If you love mozzarella sticks and onion rings, why settle for just one? These Crispy Mozzarella Stick Onion Ringscombine the best of both worlds—melty, gooey cheese wrapped in a crunchy onion ring shell. They’re the perfect snack for game day, a fun party appetizer, or just an indulgent treat when you’re craving something fried and cheesy.
The idea came to me when I couldn’t decide between ordering mozzarella sticks or onion rings at a restaurant. So, why not put them together? The result? A golden, crispy bite that’s both savory and satisfying. Let’s dive into how you can make these addictive cheese-stuffed onion rings at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Unique Mash-Up: Combines two beloved snacks into one epic bite.
- Super Crispy Coating: The perfect crunch with a gooey cheese pull.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick frying make this a fun kitchen project.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, gatherings, or just a fun weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins)
- 1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese sticks, cut to fit inside the onion rings
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
1. Prepare the Onion Rings
Peel the onion and slice it into thick rings—about ½-inch wide. Gently separate them from each other, keeping the larger rings intact. These will serve as the crispy outer shell for your cheesy filling.
2. Cut the Mozzarella Sticks
Take your mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them into pieces that fit snugly inside the onion rings. You want a tight fit so that the cheese stays in place while frying.
3. Set Up Your Breading Stations
You’ll need three separate bowls for the coating process:
- One with flour
- One with beaten eggs
- One with breadcrumbs
4. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Dip each piece of mozzarella first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs. This creates a crispy outer layer that helps hold everything together.
5. Stuff the Onion Rings
Take a breaded mozzarella piece and carefully place it inside an onion ring. Repeat for all rings until each one is filled with cheesy goodness.
6. Double-Coat for Extra Crunch (Optional)
For an extra crispy coating, dip the stuffed rings back into the egg and again in the breadcrumbs. This will give them a thick, golden crust when fried.
7. Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a frying pan to cover the bottom (about ½-inch deep). Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test it by dropping in a breadcrumb—if it sizzles and floats, the oil is ready.
8. Fry the Stuffed Onion Rings
Carefully place the mozzarella-stuffed onion rings into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently to ensure even cooking.
9. Drain and Season
Once crispy and golden, remove the rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while they’re still hot.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These are best served fresh and hot, with your favorite dipping sauces on the side. See below for some ideas!
Pro Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
- Freeze Before Frying: If your rings seem too soft or delicate, freeze them for 15-20 minutes before frying. This helps the cheese stay inside and prevents it from leaking.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy crunch, swap regular breadcrumbs for panko.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent.
- Test the Oil: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, or your rings will absorb too much oil and turn soggy.
Best Dipping Sauces for Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
These crispy, cheesy bites are even better when dunked in a delicious sauce! Try them with:
- Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing for mozzarella sticks.
- Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy with a hint of herbs.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: A little heat to balance the richness.
- Garlic Aioli: Adds an extra layer of flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: A smoky-sweet contrast to the crispy, cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Definitely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray them with oil for a crispy texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: These are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Q: Can I use different cheese?
A: Yes! Cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone all work great for different flavor twists.
Why You Need to Try This Recipe
If you love crispy, cheesy snacks, these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a must-try. They’re crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab some onions, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs, and get frying! If you make these, let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Crispy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings: A Gooey, Crunchy Snack You Can’t Resist
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the onion into rings and separate them.
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each onion ring in the flour mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Next, dip the floured onion rings into the beaten eggs.
- Then, coat the onion rings with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Insert a mozzarella stick through the center of each onion ring.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium heat.
- Fry the onion rings in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.
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