Golden Crispy Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe to Savor

Crispy golden onion rings bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese offer a tantalizing twist on a classic appetizer.

These delectable bites blend savory onions with melted mozzarella stuffed onion rings for an irresistible crunch.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of caramelized onion and stretchy cheese that melts in your mouth.

The exterior becomes beautifully golden and crisp, creating a satisfying crackle when you take a bite.

Preparation is simpler than you might expect, requiring just a few key ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

The result is a crowd-pleasing snack that transforms ordinary onion rings into an extraordinary culinary experience.

You’ll want to make extra, because these mozzarella-filled rings disappear faster than you can plate them.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese for stuffing?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.

• Do I need special equipment to make these onion rings?

No special equipment is needed. Just use standard kitchen items like shallow dishes, a baking sheet, and parchment paper.

• How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during baking?

Ensure the mozzarella stick fits snugly between the onion rings and press the edges gently to seal. Avoid overstuffing the rings.

• Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?

You can prepare the breaded rings and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before baking. Do not freeze, as this can affect the breading’s texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Onion Ring Ingredient List

• Onions: Select fresh, firm onions with tight layers for easy stuffing and crisp texture; sweet varieties like Vidalia work wonderfully.
• Mozzarella Sticks: Choose low-moisture mozzarella sticks that hold shape during baking; pre-packaged options ensure consistent size.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Create a seasoned base layer that adds depth and helps breading adhere; use fresh spices for maximum flavor.
• Eggs: Act as glue between flour and breadcrumb layers; room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide incredible crispiness and light texture; Japanese-style panko creates superior crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory complexity and helps breadcrumbs brown beautifully; grate fresh for intense flavor.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures golden, crispy exterior without excess oil; helps breading achieve perfect crunch.
• Marinara Sauce, Ranch Dressing: Optional dipping sauces that complement the onion rings' rich, cheesy profile.

Tools That Help Bake Cheese-Stuffed Onion Rings

• Large Baking Sheet: Essential for even baking and crispy texture.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps achieve golden-brown rings.
• Shallow Dishes (3): Perfect for creating a smooth breading assembly line.
• Whisk: Needed to beat eggs smoothly and mix ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing onions into precise rings.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve crispy exterior and prevents dryness.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning measurements.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping onion rings midway through baking.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

• Slice Onion Rings

Peel onions and create thick rings about half an inch wide. Separate rings into matching pairs, ensuring one ring fits slightly inside the other.

• Prepare Cheese Filling

Nestle a mozzarella stick between each pair of onion rings. Gently press to secure the cheese inside the onion rings.

• Create Crispy Coating

Mix flour with seasonings in one bowl. Whisk eggs in another bowl. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a third bowl.

• Coat and Bread Rings

Dunk each stuffed onion ring into flour, then egg, and finally coat with breadcrumb mixture. Press coating gently to ensure it sticks well.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Place rings on a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning.

• Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool briefly. Pair with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping. Serve immediately while crispy and hot.

Tips for Crunch and Melt in Every Bite

• Place onion rings with space between them on the baking sheet to ensure maximum crispiness and even browning.
• Choose low-moisture mozzarella sticks to prevent excessive leaking during baking.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
• Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Prepare and bread the onion rings ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking to streamline party prep.

Serve These Onion Rings for Game Day Snacking

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Arrange stuffed onion rings on a rustic wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls for an eye-catching presentation that enhances the appetizer experience.
• Party Appetizer Spread: Create a stunning appetizer platter by mixing these rings with other finger foods like chicken wings or mozzarella sticks, giving guests multiple delicious options to enjoy.
• Game Day Companion: Serve alongside cold beer or crisp white wine, making these crispy rings perfect for sports watching or casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Dipping Sauce Variety: Offer multiple sauce choices like spicy sriracha mayo, classic marinara, cool ranch, or tangy barbecue to let guests customize their flavor adventure.

Store Stuffed Onion Rings for a Quick Reheat

• Store leftover mozzarella stuffed onion rings in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispy texture.
• Revive cold onion rings by placing them on a wire rack inside a preheated 375F oven for 8-10 minutes. This method helps restore crunchiness and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Wrap unbaked breaded onion rings individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to one month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Create a batch of breaded onion rings ahead of time. Keep uncooked rings refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking, ensuring maximum freshness and convenience for quick meal preparation.

Crispy Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings blend golden-brown crunch with gooey cheese inside. Crisp panko coating and herb-infused seasoning make these rings a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 2 large sweet onions
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Carefully separate onion layers, selecting matching pairs with one ring slightly smaller and approximately 1/2 inch wide for optimal stuffing potential. Insert a mozzarella stick between each ring pair, gently pressing to create a secure seal.
2. Seasoning Stations: Create three distinct preparation zones – seasoned flour mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; whisked eggs; and breadcrumb-Parmesan coating combining panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coating Process: Methodically coat each stuffed onion ring by first dredging in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage and shaking off excess. Submerge floured rings into beaten eggs, allowing surplus liquid to drip away. Roll eggs-coated rings through breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to guarantee thorough and even coating.
4. Baking Preparation: Arrange breaded rings on parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation. Lightly mist rings with cooking spray to enhance golden browning and exterior crunchiness.
5. Roasting: Bake in preheated 425°F oven, rotating midway through cooking cycle to ensure balanced coloration and texture. Cook until exterior transforms into a vibrant golden-brown with crispy edges, approximately 15-18 minutes.
6. Serving: Allow rings to rest briefly after removing from oven, then serve immediately alongside marinara or ranch dressing for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Optimize Onion Selection: Choose sweet onions like Vidalia for milder flavor and easier separation of rings without breaking.
• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Freeze mozzarella sticks briefly before stuffing to reduce melting and help maintain structural integrity during baking.
• Achieve Crispy Coating: Pat onion rings completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy texture.
• Customize Dietary Options: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or almond flour for low-carb and gluten-sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg