Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are not just a tasty snack; they are a delightful treat that can bring people together. I remember a cozy evening with friends when we decided to whip up a batch of these crispy, cheesy rings. The laughter and chatter filled the kitchen as we dipped the onion rings into rich, melted mozzarella. It’s hard not to fall in love with any recipe that combines the sweetness of onions, gooey cheese, and the crunch of breadcrumbs. What makes this recipe worth trying is not just the delicious flavor, but also the joy of cooking with loved ones. These onion rings can easily become a family favorite!

Why Make This Recipe

So, why should you make mozzarella-stuffed onion rings? First, they are surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes impressive. The combination of flavors in each bite is delightful. The sweet, slightly caramelized onion pairs wonderfully with the stretchy mozzarella. The crunchy exterior adds that extra layer of texture that makes your mouth happy.

Another special thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as an appetizer at a party, as a side dish for burgers, or even as a fun snack during game night. Everyone loves that cheesy surprise in the middle! This appealing dish is sure to impress your family and guests, making it a great choice for any occasion. Plus, there’s a sense of accomplishment in preparing something homemade that you might have only had at restaurants before.

Making these onion rings also opens the door to creativity in the kitchen. You can adjust the spices or dipping sauce to match your taste. With a few simple tweaks, you can make the recipe your own.

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings

Making mozzarella-stuffed onion rings is a fun and satisfying process. You start by gathering your ingredients and setting up your kitchen. The excitement builds as you peel and slice the yellow onions, the aroma filling your kitchen with a comforting scent. You’ll separate the slices into rings, creating a beautiful layer of onion that will soon be filled with gooey mozzarella.

The real magic happens when you stuff the mozzarella into the rings. As you gently press the cheese between the onion layers, your anticipation grows. After you have stuffed the rings, you will pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Freezing helps the cheese stay inside the rings while frying, keeping that delightful surprise intact.

Next comes the breading station, where you’ll prepare three shallow bowls. It’s like an assembly line but for deliciousness! You will dip your frozen onion rings first in flour, then in a mixture of eggs and milk, and finally coat them in crispy panko breadcrumbs. You might notice the satisfying crunch of the panko as it coats the rings, and the colors come alive as they are breaded.

Once your rings are fully breaded, it’s time for frying. The excitement builds as you heat the oil to the perfect temperature. The sizzle of the onion rings hitting the hot oil is music to your ears, promising crunchy goodness. Fry them until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. You can almost taste the flavors as they cook!

While you’re frying, you can make the garlic butter, which adds an irresistible flavor to your rings. The aroma of the garlic while it cooks is heavenly and will have everyone lining up to taste these scrumptious treats. After a quick drizzle of garlic butter, your mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are ready to impress!

Ingredients

1. 2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1⁄2-inch thick rings

   • These onions provide a sweet flavor and a great texture that holds up during frying.

2. 200 g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into strips

   • Mozzarella adds a rich, creamy texture that melts wonderfully inside the rings.

3. 1 cup all-purpose flour

   • The flour helps the egg mixture stick to the onion rings, creating a solid base for the breadcrumbs.

4. 2 large eggs

   • This ingredient binds everything together and creates a nice golden crust when frying.

5. 2 tablespoons milk

   • The milk makes the egg mixture lighter and fluffier, helping it cling better to the onion rings.

6. 1⁄2 cups panko breadcrumbs

   • Panko breadcrumbs give the rings that delightful crunch, making them extra crispy.

7. 1 teaspoon salt

   • Salt enhances the flavors in the onion rings and the dipping sauce.

8. 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper

   • Black pepper adds a gentle warmth that balances the sweetness of the onions.

9. 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika

   • Paprika offers a subtle smokiness and a touch of color to your breading.

10. Vegetable oil, for frying

• Oil helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside melted and cheesy.

11. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Butter is the base for the garlic sauce, adding richness to every bite.

12. 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• Garlic brings a lovely aroma and depth of flavor to the butter, enhancing the overall dish.

13. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

• Parsley adds a fresh touch and a pop of color to the final presentation.

14. Pinch of salt (for garlic butter)

• A small amount of salt seasons the garlic butter, making sure every flavor shines through.

Directions

Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Start by peeling and slicing the yellow onions into rings that are about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Carefully separate the slices into individual rings. You can pair larger rings with smaller rings. Gently nestle a smaller ring in the larger one, ensuring there’s room for mozzarella in between.
3. Fill the space between the onion rings with mozzarella strips. Press the cheese lightly to hold it in place.
4. Once all the rings are filled and assembled, place them on a tray and freeze for about 30 minutes. Freezing helps the rings keep their shape while frying.

Set Up the Breading Station

5. While the onion rings are freezing, set up your breading station. Take three shallow bowls and label them:
   • Bowl 1: Add flour for coating the onion rings.
   • Bowl 2: Beat together the eggs and milk until smooth.
   • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Bread the Rings

6. When the rings are ready, it’s time to coat them! Start with a frozen stuffed ring, and dip it into the flour. Shake off any extra flour to ensure an even coating.
7. Next, dip the floured ring into the egg mixture, turning it to coat all sides.
8. Finally, gently cover the wet ring in panko breadcrumbs. Make sure it is fully coated. For an extra crunchy texture, you can double-dip the rings in the egg and breadcrumbs.

Fry the Rings

9. In a deep pot or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one; this ensures perfect frying.
10. Carefully place 2–3 rings at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
11. As you fry, keep an eye on the temperature of the oil. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning the rings.
12. Once cooked, transfer the rings onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Make Garlic Butter

13. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to bubble.
14. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it is fragrant but not browned. Stir often to avoid burning.
15. Remove from heat, and stir in chopped parsley and a pinch of salt for flavor.

Serve

16. Place the hot, crispy onion rings on a serving platter. You can either drizzle the warm garlic butter over the rings or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Either way, enjoy the deliciousness!

How to Serve Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings

Now that you have your delicious mozzarella-stuffed onion rings ready, it’s time to think about how to serve them. These rings make for a fantastic appetizer at a party, bringing smiles to your guests’ faces. You can even serve them as finger food at a casual gathering. Their crispy texture and cheesy filling are perfect for dipping!

Pair them with a side of marinara sauce for a classic touch or try a spicy sauce if you like a kick. These onion rings also go wonderfully with burgers, grilled chicken, or vegetable soups. For a fun family dinner, serve them alongside a refreshing salad or some crispy fries.

If you’re making them for a special event, don’t forget to present them nicely. You can stack them on a platter, sprinkle some extra parsley on top for color, or even serve them in a basket lined with parchment paper for a charming look. Whatever you choose, the tasty flavor and crispy texture are sure to impress!

How to Store Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings

Storing leftover mozzarella-stuffed onion rings is easy. If you have some rings left after your meal, allow them to cool completely before putting them in a container. To store them in the refrigerator, place the cooled rings in an airtight container and keep them for up to 3 days.

If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze the onion rings. It’s best to freeze them before frying if you want to keep them fresh for later. Just layer them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen rings, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then fry them as directed. If they are already cooked, you can reheat them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Reheating in an air fryer is another great option for extra crispiness!

Tips to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings

Here are some simple tips to get the best results from this recipe:

1. Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh onions and cheese for the best flavor.
2. Don’t overmix the egg: When mixing eggs and milk, just stir until blended. Overmixing can make the mixture too frothy.
3. Keep the oil hot: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If it’s too cold, the rings will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
4. Double-dip for crispiness: If you want an extra crunchy coating, double-dip your onion rings in the egg and breadcrumbs.
5. Choose a good dipping sauce: Experiment with different sauces. Marinara, ranch, or even spicy mayo can be delicious options.

By following these tips, you’ll have amazing mozzarella-stuffed onion rings that everyone will enjoy!

Variation

If you want to get creative with your mozzarella-stuffed onion rings, here are a few variations to try:

1. Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. You could even use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella!
2. Herb Infusion: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning into the panko breadcrumbs for a different flavor profile.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy them!

These variations let you customize the recipe to your taste or dietary needs.

FAQs

Q: Can I make mozzarella-stuffed onion rings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the rings in advance and freeze them before frying. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply fry them straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat your cooked onion rings, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake them for about 10 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. An air fryer is also a great option for reheating, maintaining the crunchiness while warming them through.

Q: Can I use a different cheese or flour?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese that melts well, like cheddar or pepper jack. As for flour, gluten-free flour works fine as a substitute if you have dietary restrictions. Just be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs as well.

With these tips, variations, and answers, you are now ready to make a delicious batch of mozzarella-stuffed onion rings with garlic butter! Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

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• Author: phillip
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Deliciously crispy onion rings stuffed with gooey mozzarella and drizzled with rich garlic butter, perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1⁄2-inch thick rings
• 200 g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch of salt (for garlic butter)

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Instructions

1. Peel and slice the yellow onions into rings that are about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Carefully separate the slices into individual rings, placing smaller rings inside larger ones.
3. Fill the space between the onion rings with mozzarella strips and press lightly to hold.
4. Freeze the assembled rings on a tray for about 30 minutes.
5. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika.
6. Coat each frozen onion ring in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fry rings 2–3 at a time for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Remove and place cooked rings on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
11. Stir in chopped parsley and a pinch of salt, then drizzle over or serve with rings.

Notes

Serve with marinara or spicy dipping sauce. Perfect for parties, game nights, or as a tempting snack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: onion rings, mozzarella, garlic butter, appetizer, vegetarian