Mozzarella Onion Rings

e, making this a fun and tasty way to get them to eat their veggies!

Ingredients:

• 2 large yellow onions
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Peel and slice the onions into thick rings, about ½ to ¾ inch wide. Carefully separate the onion rings, keeping the larger rings for stuffing with the mozzarella. You’ll want to use about 12-15 rings for this recipe.

Step 2: Stuff with Mozzarella

Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese inside each onion ring. You want the cheese to fill the center but not overflow. If you want extra cheesy goodness, you can stuff two or more layers of cheese inside each ring. Set the stuffed onion rings aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Stations

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your dry coating mixture.

In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk together. This will be your wet mixture.

Finally, place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.

Step 4: Coat the Onion Rings

Dredge each stuffed onion ring first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this process for all the onion rings.

Step 5: Fry the Onion Rings

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to submerge the onion rings. Carefully drop the breaded onion rings into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onion rings from the oil and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 6: Serve

Once all the onion rings are fried, serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy. You can garnish with a sprinkle of salt, a drizzle of ranch dressing, or a dipping sauce of your choice.

Dipping Sauce Ideas:

While these mozzarella onion rings are delicious on their own, pairing them with a tasty dipping sauce can elevate the experience. Here are some perfect dipping sauces to consider:

• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing with onion rings that balances the cheesy richness.
• Marinara Sauce: For an Italian-inspired dip, marinara sauce complements the mozzarella and gives it a pizza-like flavor.
• Garlic Aioli: A creamy, garlicky dip that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the onion rings.
• Spicy Ketchup: Mix ketchup with a dash of hot sauce for a tangy and spicy kick.

Why Mozzarella Onion Rings Are the Perfect Snack or Appetizer:

• Unique Twist: While traditional onion rings are delicious on their own, stuffing them with mozzarella cheese adds a layer of decadence that’s hard to resist. The cheese makes them extra indulgent!
• Perfect for Sharing: These onion rings are fun to share with friends and family, whether at a party, game day, or casual dinner.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy center makes these onion rings more appealing to kids who may not typically enjoy the flavor of plain onions.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different cheeses or add seasoning to the breadcrumbs to make the rings even more flavorful. Try using cheddar cheese for a sharper taste or add some herbs to the coating for extra flavor.
• Great Side Dish: Mozzarella onion rings are a great addition to burgers, steaks, or even salads, adding a crunchy and cheesy element to any meal.

Tips for the Best Mozzarella Onion Rings:

• Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best melt and texture, opt for fresh mozzarella cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese.
• Fry in Batches: Frying in batches ensures that the oil temperature stays consistent, resulting in evenly cooked and crispy onion rings.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each onion ring enough space to fry properly and avoid sticking.
• Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked onion rings warm in the oven at 200°F (90°C) until ready to serve.

Conclusion:

Mozzarella onion rings are a game-changing twist on a classic appetizer. Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, they make for an irresistible snack that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with a meal, or simply indulging in a cheesy treat, these mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Make them today and watch as your guests (and family) devour them in no time!