🧀 Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings
Crispy golden onion rings stuffed with melty mozzarella — the ultimate party appetizer or game-day snack.
🛒 Ingredients
-
2 large sweet onions
-
8 oz mozzarella cheese (block, cut into strips)
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
-
1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (panko works great)
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp paprika
-
½ tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Onions
-
Peel onions and slice into ¾-inch thick rings.
-
Separate rings and match similar-sized pairs (one slightly larger than the other).
-
Insert mozzarella strips between the two rings to create a stuffed ring.
-
Freeze stuffed rings for 30–45 minutes (helps cheese stay inside while frying).
2️⃣ Set Up Breading Station
Prepare three bowls:
-
Flour + salt + pepper
-
Eggs + buttermilk (whisked)
-
Breadcrumbs + garlic powder + paprika
3️⃣ Coat the Rings
-
Dip stuffed ring into flour.
-
Dip into egg mixture.
-
Coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
-
For extra crispiness, repeat egg + breadcrumb step.
4️⃣ Fry
-
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
-
Fry 2–3 rings at a time for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
-
Drain on paper towels.
🔥 Optional Air Fryer Method
-
Spray rings with cooking spray.
-
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
🧄 Serve With
-
Marinara sauce
-
Ranch dressing
-
Spicy sriracha mayo
💡 Pro Tips
-
Use block mozzarella, not fresh (fresh has too much moisture).
-
Double coat for less cheese leakage.
-
Don’t skip freezing — it’s the secret to perfect cheese pulls.
If you’d like, I can also give you a baked version or a spicy jalapeño-stuffed variation 🌶️