These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings combine the satisfaction of crispy onion rings with the indulgence of melty mozzarella cheese. A perfect appetizer for game days, parties, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously different!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These aren’t your ordinary onion rings! Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures—crispy golden coating, sweet tender onion, and stretchy melted mozzarella. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring no special equipment. Plus, they’re baked rather than deep-fried, making them a bit lighter without sacrificing any of the indulgence. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these stuffed onion rings are guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
onion rings:
- 2 large sweet onions, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Separate the onion slices into rings. Select the medium and large rings (save the small inner rings for another use).
- Cut mozzarella sticks into pieces that can fit inside the onion rings.
- Set up your breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and combine panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Take an onion ring and place a piece of mozzarella inside it, making sure the cheese fits snugly within the ring.
- Dredge the stuffed onion ring in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the flour-coated ring into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the ring in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the breaded ring on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining onion rings and cheese.
- Spray the tops of the breaded rings lightly with cooking spray to help them brown.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- While the rings are baking, warm the marinara sauce and stir in the fresh basil.
- Let the onion rings cool for 2-3 minutes before serving with the marinara dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 as an appetizer (approximately 12-16 stuffed rings)
Variations
- Cheese Variations: Substitute string cheese with pepper jack for a spicy kick, or use cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Italian Style: Mix Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb mixture, and serve with pesto instead of marinara.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture and serve with sriracha mayo for dipping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook in an air fryer at 380°F for 8-10 minutes for extra crispiness.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: These can be frozen before baking. Arrange prepared rings on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: You can prepare and bread the onion rings up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
Q: Why is my cheese leaking out during baking? A: Make sure your onion rings completely encircle the cheese and that the breading fully seals the edges. You can also try freezing the stuffed rings for 15 minutes before baking.
Can I deep fry these instead of baking? A: Yes, you can deep fry at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown, but be careful as the cheese may melt and leak more easily.
What can I serve with these onion rings? A: Besides marinara sauce, these pair well with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a balsamic glaze.
My breadcrumbs won’t stick! What am I doing wrong? A: Make sure to thoroughly coat the onion rings in flour first, then eggs, before applying the breadcrumbs. The flour helps the egg stick, and the egg helps the breadcrumbs stick.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings transform a classic appetizer into something extraordinary. The combination of crunchy coating, sweet onion, and gooey cheese creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these upgraded onion rings are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the delicious contrast of textures and flavors in every bite!
More Tasty Creations to Try
If you loved these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings, you’ll want to check out these other mouthwatering recipes:
- For another cheesy, crispy treat, try these Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles, a tangy and crunchy delight.
- Take your pasta game to the next level with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake—a creamy, cheesy comfort dish.
- If you’re a fan of crispy, golden bites, you won’t want to miss these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- For a fun and easy meal, these Air Fryer Cheesy Taco Bombs will satisfy all your Tex-Mex cravings.
- And if you’re in the mood for more cheese-filled goodness, these Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs are an irresistible side dish.
Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Knife
- Oven
Ingredients
Onion Rings
- 2 large sweet onions cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sticks cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- cooking spray
Dipping Sauce
- 0.5 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Separate the onion slices into rings. Select the medium and large rings (save the small inner rings for another use).
- Cut mozzarella sticks into pieces that can fit inside the onion rings.
- Set up your breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and combine panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
- Take an onion ring and place a piece of mozzarella inside it, making sure the cheese fits snugly within the ring.
- Dredge the stuffed onion ring in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the flour-coated ring into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the ring in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the breaded ring on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining onion rings and cheese.
- Spray the tops of the breaded rings lightly with cooking spray to help them brown.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- While the rings are baking, warm the marinara sauce and stir in the fresh basil.
- Let the onion rings cool for 2-3 minutes before serving with the marinara dipping sauce.