilled mozzarella holds its shape better and prevents early melting during frying.
- Double coat for crunch: If you want a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps a trick we also use in crab rangoons.
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Too many rings lower the oil temperature and result in soggy coating.
Reader Reviews
“These are dangerously good! That cheese pull when you bite into them is everything. I dipped them in spicy ranch total win.” Mika T.
“So crispy and satisfying. I baked half the batch and they still turned out golden and delicious. My kids loved them!” Jamie P.
“I made a party platter with these, mozzarella sticks, and wings. These were the first to go. New favorite!” Kyle R.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella gives the best stretch, you can use cheddar, gouda, or provolone for different flavors. For a sharper bite, try aged cheddar like the blend we enjoy in cheddar quick bread.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Freeze the stuffed rings for 10-15 minutes before breading. Also, double coat in breadcrumbs to seal the edges well similar to our technique in crispy veggie sticks.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, sunflower, or canola. This prevents burning and keeps the flavor clean, just like when frying our fried doughnuts.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes! Spray well with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. They turn out crisp, golden, and a little lighter in texture.
Do these freeze well?
They sure do. Freeze fully breaded, uncooked rings in a single layer. Store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Fry or bake straight from frozen for convenience.