Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Who doesn’t love a good onion ring? But when you add melty mozzarella cheese to the mix, these crispy bites become something extraordinary. The combination of sweet onions and gooey cheese, encased in a crunchy, golden breadcrumb coating, makes for a snack that’s crispy on the outside and bursting with cheesy goodness on the inside. Whether you’re serving them at a party, watching a game, or just craving a delicious treat, these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with the option to bake them, you can enjoy this indulgent snack with fewer calories!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large sweet onions
8–10 mozzarella string cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Directions

1. Prepare the Onions:
   Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings. Separate the rings, making sure you have both large and smaller ones to fit together.

2. Stuff the Onion Rings:
   Cut the mozzarella sticks into pieces that fit between the onion rings. Place a smaller onion ring inside a larger one and fill the gap with the mozzarella pieces.

3. Bread the Rings:
   Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with the whisked eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each assembled onion ring in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat in breadcrumbs. For an extra crunchy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.

4. Freeze:
   Lay the breaded onion rings on a tray and freeze for 1 hour. Freezing ensures the cheese stays inside the ring and doesn’t melt out too quickly when frying.

5. Fry:
   Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

6. Serve:
   Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 10 mozzarella stick onion rings. The preparation time is around 10 minutes, with freezing time of 1 hour, and frying takes about 6 minutes. In total, expect to spend around 1 hour and 20 minutes (including freezing time) making these delicious bites.

Variations

• Seasoning: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

• Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the onion rings at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

• Cheese Alternatives: Swap mozzarella with other cheese sticks like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier flavor.

• Vegetarian Dip: Serve with a cool ranch or marinara sauce for dipping.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until crispy. You can also microwave them, but they won’t be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.

FAQs

Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and freeze the breaded onion rings in advance. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter option.

Why should I freeze the onion rings before frying?

Freezing helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying, keeping the mozzarella inside the onion ring.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Panko breadcrumbs give a crispier texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can try other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent the cheese from spilling out while frying?

Make sure to freeze the onion rings before frying, as this helps the cheese stay inside. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.

What kind of onions are best for this recipe?

Sweet onions work best for this recipe due to their mild flavor, but you can use yellow onions if you prefer a more intense onion taste.

Can I make these onion rings without frying?

You can bake them, but they may not be as crispy as when fried. Baking them at a high temperature (425°F) helps them become golden and crunchy.

Can I use a different kind of oil for frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil are best for frying. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and may not crisp up as well.

Can I use smaller mozzarella sticks?

Yes, if you have smaller mozzarella sticks, you can adjust the amount you use to fit the onion rings.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings combine the best of both worlds—crispy onion rings and gooey mozzarella sticks—making them the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or simply craving something indulgent, these cheesy treats are sure to be a hit. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a golden batch of onion rings ready to be devoured in no time!