Easy Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe You’ll Love

Crispy golden onion rings take a delectable turn with a mozzarella stuffed surprise that will make taste buds dance.

These aren’t your ordinary appetizers with their creamy cheese center nestled inside perfectly battered rings.

Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they offer a mouthwatering twist on a classic snack.

The combination of sweet onions and melted mozzarella creates an irresistible flavor profile that promises pure indulgence.

Packed with rich, savory goodness, these rings elevate finger food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures that will have you reaching for more.

Prepare to be the star of your next gathering with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns a simple side into a showstopping treat.

What Makes Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings So Good

• Quick Comfort Food Makeover: Transform ordinary onion rings into a gourmet appetizer that elevates standard snack time with a delicious mozzarella twist, perfect for movie nights or game day celebrations.
• Versatile Party Favorite: Suitable for multiple occasions like potlucks, game nights, or casual get-togethers, these crispy rings offer a fun and interactive finger food that everyone will love digging into.
• Simple Cooking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic kitchen techniques, allowing home cooks to feel confident while creating a restaurant-quality appetizer without complex preparation methods.

What You’ll Need for Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings

• Large Sweet Onions: A mild and sweet variety perfect for crispy rings.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft and creamy cheese for a gooey filling.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Light and crispy coating base for golden crunch.
• Eggs: Helps breading stick perfectly to the onion rings.
• Breadcrumbs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides extra crispiness and texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ideal for deep frying and achieving crispy texture.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Adds depth and subtle spice to the breading.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish for color and herbal note.

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Onion Rings at Home

Step 1: Slice and Hollow Out Onion Rings

Peel the large onions and carefully slice them into thick rings.

Gently separate the rings, keeping the largest outer rings intact.

Use a small spoon or knife to carefully remove the inner layers, creating a hollow ring structure that will act as a perfect vessel for melty mozzarella.

Step 2: Stuff with Gooey Cheese

Cut mozzarella into small strips that will comfortably fit inside the onion rings.

Carefully insert the cheese into each ring, ensuring it’s packed loosely enough to melt beautifully during cooking.

Press the cheese gently to secure it inside the onion ring.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating Station

Set up three shallow dishes for your breading process.

In the first dish, place all-purpose flour.

In the second dish, whisk eggs until well combined.

In the third dish, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bread the Stuffed Onion Rings

Carefully dip each cheese-filled onion ring into the flour, shaking off excess.

Next, coat it thoroughly in the whisked eggs.

Finally, roll the ring in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them stick.

Step 5: Deep Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.

Gently lower the breaded onion rings into the hot oil, cooking in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

Fry until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, typically 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Drain and Serve Hot

Remove the fried onion rings using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Let them cool slightly for a few minutes.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Expert Tips for Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings

• Use sharp knife to create uniform, thick rings for consistent cooking and easier stuffing with mozzarella.
• Freeze cheese cubes before stuffing to prevent quick melting during frying and ensure a gooey interior.
• Pat onion rings dry before coating to help breading stick better and create a crispier exterior.
• Maintain oil at 350°F for perfect golden-brown color and prevent greasy texture in onion rings.
• Place fried rings on wire rack or paper towels to remove extra oil and keep rings crispy and light.

Best Way to Store and Reheat These Gooey Onion Rings

• Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 375°F and spread rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning halfway to ensure even heating.
• Use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore original crunchiness and revive the golden exterior. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
• Enjoy reheated onion rings immediately after warming to preserve maximum crispness and flavor. Consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

What to Serve With Cheesy Stuffed Onion Rings

• Elevate Flavor Dynamics: Pair these crispy, cheesy onion rings with a crisp pilsner or light wheat beer to cut through the richness and refresh the palate.
• Wine Complement Strategy: Choose a bright, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the deep-fried, cheesy texture and cleanse your mouth between bites.
• Dipping Sauce Adventure: Create a zesty marinara or garlic aioli for extra flavor complexity that enhances the mozzarella and onion ring experience.
• Salad Counterpoint: Serve with a light, tangy arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the heavy, indulgent appetizer.

Cheesy Onion Ring Twists You Can Try

• Gluten-Free Crispy Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option that maintains crispy texture.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap mozzarella with plant-based cheese like cashew mozzarella or dairy-free cheese alternative for a completely vegan recipe.
• Air Fryer Health Hack: Bake onion rings in air fryer instead of deep frying to reduce oil content and create a lighter, lower-calorie version of the dish.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños into the mozzarella filling for a zesty, spicy variation that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• Are onion rings healthy?

While delicious, these mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are a deep-fried treat best enjoyed in moderation. They’re high in calories and fat, so they’re perfect as an occasional indulgent appetizer or party snack.

• Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and fry these rings just before serving to maintain their crispy texture. If you must prepare in advance, you can bread the rings and keep them refrigerated for up to 2 hours before frying.

• What type of onions work best for this recipe?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or Spanish onions are ideal because they’re larger and have a milder flavor that complements the crispy coating and melty mozzarella perfectly.

• Do I need a deep fryer to make these onion rings?

No, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet with about 2-3 inches of oil. The key is maintaining a consistent oil temperature around 350-375°F for the perfect golden-brown crunch.

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy “cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings” combine classic comfort with gourmet flair, elevating a familiar snack into a mouthwatering appetizer. Cheese lovers will savor these golden-brown rings packed with melty mozzarella and irresistible crunch.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large onions (yellow or white)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, cut into thick strips

Breading Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup Italian-style bread crumbs

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice onions into thick rings, carefully separating each ring to maintain its structural integrity for optimal stuffing.
2. Cut mozzarella into small rectangular pieces that will comfortably fit inside each onion ring without overflowing.
3. Create a systematic breading arrangement with three shallow dishes: seasoned flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and crispy breadcrumbs mixed with herbs in the third.
4. Delicately insert a mozzarella piece into the center of each onion ring, ensuring it’s snugly positioned without tearing the onion.
5. Gently dredge each cheese-filled onion ring through the flour, shaking off excess to create a light, even coating.
6. Submerge the floured ring into beaten eggs, allowing complete coverage and helping breadcrumbs adhere effectively.
7. Roll the egg-coated rings generously in herbed breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a comprehensive, crunchy exterior.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
9. Carefully lower breaded rings into hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain crispiness.
10. Fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes, rotating to ensure uniform color and texture.
11. Remove rings with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels to preserve crunchiness.
12. Serve immediately with marinara sauce or preferred dipping condiment, garnishing with fresh parsley for added visual appeal.

Notes

• Slice onions uniformly for consistent cooking and easier stuffing, ensuring each ring maintains its structural integrity.
• Choose fresh, high-quality mozzarella with good melting properties to create a gooey, stringy cheese center.
• Create a crispy coating by double-dipping in flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy rings and achieve golden-brown exterior without burning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg