Introduction to Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

A Smoky, Savory Twist on Onion Rings

Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings take the beloved concept of crispy, golden onion rings and elevate it into a smoky, savory delight. Combining the natural sweetness of onions with the salty, meaty flavor of bacon, this dish delivers a flavor-packed bite every time. It’s the ultimate indulgence for gatherings, game days, or even as a starter for a barbecue feast.

What truly sets Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings apart is the versatility of the recipe. You can tailor it to fit a wide range of flavor profiles. Want something spicy? Add cayenne pepper to your rub. Prefer a sweet-and-savory combination? Brush the bacon with a maple glaze during cooking. The options are endless, making it a dish that can be adapted for almost any occasion.

These onion rings are not only flavorful but visually appealing, with their crispy bacon exterior wrapped perfectly around golden onion slices. They’re easy to prepare, requiring only three primary ingredients, and the result is a gourmet-looking dish that will impress your guests.

Why Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings Are a Must-Try

Aside from their mouthwatering taste, these onion rings are a practical choice for many reasons:

Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, this recipe is ideal for busy cooks.
Crowd-Pleaser: Both kids and adults love these bacon-wrapped treats.
Customizable: From seasoning options to dipping sauces, you can make this dish uniquely yours.

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging in a weekend treat, Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings are guaranteed to satisfy.

Basic Recipe: How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings (depending on the number of onion rings) 1x

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Description

Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings are a mouthwatering appetizer or side dish that combines the crispy, savory goodness of bacon with the sweet, caramelized flavor of onion rings. These indulgent treats are seasoned with Sweet Rub to bring out extra flavor and cooked to perfection for a crispy, smoky crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

2 yellow onions (peeled and sliced into thick rings)
1 pound bacon (preferably thick-cut)
2 tablespoons Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub (or your favorite sweet BBQ rub)

Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

Peel and slice the yellow onions into thick rings, about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. You should get about 8-12 onion rings depending on the size of the onions.

Season the Onion Rings:

Sprinkle the Hey Grill Hey Sweet Rub (or your preferred sweet BBQ rub) evenly over the onion rings. Ensure that both sides are coated with the rub for maximum flavor.

Wrap with Bacon:

Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around each onion ring, securing the bacon by overlapping the ends or using toothpicks to hold the bacon in place. If the bacon strips are too long, you can cut them in half to ensure they fit around the onion rings snugly.

Cook the Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat up your grill to medium heat.

Place the bacon-wrapped onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a grill-safe tray. Make sure the bacon-wrapped rings are spaced out evenly to allow proper airflow for even cooking.

If using the oven, bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the onion rings are tender.

If grilling, cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the bacon is crispy and the onions are cooked through.

Serve:

Remove the bacon-wrapped onion rings from the oven or grill. Let them cool for a minute before serving.

Optionally, serve with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy aioli.

Notes

Bacon Thickness: Thick-cut bacon is ideal for wrapping as it crisps up nicely and adds extra flavor, but you can use regular bacon if that’s what you have on hand.

Toothpicks: If you’re using toothpicks to secure the bacon, be sure to remove them before serving.

Additional Flavor: You can add extra seasoning or a drizzle of honey or BBQ sauce on top during the last few minutes of cooking for extra sweetness and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (in the oven) or 15-20 minutes (on the grill)
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Baking, Grilling
Cuisine: American, BBQ

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2-3 bacon-wrapped onion rings per serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Onion Rings:
Begin by peeling and slicing your onions into thick rings, approximately 1/2-inch wide. Separate the rings carefully, keeping only the larger outer layers for wrapping. The smaller inner rings can be saved for another recipe, such as salads or stir-fries.
Season the Onion Rings:
Sprinkle the onion rings generously with your chosen rub. This seasoning step ensures the onions absorb bold flavors even before being wrapped in bacon.
Wrap with Bacon:
Take one slice of bacon and start wrapping it around each onion ring, overlapping slightly as you go. For larger rings, you may need to use an additional slice of bacon to cover the entire surface. Tuck the ends of the bacon under the ring or secure them with a toothpick to hold them in place.
Preheat Your Cooking Equipment:
- Grill: Preheat to medium heat (approximately 375°F).
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
Cook the Onion Rings:
- On the Grill: Arrange the rings on the grill grates and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch for flare-ups due to bacon drippings.
- In the Oven: Place the rings on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once, until the bacon is golden and crisp.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the rings cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra flavor boost.

Advanced Techniques: Perfecting Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

Mastering the Technique

Choosing the Right Bacon:
Thinly sliced bacon works best for wrapping because it cooks faster and crisps up evenly. Thick-cut bacon may not fully cook before the onion becomes too soft.
Keeping the Bacon in Place:
To prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking, use toothpicks or tuck the ends securely underneath. If using a grill, placing the rings on a tray can also help maintain their shape.
Ensuring Even Cooking:
Flip the rings halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are evenly crisped. For grilling, cook over indirect heat to avoid flare-ups caused by dripping bacon grease.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings:
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the rub for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory Rings:
Brush the bacon with honey or maple syrup during the final few minutes of cooking to create a caramelized glaze.
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings:
Sprinkle grated parmesan or shredded cheddar on top of the rings during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Herb-Infused Rings:
Mix fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your rub for a fragrant, earthy flavor.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

Pair these onion rings with a variety of sauces to enhance their flavor:

Ranch dressing for a creamy, tangy option.
Smoky barbecue sauce for added sweetness.
Chipotle mayo for a spicy, smoky twist.
Honey mustard for a balance of sweet and tangy.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To retain the crispy texture of the bacon, reheat the rings in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the bacon soggy.

Can You Freeze Them?

Yes, bacon-wrapped onion rings can be frozen after cooking. Allow them to cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Low-Sodium Version

To reduce sodium content, opt for low-sodium bacon and make a homemade rub with reduced salt levels.

Keto-Friendly

This recipe is naturally keto-friendly, as it contains no added carbs. However, ensure the rub used does not contain sugar if you’re following a strict keto diet.

Paleo Option

Choose nitrate-free bacon and a paleo-friendly rub without artificial additives or sugar.

Vegetarian Adaptation

For a vegetarian version, use plant-based bacon alternatives and follow the same preparation and cooking methods.

FAQs About Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

How Do I Keep the Bacon Crispy?

Cook the rings over medium heat to allow the bacon to crisp up without burning. Flipping them halfway through ensures even cooking.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Bacon?

While possible, pre-cooked bacon may not wrap as well and won’t render the same level of flavor as raw bacon cooked directly on the onion rings.

What Onions Work Best?

Yellow onions are ideal due to their mild, slightly sweet flavor, but white or sweet Vidalia onions also work well.

How Can I Prevent Flare-Ups on the Grill?

Use indirect heat or place the rings on a grill-safe tray to avoid grease dripping directly onto the flames.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings are a show-stopping dish that combines simplicity with indulgence. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a fan of smoky, spicy, or sweet flavors, this recipe can be tailored to satisfy your cravings. Try them today and discover why they’re a crowd favorite!

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