Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe
Introduction
These mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are a delightful twist on a classic snack. Crispy on the outside and filled with gooey melted cheese, they make a perfect appetizer or party treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients
- 2 large white or yellow onions (sliced into thick rings)
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella (cut into strips to fit inside onion rings)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings and pair similar sizes together. Cut mozzarella into strips and sandwich them between two onion rings to form a filled ring.
- Step 2: Place the assembled stuffed rings on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes to keep the cheese from leaking during frying.
- Step 3: Dredge each frozen ring in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Repeat egg and panko for extra crunch.
- Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 rings at a time for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Garnish with parsley and chili flakes if desired. Serve hot with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or marinara.
Tips & Variations
- Ensure the onion rings are thoroughly frozen before frying to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for less water content and better melting consistency.
- For a spicier kick, add chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Try using different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for varied flavors.
Storage
Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the mozzarella-stuffed onion rings instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, frying yields the crispiest texture.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Freezing the assembled rings before coating and frying helps the cheese stay in place. Also, make sure to coat them well with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for a secure crust.
Print
Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 12 stuffed onion rings) 1x
Description
Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings are crispy, golden fried onion rings filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. The thick onion slices are sandwiched with mozzarella, battered in a seasoned panko crust, and deep-fried to a perfect crunch. These indulgent appetizers are perfect for sharing, garnished with fresh parsley and optional chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Stuffed Onion Rings
- 2 large white or yellow onions (sliced into thick ½-inch rings)
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella (cut into strips to fit inside onion rings)
Breading & Seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 tsp salt
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Onion Rings and Cheese: Slice the onions into thick ½-inch rings and pair similarly sized rings together. Cut mozzarella into strips and sandwich each strip between two onion rings to create a stuffed ring.
- Freeze the Assembled Rings: Place the stuffed onion rings on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying and helps maintain the shape.
- Bread the Rings: Dredge each frozen ring in all-purpose flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For an extra crunchy coating, repeat the egg dip and panko breadcrumb coating once more.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2–3 rings at a time for about 2–3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy rings.
- Drain and Garnish: Remove the fried onion rings with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like a spicy touch, sprinkle chili flakes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or marinara.
Notes
- Freezing the stuffed onion rings before frying prevents the mozzarella from oozing out during cooking.
- Using panko breadcrumbs provides extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and crispiness.
- For a spicier twist, add chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and gooey cheese experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed onion rings, fried onion rings, cheesy onion rings, appetizer, snack, panko crust

