Crispy Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings With Garlic Butter Recipe

Crispy golden onion rings with a gooey mozzarella-stuffed center have become my latest culinary obsession.

Melted cheese peeks through crunchy breading, creating an irresistible texture combination.

Restaurant-style appetizers often feel complicated, but this recipe breaks down every step simply.

Weeknight dinners or game day gatherings demand something special that impresses without overwhelming you.

Salt, pepper, and garlic butter provide maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Coating techniques matter more than complicated ingredients for achieving perfect crunch.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings With Buttery Crunch

• Instantly Indulgent: Unbeatable Cheese-Packed Comfort Snack
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Effort: This recipe transforms ordinary onion rings into an extraordinary appetizer that feels gourmet but requires basic cooking skills.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, movie nights, or spontaneous gatherings where everyone craves something crispy and cheesy.
• Customizable Crowd-Stopper: Easy to adapt with different cheese types, seasonings, or dipping sauces, making it a versatile recipe that keeps everyone excited.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter Ingredients

• Onions: Sweet and crisp base for the stuffed rings, choose large, firm onions with thick layers for easy separation.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty filling that creates a delicious surprise inside the rings, select fresh, high-moisture mozzarella for best results.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth base layer for the breading, all-purpose works perfectly.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs stick to the onion rings, use fresh eggs at room temperature.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a super crispy exterior with light, airy texture, Japanese-style breadcrumbs are ideal.

• Butter: Rich base for garlic sauce, unsalted butter gives better control of overall saltiness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds instant flavor to the butter sauce, provides consistent garlic taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings brightness and color to the garlic butter, adds fresh herbal notes.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for deep frying, ensures crispy and golden onion rings.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Ring Steps

Step 1: Slice Onion Rings

Select fresh onions and slice them into thick rings about half an inch wide.

Gently separate each ring, creating perfect circles for stuffing.

Look for rings that have a larger and smaller size that can nest together.

Step 2: Create Cheese-Filled Rings

Pair matching onion rings with different sizes.

Fill the space between the rings with shredded mozzarella cheese, pressing softly to secure the cheese.

Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed within the ring’s cavity.

Step 3: Chill and Prepare Coating Stations

Place the cheese-stuffed rings in the freezer for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

• All-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper
• Beaten eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs

Step 4: Dredge Onion Rings

Remove rings from freezer.

Coat each ring completely in flour, then dip into eggs, allowing excess to drip off.

Roll thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs.

For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.

Step 5: Deep Fry Rings

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F.

Carefully lower rings into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.

Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.

Add garlic powder and chopped fresh parsley.

Cook for one minute until fragrant and well combined.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle warm garlic butter over freshly fried onion rings.

Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.

Onion Ring Tips for Crispy Mozzarella & Garlic Bite

• Chill the cheese-stuffed onion rings in the freezer for 30 minutes to prevent cheese from leaking during frying and help maintain the ring shape.
• Keep the oil consistently at 350°F to ensure crispy, golden-brown onion rings without burning or becoming greasy. Use a kitchen thermometer for precision.
• Create extra crunch by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process. This method builds a thicker, more robust crispy exterior that locks in the melty mozzarella.
• Press mozzarella gently between onion rings to create a secure cheese pocket. Avoid overstuffing to prevent cheese from oozing out during frying.
• Let fried onion rings rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, maintaining their crispy texture and preventing sogginess. Serve immediately for the best taste and crunch.

Reheat Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings

• Store leftover mozzarella-stuffed onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual rings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 1-2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange rings on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crunchy.
• Set air fryer to 375°F. Cook rings for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispness.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter Matches

• Flavor Fusion Partners: Complementary Beverage and Appetizer Combinations
• Crisp Beer Companion: Light, hoppy pilsners or crisp wheat beers cut through the richness of mozzarella-stuffed onion rings, refreshing the palate with their effervescent and clean taste profile.
• Zesty Dipping Sauce Boost: Marinara sauce with fresh basil and a hint of red pepper flakes elevates the cheesy onion rings, adding a tangy, slightly spicy counterpoint to the creamy mozzarella and crunchy breading.
• Chilled Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light cucumber and tomato salad with a herb vinaigrette to balance the deep-fried indulgence, providing a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, crispy onion rings.
• Sparkling Wine Pairing: Prosecco or sparkling rosé with its bubbly texture and slight acidity perfectly complements the rich, cheesy appetizer, creating a sophisticated yet fun dining experience.

Mozzarella Onion Rings with Buttery Upgrades

• Gluten-Free Crispy Rings: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for coating. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Swap mozzarella with vegan cheese shreds or cashew cheese. Use nutritional yeast for extra flavor. Combine with plant-based milk for binding during coating process.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use coconut flour for initial dredging. Maintain crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Air Fryer Method: Skip deep frying by using air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. Spray rings with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness. Reduces oil consumption and provides healthier cooking option.

FAQs

• Why freeze the onion rings before coating?

Freezing helps the cheese stay inside and prevents it from melting during frying. It also helps the coating stick better to the onion rings, creating a crispier exterior.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Swiss. Just ensure the cheese has good melting properties.

• What's the best oil temperature for frying?

Maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) for perfect golden-brown onion rings. Use a kitchen thermometer to check and adjust heat as needed. Too low, and rings will be greasy; too high, and they’ll burn quickly.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?

Nest the onion rings carefully, press the cheese gently, and freeze before coating. This helps seal the cheese inside and prevents excessive leakage during frying.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings With Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory mozzarella-stuffed onion rings drip with golden garlic butter, creating an irresistible appetizer that blends crispy textures and rich flavors. Cheese lovers will dive into this indulgent snack that promises a delightful crunch with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large white onions
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Coating and Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Cooking:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying (amount not specified)
• 2 tablespoons (29.5 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Meticulously separate thick onion rings, ensuring each ring is intact and creates a perfect casing for the cheese filling.
2. Create cheese-filled chambers by nestling a smaller onion ring inside a larger one, strategically positioning shredded mozzarella between the layers.
3. Stabilize the cheese-stuffed rings by placing them in the freezer for approximately half an hour, which helps maintain structural integrity during coating.
4. Establish three distinct dredging zones: seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and crisp panko breadcrumbs for comprehensive coating.
5. Extract frozen rings and methodically coat each piece, first dusting with seasoned flour, then dipping in egg wash, and finally rolling in panko for maximum crunch.
6. Heat oil to precise temperature, ensuring it’s sufficiently deep to submerge rings completely.
7. Gently lower coated rings into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding and maintaining consistent golden-brown coloration.
8. Drain fried rings on absorbent paper towels to remove excess oil and preserve crispiness.
9. Craft garlic butter by melting unsalted butter and infusing with aromatic garlic powder and fresh parsley.
10. Elegantly drizzle warm garlic butter over crispy rings and serve immediately with optional marinara sauce for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Chill onion rings before coating to help breading stick better and prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
• Use cold mozzarella and avoid overstuffing to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
• Double-coat breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness by repeating egg and panko dredging process.
• Control oil temperature precisely between 350-375°F to achieve golden, crispy exterior without burning.
• Pat onion rings dry before dredging to ensure optimal breadcrumb adhesion and prevent soggy results.
• Choose sweet onions like Vidalia for milder, more delicate flavor in the final dish.
• Drain fried rings on wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg