Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Snack

If you love both onion rings and cheese, then you’re in for a real treat with Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings! These crispy, golden onion rings are stuffed with mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy, gooey twist. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or simply want to enjoy a fun snack, these mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are sure to impress.

The combination of crunchy breadcrumbs, mild onion, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite. Paired with a rich marinara sauce for dipping, these rings are an irresistible snack that will have everyone coming back for more.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings step by step, ensuring you get the perfect balance of crispiness and cheese in every bite.

For even more cheesy inspiration, try Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs or Cheesy Garlic Knots for another cheesy favorite.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions:

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings | Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer Recipe

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12-16 stuffed onion rings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are a mouthwatering twist on a classic appetizer. Sweet, crispy onion rings are stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, then coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Served with marinara sauce for dipping, these cheesy onion rings are perfect for game days, parties, or any time you crave something indulgent!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion Rings:

2 large onions (yellow or white)
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into thick strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp garlic powder

For Frying:

Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For Dipping (optional):

Marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions:

Peel the onions and cut them into thick slices (about 1/2 to 1-inch thick).
Carefully separate the onion rings and set aside.
Select a few large outer rings that are wide enough to fit the mozzarella cheese strips inside.

2. Stuff the Onion Rings:

Take a mozzarella cheese strip and place it inside one of the larger onion rings.
Place another onion ring on top to “sandwich” the cheese between the two onion rings, creating a stuffed ring.
Repeat for the remaining cheese and onion rings.

3. Prepare the Breading Station:

Set up three shallow bowls for the breading process:
- In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour and season with salt and pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk the two large eggs.
- In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian-style breadcrumbs, and garlic powder.

4. Coat the Onion Rings:

Take each stuffed onion ring and dredge it in the flour, coating it evenly.
Dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated with egg wash.
Finally, coat the onion ring in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs well.

5. Fry the Onion Rings:

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), carefully lower the breaded onion rings into the oil in batches, being sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the rings for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Serve:

Arrange the cheesy stuffed mozzarella onion rings on a serving platter.
Serve with marinara sauce for dipping (optional).

Notes

For a stronger flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs (like oregano) to the breadcrumb mixture.

You can prepare the onion rings ahead of time and freeze them before frying. This can help keep the cheese from melting out during frying. Just fry from frozen!

If you’d prefer to bake them, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes per batch
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Frying (can be baked)
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2-3 onion rings
Calories: 300-390
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings

Instructions:

Prepare the Onion Rings

Peel and Slice the Onions
Begin by peeling and slicing the onions into thick rings. You’ll want the rings to be about ¾ inch thick to ensure they hold their shape while frying.
Remove the Inner Rings
Carefully remove the inner layers of the onion rings, leaving only the outer rings. These outer rings will serve as the “shell” for your mozzarella stuffing.

Stuff the Onion Rings

Stuff the Onion Rings with Mozzarella
Take one of the larger onion rings and place a piece of mozzarella cheese (cut into thick strips) inside the ring. Make sure the cheese is securely nestled inside the onion ring, ensuring it will stay in place while frying. Repeat for all onion rings.

Prepare the Breading Station

Set Up a Breading Station
In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station:
- Bowl 1: Place the all-purpose flour, and season it with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beat the two eggs in a separate bowl. Add a small pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.
- Bowl 3: Combine the panko bread crumbs, Italian-style bread crumbs, and garlic powder. Mix them together to evenly distribute the garlic flavor.

Coat the Onion Rings

Bread the Stuffed Onion Rings
Take one of the mozzarella-stuffed onion rings and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it is coated evenly. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the ring to ensure it’s fully coated. Repeat with all the stuffed onion rings.

Fry the Onion Rings

Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small amount of breadcrumbs into the oil — if they sizzle, the oil is ready.
Fry the Onion Rings
Carefully lower the breaded onion rings into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each ring for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to turn the rings and ensure they cook evenly.
Drain and Cool
Once the onion rings are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve with Marinara Sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings:

Choose the Right Onions: For the best results, choose yellow onions or white onions as they have the perfect balance of sweetness and pungency. Red onions tend to be too sweet for this recipe.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella works best for these onion rings, as it melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, cheesy center. Avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella, as it may not melt as smoothly.
Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: Maintaining the right temperature is key to getting perfectly crispy onion rings. If the oil is too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese inside melts. If it’s too cold, the onion rings will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
Don’t Overstuff: When stuffing the onion rings with mozzarella, avoid overstuffing them. The cheese should be nestled comfortably inside the onion rings without spilling over too much. Overstuffed rings may break apart during frying.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The texture will be best when fresh, but they can still be enjoyed as leftovers.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat leftover onion rings, avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soggy. Instead, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Dietary Adaptations:

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free version of these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure the mozzarella cheese you use is free from gluten additives.

Dairy-Free Version

If you’re following a dairy-free diet, substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese that melts well, such as a plant-based mozzarella. Additionally, use a non-dairy milk for the egg wash if necessary.

FAQs About Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings:

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Q2: Can I freeze these onion rings?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled and breaded onion rings before frying. Arrange the rings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook from frozen, fry or bake directly from the freezer — no need to thaw.

Q3: Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, while mozzarella is the traditional choice for stuffed onion rings, you can use other cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or provolone. Just make sure the cheese melts well for the best gooey effect.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings are a perfect combination of crispy, savory, and gooey indulgence. With the right balance of breading, onion flavor, and melty mozzarella, they’ll quickly become your new favorite snack or appetizer. Whether you enjoy them with a classic marinara sauce for dipping or serve them as a fun treat at your next gathering, these cheesy bites are sure to impress.

So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings — a snack that’s both cheesy and crunchy, with the perfect melt-in-your-mouth goodness!