Gooey Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings Recipe

Crispy golden mozzarella stuffed onion rings have been my secret weekend indulgence for years.

Comfort food enthusiasts know these aren’t your typical appetizer.

Slicing sweet onions into perfect rings requires a delicate touch and kitchen confidence.

The magic happens when melted cheese meets crunchy exterior, creating an irresistible combination.

Baking instead of deep-frying makes this version lighter and more appealing to health-conscious snackers.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of textures that will make your taste buds dance.

Challenge yourself to master this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Onion Rings Stuffed with Melty Mozzarella

• Transform ordinary onion rings into a gourmet appetizer with minimal effort and maximum flavor in just 30 minutes.
• Delight both kids and adults with crispy, cheesy goodness that offers a playful twist on classic onion rings.
• Skip the deep-frying mess and bake these rings for a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on crunchiness or taste.
• Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these mozzarella-stuffed rings will be the star of any spread.

Items to Prepare Mozzarella Onion Rings

Main Ingredients:

Onions: Sweet, crisp vegetable that forms the base of the onion rings. Yellow or white onions work best for consistent ring shape.

Mozzarella Sticks: Soft, stretchy cheese that creates a gooey center. Fresh mozzarella provides better melting quality.

• Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: Seasoned flour blend for initial coating. Creates flavor and helps breading stick. All-purpose flour recommended.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breading adhere to onion rings. Fresh eggs ensure better coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides crispy, golden exterior with added cheese flavor. Japanese-style panko creates extra crunch.

• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy texture. Neutral-flavored spray works best.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup. Silicone baking mat can be an alternative.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile. Kosher salt recommended for better distribution.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tangy tomato-based sauce for serving. Homemade or store-bought work well.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy, herbal sauce that complements crispy onion rings. Optional alternative dipping sauce.

Bake Onion Rings That Stay and Golden

Step 1: Slice and Stuff Onions

Carefully peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, approximately half an inch wide. Gently separate the rings and match pairs with one ring slightly smaller than the other. Insert a mozzarella stick between each pair of rings, pressing softly to hold them together.

Step 2: Create Breading Mixtures

Prepare three separate shallow dishes for coating:

• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Whisked eggs

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings

• Coat completely in flour mixture
• Dip into whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip
• Roll thoroughly in breadcrumb and cheese mixture
• Place carefully on parchment-lined baking sheet

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray onion rings lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning. Rings should emerge golden and wonderfully crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool briefly. Serve alongside marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your preferred dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Onion Rings

• Slice Strategically: Choose large, uniform onions for consistent ring sizes and easier stuffing. Thicker rings (about 1/2 inch) work best for holding mozzarella and maintaining structural integrity.
• Perfect Breading Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto onion rings to create a crispy, even coating. Use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to prevent clumpy, messy breading.
• Cheese Placement Matters: Cut mozzarella sticks into shorter segments that perfectly fit between onion ring layers. Ensure cheese is centered to prevent leakage during baking.
• Crisp-Up Hack: Spray rings with cooking spray before baking to encourage golden-brown color and extra crunchiness. Flip midway through cooking for even browning on all sides.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version. Use low-fat mozzarella or plant-based cheese for lighter, healthier option.

Store Baked Onion Rings Without Losing Crunch

• Store leftover mozzarella stuffed onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Arrange rings on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. This method helps restore their original crunchiness.
• Skip microwave reheating as it makes the breading soggy and ruins the crisp texture. Oven reheating is always the best option for maintaining quality.
• Freeze unbaked breaded rings between parchment layers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to cooking time.

Best Dips for Mozzarella Onion Rings

• Whip up a homemade marinara sauce with fresh basil, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes to complement the crispy, cheesy onion rings. The tangy tomato base cuts through the richness of the mozzarella and provides a bright, fresh contrast.
• Grab a cold, light lager or a hoppy pale ale that will balance the onion rings' richness. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites, while its subtle bitterness enhances the dish's savory elements.
• Mix ranch dressing with a splash of hot sauce for a creamy, spicy dip that elevates the onion rings. The cool, tangy ranch softens the heat while adding an extra layer of flavor that makes each bite more exciting.
• Toss a light, mixed green salad with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, dressed in a light vinaigrette. The salad's freshness provides a crisp, light counterpoint to the indulgent onion rings.

Variants to Try with Stuffed Onion Rings

Gluten-Free Cheese Rings: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to maintain crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Vegan Veggie Rings: Substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese stick. Use nutritional yeast and ground flaxseed mixed with water instead of eggs for binding. Choose dairy-free breadcrumbs for complete vegan adaptation.

Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Swap onion rings with thick zucchini slices for reduced carbohydrate option. Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to keep protein high and carbs low. Select low-fat cheese for lighter preparation.

Spicy Mexican-Style Rings: Add chili powder and cayenne to breading mixture. Include finely shredded pepper jack cheese inside rings. Serve with fresh salsa or chipotle dipping sauce for extra kick.

Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden mozzarella stuffed onion rings deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic appetizers. Cheese-filled rings promise a delightful crunch that will make guests crave more at your next gathering.

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Ingredients

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Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet onions
• 8 ounces (225 grams) mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks

Breading and Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Carefully separate onion layers, selecting matching pairs with one ring slightly smaller. Choose thick rings approximately 1/2 inch wide for optimal stuffing potential.
2. Insert a mozzarella stick between each ring pair, gently pressing to create a secure seal without breaking the delicate onion structure.
3. Establish three distinct preparation zones: one for seasoned flour mixture incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; another for whisked eggs; and a final station combining panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Methodically coat each stuffed onion ring first in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage. Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping.
5. Submerge floured rings into beaten eggs, allowing surplus liquid to drip away, creating a smooth adhesive layer for breading.
6. Roll eggs-coated rings through breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to guarantee thorough and even coating.
7. Arrange breaded rings on parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote uniform crisping.
8. Lightly mist rings with cooking spray to enhance golden browning and exterior crunchiness.
9. Roast in preheated 425°F oven, rotating midway through cooking cycle to ensure balanced coloration and texture.
10. Bake until exterior transforms into a vibrant golden-brown with crispy edges, approximately 15-18 minutes.
11. Allow rings to rest briefly after removing from oven, then serve immediately alongside marinara or ranch dressing for optimal flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent ring sizes for perfect stuffing.
• Choose mozzarella sticks with lower moisture content to prevent soggy breading and maintain crispy texture.
• Egg wash acts as critical glue between flour and breadcrumb layers, creating sturdy coating that won’t fall off during baking.
• Pat onion rings completely dry before breading to help breading adhere better and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and lighter texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-free alternative: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb mix for celiac-friendly version.
• Lower-carb option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal for reduced carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast-based cheese alternative and plant-based egg substitute.
• Baking at high temperature ensures crispy exterior without deep-frying, reducing overall oil consumption.
• Space rings slightly apart on baking sheet to allow hot air circulation and prevent steaming.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg