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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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