Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings

Crunchy, golden rings of onion wrapped around gooey mozzarella make a mouthwatering mix of textures and tastes. This oven-baked treat combines sweet onion with melty cheese, all wrapped in a crisp outer shell that crunches perfectly with each bite.

The first time I served these at our family get-together, they were gone in seconds. That perfect mix of sweet onion and stretchy cheese had everyone grabbing for more. Even my picky nephew who normally pushes onions aside couldn't stop eating these cheesy, crunchy goodies.

Key Components

• Sweet onions: They add natural sweetness and gentle flavor that works so well with the cheese. Try to get Walla Walla or Vidalia types for best results
• Buttermilk: Makes the onions softer and adds flavor depth. Go for full fat for the best taste possible
• 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: Gives you that amazing crunch that stays crisp after baking
• Whole wheat flour: Brings a slight nutty taste, though regular flour works fine too

Step-by-Step Method

Prepare the Onions:

Slice onions into half-inch thick rings and gently pull them apart. Dunk them in buttermilk so they're completely covered. Wrap and chill for at least an hour to soften them up.

Prepare for Baking:

Get your oven hot at 425°F. Cover a big baking tray with foil and set it aside. Take the onions out of the buttermilk and lightly dry them with paper towels.

Prepare the Cheese Filling:

Cut frozen mozzarella sticks into four long pieces each. Find onion rings that match in size, with smaller rings that can fit inside bigger ones. Push cheese pieces between the paired rings, using about two pieces for each ring.

Create the Coating Station:

Combine the rest of the flour with panko, cornmeal, and crushed cereal in a wide dish. Add salt and pepper to taste. In another bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.

Coating and Baking Process:

Roll each stuffed ring in plain flour first. Then dip in the beaten eggs until fully covered. Back to flour for another coat. Into eggs again for better sticking. Finally, cover completely with the seasoned panko mix. Place each one carefully on your prepared tray. Spray them well with cooking spray on all sides.

Let them cook in the oven for 22 minutes, flipping them halfway. You'll know they're done when the outside turns a beautiful golden color and the cheese inside gets all melty.

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Tasty Dipping Companions

These rings taste amazing with classic marinara sauce, which gives a nice tangy balance to the rich cheese. A homemade ranch dip adds creaminess that really brings out both the onion flavor and cheese goodness. These dips turn a simple snack into something truly special.

Food That Brings Us Together

Food has this magic way of connecting people. These cheesy onion rings have become a must-have at our family parties, creating fun moments we all share. There's something about pulling apart a ring and watching that cheese stretch that makes everyone smile.

Homemade Treats Beat Store-Bought

When you make snacks yourself, you get to pick exactly what goes in them and create something really special. These rings prove that what you make at home can taste way better than what you'd get at a restaurant. There's nothing like the feeling you get when you've made something this tasty.

My grandma always told me onions make everything taste better. After cooking with all kinds over the years, I've found sweet onions really do work best in this recipe, especially when they're paired with that creamy mozzarella.

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I've spent so much time in my kitchen getting these tricks just right. That pre-heated baking sheet idea was a total game changer that I figured out after noticing restaurant onion rings always had that perfect crunch on the bottom. These little tricks might seem small but they really make these rings turn out amazing every time. What I love most is how they turn a regular recipe into something special, giving you that professional-level crunch and that awesome cheese pull that makes everyone go wow.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I stop cheese from spilling out?

Pick onion slices that fit tightly together and push the cheese in snugly.

→ Which oil should I fry with?

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

→ Can I use any other cheese?

Sure, but make sure it’s one that melts—cheddar or provolone could work great.

→ Is baking an option?

Frying is the way to get that crispy coating. Baking won’t achieve the same crunchiness.

→ Why do these need so many coats?

Each layer helps the rings stay crunchy and prevent the cheese from oozing out.