Introduction
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings are the ultimate upgrade to a classic comfort snack. Crisp on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside, these onion rings are designed to impress with minimal effort. I first made them as a party appetizer, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. The sweetness of the onion pairs beautifully with the mild stretchiness of melted mozzarella, while the crunchy coating adds a satisfying contrast. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or indulgent side dish, these stuffed onion rings deliver restaurant-style results at home.
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings – Crispy, Gooey Perfection
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy golden onion rings stuffed with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, breaded and fried to perfection. A crowd-pleasing appetizer with a crunchy exterior and stretchy cheesy center.
Ingredients
- 2 large white onions
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings. Separate the rings and pair a larger ring with a smaller one to create space for stuffing.
- Cut the mozzarella sticks to fit between the onion rings. Place the cheese between a large and small ring to form a stuffed ring.
- Place stuffed onion rings on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to help them hold shape.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, whisked eggs with milk in a second bowl, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Dredge each frozen stuffed onion ring in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat well with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the onion rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Notes
- Freezing is essential to prevent cheese from leaking while frying.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
- Can be air-fried at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These onion rings are crispy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. They are simple to prepare, freezer-friendly, and perfect for entertaining or weekend treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Large onions
Thick onion slices form the structure of the rings and provide natural sweetness when cooked.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella melts smoothly and creates the signature stretchy, cheesy center.
All-purpose flour
Flour helps the batter adhere evenly and contributes to the crisp outer layer.
Eggs
Eggs bind the coating and help create a sturdy crust.
Milk
Milk thins the batter slightly, ensuring even coverage.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs add crunch and texture. Panko works especially well for extra crispiness.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder enhances flavor without overpowering the cheese.
Paprika
Paprika adds subtle warmth and color to the coating.
Salt
Salt balances flavors and enhances the sweetness of the onion.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and depth.
Vegetable oil
Oil is used for frying, producing a golden and crispy exterior.
Directions
Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into thick rounds. Separate the rings and pair similar-sized rings together, placing mozzarella slices between them to form stuffed onion rings. Press gently to secure.
Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, whisked eggs and milk in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a third. Coat each stuffed onion ring in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
For best results, place the breaded rings on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to help prevent cheese leakage. Heat oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Fry the onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is 25 minutes, with 30 minutes chilling time and 10 minutes frying time.
Variations and Customizations
These stuffed onion rings are highly adaptable. For extra flavor, you can mix grated parmesan into the breadcrumb coating. If you prefer a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breading mixture. I have also tried using smoked mozzarella, which adds a deeper, richer flavor.
For a baked version, brush the breaded rings lightly with oil and bake at 220°C (425°F) until crisp, turning once. You can also air-fry them for a lighter alternative while still achieving excellent texture.
Different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone can be substituted, though mozzarella provides the best melt. Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 36 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Freeze before frying
Chilling prevents the cheese from escaping during cooking.
Use thick onion slices
They hold the cheese better and cook evenly.
Maintain oil temperature
Consistent heat ensures crisp coating without burning.
Serve immediately
These onion rings are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
FAQs
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread and freeze them up to one day in advance.
Why does the cheese leak out?
Skipping the freezing step or using thin onion rings can cause leakage.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking works, though the texture will be slightly less crisp.
What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing pair very well.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Sliced mozzarella works better, as shredded cheese melts too quickly.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings are a bold, crowd-pleasing dish that combines crunch, sweetness, and molten cheese in every bite. Easy to customize and guaranteed to impress, they are a perfect addition to any appetizer spread or indulgent snack menu.
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