Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive.
• Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun side dish.
• Combines the best of onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
• Easy to make ahead and fry when ready.
• Can be baked or air-fried for a lighter version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large onions, sliced into thick rings
• Mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks or strips
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs, beaten
• Breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika or Italian seasoning (optional, for flavor)
• Oil, for frying

Directions

1. Slice onions into thick rings and separate them. Pair two rings of similar size and place a mozzarella strip between them, pressing gently to hold in place.
2. Coat each stuffed ring lightly in flour.
3. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Drain on paper towels and season lightly with salt.
7. Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12–15 onion rings, depending on onion size. Prep time is 20 minutes, frying time is 10 minutes, for a total of about 30 minutes.

Variations

• Add chili flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
• Use seasoned Italian breadcrumbs instead of plain for more flavor.
• Swap mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
• Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 10 minutes for a lighter option.
• Serve with different dips like garlic aioli, barbecue sauce, or chipotle mayo.

Storage/Reheating

These onion rings are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Freezing is not recommended, as the cheese may leak when reheated.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Double-coating with breadcrumbs helps seal the cheese inside.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and coat them, then freeze until ready to fry. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time.

What’s the best onion to use?

Large yellow or white onions work best because they’re firm and mild.

Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella blocks?

Yes, string cheese works perfectly and fits well inside onion rings.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F until golden, though they won’t be as crispy as fried.

Can I air fry these onion rings?

Yes, air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What dips go best with cheesy onion rings?

Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy chipotle mayo are all excellent choices.

How do I get the coating extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and double-coat the rings for maximum crunch.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Can I use pre-made onion rings and just add cheese?

It’s better to make them from scratch, but you can experiment by splitting frozen onion rings and adding cheese inside.

Conclusion

Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are a decadent snack that combines the gooey pull of mozzarella sticks with the crunch of classic onion rings. Perfect for entertaining or indulging, these golden-fried bites are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings

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Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate mash-up of mozzarella sticks and classic onion rings—juicy onion slices stuffed with gooey cheese, breaded until crisp, and fried to golden perfection. A fun, indulgent snack for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 onion rings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. 2 large yellow or white onions, sliced into thick rings
2. 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks or strips
3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4. 2 eggs, beaten
5. 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
6. 1/2 tsp salt
7. 1/4 tsp black pepper
8. 1/2 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional)
9. Vegetable oil, for frying

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Instructions

Slice onions into thick rings and separate. Pair similar-sized rings and place a mozzarella strip between each pair, pressing gently to sandwich the cheese.

1. Lightly coat each stuffed ring in flour.
2. Dip into beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry onion rings in small batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt while hot.
6. Serve immediately with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

1. Use panko for an extra crispy texture.
2. Double coating helps prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
3. Try string cheese for a convenient filling option.
4. Can be baked at 400°F or air-fried at 375°F for a lighter version.
5. Serve fresh—these are best hot and crispy right after frying.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1–2 rings
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg