Description
Cheesy Onion Rings combine thick-cut sweet onions with gooey mozzarella stuffed in between, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. They’re crunchy, melty, and anything but boring! Perfect for game days, snack attacks, or anytime you want to wow your taste buds. Make a batch and watch them disappear—fast!
Ingredients
(Makes about 12 large rings)
2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced into ½-inch thick rings
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into strips or use string cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
½ cup cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
Slice & Separate Onions: Cut onions into thick ½-inch rings and carefully separate into individual layers. Match larger rings with smaller ones to form pairs for stuffing.
Stuff With Cheese: Place a strip of mozzarella between two onion rings (one large, one smaller) to create a cheese “sandwich.” Press gently so cheese fits snugly inside.
Set Up Breading Station: In one bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
Bread Each Ring: Dip each stuffed ring in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs.
Chill (Optional): Place breaded rings on a tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape and prevents cheese from leaking.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry rings in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Serve Hot: Enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or chipotle mayo!
Notes
For Best Results: Don’t skip the chill time before frying—it really helps the rings hold together and keeps the cheese from leaking.
Air Fryer Option: Spray breaded rings lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack add fun flavor twists.
Make Ahead: Bread and freeze uncooked rings for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cook time.
Serving Suggestion: These are amazing with burgers, on a snack board, or alongside Mozzarella-Stuffed Soft Pretzels.