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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Carefully separate onion layers, selecting matching pairs with one ring slightly smaller. Choose thick rings approximately 1/2 inch wide for optimal stuffing potential.
- Insert a mozzarella stick between each ring pair, gently pressing to create a secure seal without breaking the delicate onion structure.
- 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.
- Methodically coat each stuffed onion ring first in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage. Shake off excess flour to prevent clumping.
- Submerge floured rings into beaten eggs, allowing surplus liquid to drip away, creating a smooth adhesive layer for breading.
- Roll eggs-coated rings through breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing firmly to guarantee thorough and even coating.
- Arrange breaded rings on parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote uniform crisping.
- Lightly mist rings with cooking spray to enhance golden browning and exterior crunchiness.
- Roast in preheated 425°F oven, rotating midway through cooking cycle to ensure balanced coloration and texture.
- Bake until exterior transforms into a vibrant golden-brown with crispy edges, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- 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