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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Peel and slice onions into thick rings, carefully separating each ring to maintain its structural integrity for optimal stuffing.
- Cut mozzarella into small rectangular pieces that will comfortably fit inside each onion ring without overflowing.
- 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.
- Delicately insert a mozzarella piece into the center of each onion ring, ensuring it’s snugly positioned without tearing the onion.
- Gently dredge each cheese-filled onion ring through the flour, shaking off excess to create a light, even coating.
- Submerge the floured ring into beaten eggs, allowing complete coverage and helping breadcrumbs adhere effectively.
- Roll the egg-coated rings generously in herbed breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a comprehensive, crunchy exterior.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for even cooking.
- Carefully lower breaded rings into hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain crispiness.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 2-3 minutes, rotating to ensure uniform color and texture.
- Remove rings with a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels to preserve crunchiness.
- 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