Looking for a fun and delicious twist on the classic onion ring? These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are a snack lover’s dream! With gooey mozzarella cheese sandwiched between thick rings of onion, then coated in a crispy Panko breadcrumb mixture, each bite is a perfect blend of crunch and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just to treat yourself, these onion rings will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, peeled
- 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into thick sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions and Mozzarella:
- Slice the onions into thick rings, about ½ inch wide. Carefully separate the rings, keeping only the larger, outer rings (you can save the smaller inner rings for another use).
- Cut the mozzarella into sticks that are slightly shorter than the onion rings and about the same thickness.
- Assemble the Stuffed Onion Rings:
- Take two onion rings that fit inside each other with a small gap between them. Place a mozzarella stick inside the gap, making sure the cheese fits snugly. Repeat with all the onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
- Set Up Your Breading Stations:
- Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Onion Rings:
- Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Finally, roll it in the Panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.
- Fry the Onion Rings:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry the stuffed onion rings in batches, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once golden and crispy, remove the rings from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the hot, crispy mozzarella-stuffed onion rings with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo. Enjoy while the cheese is still melted and gooey!
Conclusion:
These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate snack for cheese lovers. The combination of crunchy onion rings filled with melty mozzarella is simply irresistible. The Panko coating ensures a perfectly crispy texture, while the paprika and garlic powder add a flavorful kick. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a party snack, they’re sure to disappear fast. Pair them with your favorite dip, and get ready to indulge in cheesy, crunchy perfection!