Heavenly Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings Recipe

Crispy, golden rings with a molten mozzarella stuffed onion rings surprise hide a delectable secret inside their crunchy exterior.

These aren’t your ordinary appetizers that simply pass the time.

Each bite delivers a wave of cheesy goodness wrapped in a perfectly seasoned coating that crackles with every munch.

The combination of sweet onions and gooey mozzarella creates a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Baking instead of deep-frying makes these rings a smarter, lighter indulgence without sacrificing any crunch.

Simple ingredients transform into an irresistible snack that sparks conversation and disappears quickly from any gathering.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch as these mozzarella-packed rings become the star of your next meal.

Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings Right Away

• Dipping Delight: Pair these crispy mozzarella-stuffed onion rings with classic marinara sauce for a tangy, cheesy experience that brings out the rich flavors.
• Appetizer Extravaganza: Serve as a showstopping starter at game nights or casual gatherings, creating an instant crowd-pleasing moment that will have everyone reaching for more.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange on a large wooden board with multiple dipping sauces like spicy aioli, blue cheese, and honey mustard to create a stunning and interactive appetizer spread.
• Game Day Glory: Complement these rings with cold beer or crisp white wine, making them an ideal snack for sports watching or casual entertaining with friends.

Storage And Reheat Tips For Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

• Cooling and Refrigeration: Let crispy rings cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, understanding texture might soften slightly.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Arrange unbaked breaded rings on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. Store frozen for 2-3 weeks. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming rings in a preheated 375F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain crunch. Spread on a wire rack for best results.
• Batch Preparation Strategy: Make double the recipe and separate uncooked rings with parchment paper. Store in refrigerator for next-day cooking or quick weeknight appetizers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes In Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

• Sweet Onions: Perfect for a milder, sweeter flavor that melts in your mouth with less sharp bite.
• White Onions: Crisp texture that holds shape beautifully during baking process.

• Mozzarella Sticks: Creamy, stretchy cheese that creates irresistible melty center when baked.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates essential base layer for perfect breading adhesion.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic depth to the coating's flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Enhances savory undertones throughout the breading.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly smoky color and gentle spice complexity.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning blend for balanced, zesty taste.
• Large Eggs: Serves as crucial binding agent for breadcrumb coating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Guarantees extra crispy, light exterior with incredible crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, sharp notes to the breading mixture.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures golden, crisp exterior without excessive oil.
• Marinara Sauce, Ranch Dressing: Delectable dipping options for serving.

Kitchen Tools For Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

• Baking sheet: Large flat pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps achieve crispy texture.
• Shallow dishes: Three separate containers for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coatings.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly and mixing ingredients.
• Cooking spray: Helps create golden, crispy exterior.
• Measuring spoons: For accurate seasoning amounts.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice onions into precise rings.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking sheet.

Steps To Bake Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

• Onion Ring Preparation

Select fresh, firm onions and slice them into thick rings. Create pairs of rings with one slightly smaller. Carefully nestle a mozzarella stick between each ring pair, gently pressing them together.

• Breading Station Setup

Create three separate stations: seasoned flour mix, whisked eggs, and a blend of panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese. These stations will transform plain onion rings into crispy delights.

• Coating Process

Carefully dunk each onion ring through the flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Roll it through the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing softly to help crumbs adhere perfectly.

• Baking Magic

Place breaded rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spritz lightly with cooking spray to encourage golden crispiness. Bake in a preheated oven until rings turn a beautiful golden brown, flipping midway for even cooking.

• Serving Style

Remove rings from the oven and let them cool briefly. Serve alongside marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a delightful dipping experience. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy rings while they’re warm and crunchy.

Tips For Golden Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings

• Onion Ring Mastery: Pro tips to elevate your crispy, cheesy creation.
• Perfect Breading Technique: Press breadcrumbs firmly onto onion rings to ensure maximum crunch and even coating. Gentle but firm pressure helps breadcrumbs stick better than light touches.
• Cheese Melt Magic: Choose low-moisture mozzarella sticks to prevent excessive leaking during baking. String cheese works wonderfully and maintains a perfect melty texture without making rings soggy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Almond flour can also work as an alternative coating for a lower-carb version.
• Make-Ahead Hack: Prepare breaded onion rings up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. This technique allows breading to set and creates an extra crispy exterior when baked. Place rings on a parchment-lined tray and cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Golden Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Crispy mozzarella stuffed onion rings elevate classic appetizer comfort with irresistible cheesy goodness. Crunchy golden breading and melted cheese center promise delightful flavor combinations for hungry guests seeking simple yet impressive party snacks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large sweet onions
• 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Peel onions and slice into sturdy rings about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully select matching ring pairs to create perfect mozzarella-holding pockets.
2. Cheese Stuffing: Insert mozzarella stick between paired onion rings, pressing edges to seal and prevent cheese from escaping during cooking.
3. Coating Setup: Arrange three distinct stations – first with seasoned flour mixture (garlic and onion powders), second with whisked eggs, third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
4. Breading Process: Coat each onion ring systematically – dredge completely in seasoned flour, dip in egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, then roll thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
5. Baking Preparation: Spread coated rings on parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each ring. Lightly spray with cooking spray to promote golden-brown coloration.
6. Cooking: Roast in preheated 425°F oven, rotating sheet halfway through cooking time. Bake until rings turn deep golden and achieve maximum crispiness, approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Serving: Rest briefly to stabilize melted cheese interior. Serve hot with accompanying dipping sauces like marinara or ranch for an elevated flavor experience.

Notes

• Onion Ring Integrity: Choose firm, thick onions with sturdy rings that can hold mozzarella without breaking during coating and baking processes.
• Cheese Containment Strategy: Seal mozzarella stick edges tightly between onion rings to prevent cheese from leaking during high-temperature cooking.
• Coating Technique Mastery: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto rings, ensuring complete coverage for maximum crispiness and preventing soggy spots.
• Temperature Control Critical: Use 425°F precisely and rotate baking sheet midway to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior without burning delicate onion layers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg