Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings are a show-stopping snack that brings together the best of two classic appetizers. Combining the crunch of golden onion rings with the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella cheese, this dish offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs provide a crispy coating, while the baked preparation makes these rings a healthier alternative to their fried counterparts.

These onion rings are versatile and easy to customize, allowing you to tailor them to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne for spice, or swap mozzarella with cheddar for a tangy twist. Pair them with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping, making every bite even more flavorful. Whether you’re entertaining guests, preparing a party spread, or enjoying a casual snack, these onion rings are guaranteed to impress. With their beautiful presentation and mouthwatering taste, they’re destined to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two crowd-pleasing favorites: onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
• Baked, not fried, for a healthier yet still crispy result.
• Easy to customize with spices or dipping sauces to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for entertaining, snacking, or serving as an appetizer.
• Simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 3–4 onion rings

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large yellow or sweet onions
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into strips (about 3-inch lengths)

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Egg Wash:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk

For the Coating:

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Slice the Onions: Peel the onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings, keeping them intact. Set aside smaller inner rings for another use.
2. Stuff with Mozzarella: Insert a strip of mozzarella cheese between two onion rings of similar size, creating a “sandwich” with the cheese in the middle. Repeat with the remaining rings.

Set Up the Breading Station

3. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Make the Egg Wash: In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Bread the Onion Rings

6. Coat in Flour: Dredge each stuffed onion ring in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
7. Dip in Egg Wash: Dip the floured onion ring into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
8. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Press the onion ring into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Repeat for all rings.

Bake the Onion Rings

9. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
10. Arrange the Rings: Place the breaded onion rings on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
11. Bake: Spray the rings lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

Serve

12. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredient Background

• Onions: Yellow or sweet onions are ideal for this recipe due to their mild, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, melty center. String cheese sticks can be used for convenience.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a light, extra-crispy coating that mimics the crunch of fried onion rings.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating.

Technique Tips

• Uniform Slicing: Slice the onions evenly to ensure consistent cooking and easy assembly.
• Freeze Before Baking: For a firmer cheese center, freeze the stuffed onion rings for 10–15 minutes before breading and baking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the rings in a single layer with space between them to promote even browning.
• Use a Wire Rack: Baking on a wire rack allows air to circulate, resulting in crispier rings.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Rings: Use smaller onion rings for bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties.
• Stacked Platter: Stack the rings in a pyramid shape on a serving tray for a dramatic presentation.
• Lettuce Wraps: Use the onion rings as a topping for a lettuce-wrapped burger or sandwich.

Additional Tips for Success

• Double Dipping: For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb steps.
• Customize the Flavor: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick or swap Italian seasoning with Cajun spices for a bold twist.
• Serve Fresh: These onion rings are best enjoyed hot out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and the coating is crispy.

Recipe Variations

• Cheddar-Stuffed Rings: Swap mozzarella for cheddar cheese for a sharper, tangier flavor.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese and a flaxseed egg substitute for vegan onion rings.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly option.
• Spicy Rings: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the breading for a fiery kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Unbaked Rings: Assemble and bread the rings, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Coating: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrients.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook the onion rings in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes for a lower-calorie option.
• Reduced Fat Cheese: Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Day Snacks: Pair with sliders, wings, and beer for the ultimate game-day spread.
• Appetizer Platter: Serve alongside stuffed mushrooms, garlic breadsticks, and vegetable skewers for a diverse appetizer table.
• Casual Dinner: Add to burgers or sandwiches for a crunchy, cheesy topping.

Special Equipment

• Wire Rack: Ensures even airflow for crispier onion rings.
• Sharp Knife: For cleanly slicing the onions.
• Tongs: Handy for breading and flipping the rings during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use string cheese for the mozzarella?
Yes, string cheese is pre-portioned and easy to insert between the onion rings.

2. What if the breadcrumbs don’t stick?
Ensure the rings are evenly coated in the egg wash before dipping in breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating adhere.

3. Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, fry the breaded rings in hot oil (350°F) until golden brown for a traditional take.

4. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
Seal the edges of the onion rings tightly with breadcrumbs to minimize cheese leakage.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

6. What dipping sauces work best?
Marinara, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy aioli all pair wonderfully with these onion rings.

7. Can I make them spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading for a spicy kick.

8. How do I keep the rings crispy?
Serve immediately after baking, and reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying a cozy night in, or preparing snacks for a game day, this recipe is sure to impress. With its golden crust, gooey mozzarella filling, and customizable flavors, these onion rings elevate the classic appetizer to a whole new level. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable treat that’s lighter than traditional fried onion rings but just as satisfying. Try them today and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors and textures!

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