Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings

Crunchy, golden rings of onion wrapped around gooey mozzarella create a mind-blowing mix of textures and tastes. This oven-baked treat brings together sweet onion flavor with melty cheese, all wrapped in a crunchy outer layer that snaps perfectly with each mouthful.

The first time I made these for my family get-together, they were gone in seconds. Everyone couldn't stop grabbing for the sweet onions and stretchy cheese combo. Even my picky nephew who usually pushes onions aside couldn't keep his hands off these cheesy, crispy treats.

Key Components

• Sweet onions: They add natural sweetness and gentle flavor that works amazingly with cheese. Try to find Walla Walla or Vidalia types for the tastiest results
• Buttermilk: It softens the onions and builds flavor from the ground up. Go for full fat stuff to get the best taste
• Part skim mozzarella sticks: They melt just right without making everything greasy. Keep them in the freezer until you need them
• Blend of panko, cornmeal, and crushed cereal: This mix makes an unbelievably crunchy coating that stays crisp after baking
• Whole wheat flour: It brings a slight nutty taste, though regular all purpose works fine too

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Ready the Onions:

Slice onions into half-inch rings and carefully pull them apart. Drop them in buttermilk, making sure they're completely covered. Wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour to make them tender.

Get Set for Baking:

Warm your oven to 425°F. Cover a big baking sheet with foil and put it aside. Take the onions out of the buttermilk and gently dry them with paper towels.

Fix the Cheese Filling:

Cut frozen mozzarella sticks into four long pieces each. Pair up onion rings by size, finding rings that fit inside each other. Squeeze cheese strips between matched rings, using about two strips for each complete ring.

Set Up Your Coating Area:

Combine leftover flour with panko, cornmeal, and cereal crumbs in a wide dish. Add salt and pepper to taste. In another bowl, whisk eggs until they're smooth.

Coating and Cooking Method:

Roll each stuffed ring in plain flour first. Then dunk in beaten eggs until fully covered. Go back to the flour for another layer. Dip in eggs again so everything sticks well. Lastly, coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mix. Put each ring carefully on your prepared baking sheet. Spray all sides generously with cooking spray.

Let them work their magic in the oven for 22 minutes, flipping them halfway. You want the outside to turn nice and golden while the cheese inside gets all melty and perfect.

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Delightful Dipping Options

A classic marinara sauce works wonders with these rings, giving a tangy kick against the rich cheese. Homemade ranch adds a creamy touch that really brings out both the onion sweetness and cheese flavor. These dips turn a simple starter into something folks will talk about for days.

Food That Brings Us Together

I've always believed food connects people. These cheese-stuffed onion rings have become our family's go-to snack at gatherings, making everyone smile and share good times. There's something magical about pulling a ring apart and watching that cheese stretch that makes everyone happy.

Homemade Treats Beat Store-Bought

When you make snacks at home, you know exactly what's in them and can make something truly special. These rings taste way better than anything you'd get at a restaurant. There's nothing like the feeling you get when you've made something this tasty with your own hands.

My grandma always told me onions make everything taste better. After cooking with all kinds of onions over the years, I've found sweet ones really shine in this dish, especially when they're paired with rich mozzarella.

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I've spent so many hours in my kitchen getting these tricks just right. The hot baking sheet idea came to me when I noticed restaurant onion rings always had that perfect crunch on the bottom. These little changes might seem tiny, but they make such a big difference in how the rings turn out. What I really love is how these tricks can take an okay recipe and make it amazing, giving you that professional-level crunch and that awesome cheese pull that makes everyone go wow.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I keep the cheese inside?

Pick snug-fitting onion rings and press the cheese firmly to avoid leaks.

→ Which oil works best for frying?

Go for oils with high heat tolerance like canola, peanut, or vegetable oil.

→ Can I try other kinds of cheese?

Sure, just stick to cheeses that melt well, like provolone or cheddar.

→ Is baking an alternative option?

Not really—frying gives the ultimate crunch and seals the cheese inside.

→ Why is triple breading necessary?

It creates a thicker, crunchier coating that keeps the cheese securely tucked in.