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

Scale

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