Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
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!
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.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy. For a freezer option, prepare rings and freeze before baking, then bake directly from frozen for 20-25 minutes.