Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings combine the irresistible crunch of a crispy onion ring with gooey, melted mozzarella in every bite. Baked to perfection, these cheesy delights are a lighter alternative to traditional fried versions and make an excellent snack, appetizer, or party treat.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into strips (about 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
Prepare the Onion Rings
- Slice the Onions
Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch-thick rings. Separate the rings and set aside the larger ones for stuffing. - Stuff with Mozzarella
Place a strip of mozzarella between two onion rings of different sizes, effectively creating a “sandwich.” Repeat with the remaining rings and cheese.
Bread the Onion Rings
- Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne (if using); the second with beaten eggs and milk; and the third with panko breadcrumbs. - Coat the Onion Rings
Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Onion Rings
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Spray with Cooking Spray
Lightly spray the coated onion rings with non-stick cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. - Bake
Bake the onion rings for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Serve the mozzarella-stuffed onion rings warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: These onion rings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is melty and the coating is crispy.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, string cheese or pre-sliced mozzarella can work well. Cheddar or pepper jack are also great options for a twist in flavor.
2. Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F and fry the onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. How do I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs as substitutes for their regular counterparts.
4. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the onion rings ahead and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy, golden onion rings with a cheesy twist! These baked delights are stuffed with gooey mozzarella and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet onions
- 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion and Mozzarella:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about ½ inch wide. Separate the layers and pair them in sets of two rings, one slightly smaller than the other.
- Stuff each pair by placing a mozzarella stick between the two rings. Press gently to secure.
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Onion Rings:
- Dredge each stuffed onion ring in the flour mixture, coating well.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded ring on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Onion Rings:
- Lightly spray the tops of the onion rings with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the onion rings by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- To make them gluten-free, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Mozzarella sticks can be replaced with string cheese for convenience.