Hey there, Jason Griffith here! Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure that’s truly next level. Today, we’re taking a beloved classic and turning it into an irresistible, explosion of taste: introducing Candied Bacon Exploding Loaded Onion Rings Sharp Cheddar Shock! Imagine perfectly crispy onion rings, but with a secret inside—a surprise filling of sweet, smoky candied bacon and rich, melted sharp cheddar cheese. These aren’t just appetizers; they’re a showstopper, a conversation starter, and guaranteed to be devoured the moment they hit the table!
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is pure genius because it takes everything you love about loaded fries or potato skins and puts it into a perfectly crunchy, dippable ring. I love how the sweetness of the candied bacon plays off the savory onion and the tangy sharp cheddar. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, from the crispy breading to the tender onion, the chewy bacon, and the gooey cheese. They look incredibly impressive, but they’re surprisingly fun to make! Perfect for game day, a party, or just when you need an indulgent snack. If you’re into elevated appetizers that steal the show, you might also like my Baked Brie Appetizer or these Sheet Pan Quesadillas for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these truly spectacular loaded onion rings:
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon
- 2 large yellow onions
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup milk (whole milk for best results)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Swaps and Notes
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is best here for a substantial “pig candy” experience. You can use regular bacon, but thick-cut provides a better texture.
- Onions: Yellow onions are great, but sweet onions like Vidalia would also be fantastic for a milder flavor. Ensure they’re sliced thick enough to hold the filling.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a wonderful tang that cuts through the richness, but a mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses would also work well.
- Bread Crumbs: While regular bread crumbs work, panko bread crumbs will give you a much crispier, lighter coating.
- Glaze for Bacon: The brown sugar and maple syrup create a perfect candied bacon. You can adjust the ratio to your sweetness preference, or even add a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the paprika and garlic powder or add other spices to the flour mixture, like onion powder or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Dipping Sauce: While the recipe suggests sharp cheddar cheese sauce, a good ranch dressing, a spicy mayo, or even BBQ sauce would also be excellent.
Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Candied Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (for easy cleanup!) and place a wire rack on top. Lay the thick-cut bacon strips on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they are partially crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and maple syrup to create a thick glaze. Remove the bacon from the oven, brush the glaze generously onto the bacon strips, and return them to the oven for another 5 minutes to caramelize and become fully crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven, let cool completely, then chop into small, manageable pieces.
- Prepare the Onion Rings: While the bacon is cooking, peel and slice the 2 large yellow onions into thick rings (about 1/2-inch thick). Carefully separate the rings and set them aside.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the milk. In a third shallow bowl, place the bread crumbs.
- Bread and Stuff the Onion Rings: Take each onion ring and first dip it thoroughly into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the milk, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, generously coat it with the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Now, the fun part! Take each breaded onion ring and carefully fill the inside cavity with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and a small piece of the prepared candied bacon. You want enough to be “exploding” with flavor but not so much that it won’t hold together.
- Heat the Frying Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil maintains a consistent temperature.
- Fry the Loaded Onion Rings: Carefully lower the loaded onion rings into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. The cheese inside should be melted and gooey.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried onion rings from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the Candied Bacon Exploding Loaded Onion Rings hot, ideally with a side of sharp cheddar cheese sauce for dipping (not included in recipe, but pairs perfectly!). Enjoy this incredibly indulgent and delicious appetizer!
Tips for Success
- Consistent Oil Temperature: This is key for crispy, non-greasy fried foods. Maintain 350°F throughout frying.
- Thick Onion Slices: Make sure your onion slices are thick enough to hold the filling without breaking apart during breading and frying.
- Chill if Needed: If the onion rings seem too soft after stuffing, you can briefly chill them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
- Don’t Overload: While it’s tempting to stuff them full, ensure there’s enough space for the cheese to melt and the bacon to be encased without overflowing before frying.
- Double Breading (Optional): For an even thicker, crispier crust, you can do a double breading by repeating the milk and bread crumb steps.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Candied Bacon Exploding Loaded Onion Rings are truly a showstopper appetizer on their own, perfect for any party or gathering. A side of creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce (perhaps a quick cheese sauce made with some melted cheddar and a splash of milk) would be the ultimate dipping companion, enhancing that “sharp cheddar shock”! They also pair wonderfully with my Crockpot Nacho Dip for a full array of indulgent party food. For drinks, a cold beer, a crisp hard cider, or even a classic soda would complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Storage and Leftover Tips
These loaded onion rings are definitely best enjoyed fresh and hot, right out of the fryer, when they are at their crispiest and the cheese is perfectly melted. Leftovers will lose their crispness and the cheese might harden. If you do have any, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. To reheat, an air fryer or a toaster oven would be best to try and regain some crispness, baking at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, but they won’t be quite the same as fresh.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the inventive and indulgent nature of these Loaded Onion Rings, you’ll find plenty more delicious inspiration on Chef Maniac!
- For another truly decadent treat, both savory and sweet, check out my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs.
- And if you’re looking for another fantastic, cheesy appetizer for a crowd, my Beer Cheese Dip is always a huge hit!
Final Thoughts
These Candied Bacon Exploding Loaded Onion Rings Sharp Cheddar Shock are a testament to the joy of creative cooking and bold flavors. They’re a playful, indulgent twist on a classic, guaranteed to delight your taste buds with every crispy, cheesy, bacon-filled bite. Get ready to experience a whole new level of appetizer perfection!
I hope you give this amazing recipe a try! What other ingredients would you love to see stuffed into an onion ring? Share your creative ideas in the comments below, or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to keep following Chef Maniac for more delicious inspiration! Happy frying!
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