1. Homepage
  2. Recipe Collection
  3. Cheesy Onion Rings Mozzarella

Cheesy Onion Rings Mozzarella

Sections: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

Crispy onion rings stuffed with mozzarella offer an irresistible combination of crunch and gooey cheese. Thick onion slices are filled with mozzarella, coated in flour, egg batter, and Panko breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection. Enjoy them hot with dipping sauces like marinara for a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. Secure with toothpicks while frying for best results, and remove them before serving. Perfect for gatherings when you want a cheesy, satisfying, and impressive treat that comes together quickly and vanishes even faster.

Pin This Post This Recipe Share via Email Print Out Skip to Recipe
A man wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Written By Clara
Last modified on Sun, 27 Jul 2025 11:31:46 GMT
A bowl of cheesy onion rings. Pin to Save
A bowl of cheesy onion rings. | cozybakinglife.com

This crispy mozzarella-filled onion ring dish is my go to when guests drop by unexpectedly or when my kids are craving something cheesy and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It is the perfect indulgent treat that balances crunch with melted comfort.

I first made this when my neighbor popped over unannounced and I needed a quick snack that felt like more than chips. She asked for the recipe before she left.

Ingredients

  • Large onion: thick rings give structure and create the perfect pocket for stuffing
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks: melt easily and stretch for that classic pull
  • Whole milk: helps loosen the batter for even coating
  • Egg: acts as a binder to bring the wet ingredients together
  • Panko breadcrumbs: ensure an extra crispy finish compared to regular crumbs
  • Cooking oil: must be neutral and high heat stable like canola or vegetable
  • Toothpicks: are essential for securing the rings while frying
  • Baking powder: helps the batter puff slightly during frying
  • All purpose flour: provides a base for both dredging and batter
  • Fine salt: enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness

Instructions

Assemble The Onion Cheese Rings:
Pair two onion slices one smaller and one larger then insert the smaller into the larger leaving a small gap Fill the gap with mozzarella cut to size and secure the structure with a toothpick
Mix The Dry Coating:
Combine flour baking powder and salt in a bowl Stir thoroughly to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly Coat the filled onion rings in the dry mix and set them on a wire rack
Prepare The Batter:
Whisk milk with the beaten egg until fully blended Pour into the leftover dry mix and stir gently until a smooth thick batter forms
Coat With Breadcrumbs:
Dip each flour coated onion ring into the batter letting excess drip off Then press into a shallow bowl of Panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated Return to the wire rack to set briefly
Fry To Golden Perfection:
Heat oil in a deep pot to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit Fry the rings in batches turning once until both sides are deeply golden Drain on a paper towel lined plate
Finish And Serve:
Remove the toothpicks carefully Serve immediately while hot with a small bowl of warm marinara sauce
Cheesy onion rings with mozzarella.
Cheesy onion rings with mozzarella. | cozybakinglife.com

I love how the Panko creates that unmistakable crunch you hear when you bite in One time we had friends over and the plate was gone in minutes even before I could set down the sauce

Storage Tips

These onion rings are best eaten fresh but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit to restore crispiness Avoid microwaving as it softens the texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap mozzarella with pepper jack for a spicy version or use provolone for a more subtle melt Gluten free flour and breadcrumbs can be used but they may yield slightly different crispness

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect as a starter before a barbecue dinner or served as a snack during movie night A little side salad can help balance the richness

Cultural Context

Deep fried cheese dishes have been a comfort food staple across many American diners and fairgrounds These stuffed onion rings are a fun take on mozzarella sticks inspired by carnival food culture

Seasonal Adaptations

Add thinly sliced jalapeños inside the ring for a summer barbecue Use smoked cheese for a cozy fall twist Try serving with spicy chutneys for a festive holiday platter

A stack of cheesy onion rings.
A stack of cheesy onion rings. | cozybakinglife.com

Serve these right away for the very best cheesy pull and crunch. You'll be surprised how fast they disappear from the table!

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I keep the cheese from leaking?

Secure mozzarella between onion rings with toothpicks and double-coat each ring to minimize cheese escaping during frying.

→ Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Yes, firm melting cheeses like provolone or pepper jack work well for this filled onion ring dish.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Use certified gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a delicious gluten-free variation on this dish.

→ How can I make them even crispier?

Double-coat the onion rings and use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Fry at the right oil temperature for best results.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Assemble and refrigerate the rings ahead of time, then fry just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What dipping sauces go well?

Marinara is a classic choice. Ranch or spicy aioli also pair deliciously with cheesy onion rings.

Cheesy Onion Rings Mozzarella

Crispy onion rings filled with mozzarella, double-coated and fried for irresistible crunch and melty cheese satisfaction.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time for Cooking
10 minutes
Total Duration
25 minutes
Written By: Clara

Recipe Category: Side Dishes

Skill Level: Medium Skill Needed

Culinary Style: American

Servings: 4 Portion Count (16–18 stuffed onion rings)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

List of Ingredients

→ Onion Parmesan Cheese Rings

01 2 large yellow onions, cut into 0.5-inch thick rings
02 8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut to fit onion rings
03 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 1 teaspoon baking powder
05 1 teaspoon fine salt
06 2 large eggs
07 0.75 cup whole milk
08 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
09 Neutral high-heat oil (such as canola or vegetable), for frying
10 Toothpicks, for securing rings

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Pair together one larger and one slightly smaller onion ring, nesting the smaller inside. Fill the space between them with mozzarella and insert a toothpick to secure each assembled ring.

Step 02

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Roll each assembled onion ring in the dry mixture to coat evenly. Place rings on a wire rack.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then whisk in milk. Add the wet mixture to the remaining flour dredge, stirring until a smooth, thick batter forms.

Step 04

Dip each flour-coated onion ring into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Press into Panko breadcrumbs until completely coated. Return to the wire rack.

Step 05

Heat oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (177°C). Fry the prepared rings in batches, turning halfway through, until both sides are deeply golden brown, approximately 2–3 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 06

Carefully remove toothpicks, then serve immediately while hot with warm marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Additional Suggestions

  1. For best results, use cold batter and lightly chill prepared rings before frying to enhance their crunch and prevent cheese leakage.
  2. To keep the rings crispy, cool on a wire rack rather than paper towels after frying.

Must-Have Supplies

  • Deep heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Allergen Details

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a professional if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, milk) and gluten (flour, breadcrumbs); contains egg.

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

This nutritional info is for general guidance and not a substitute for expert advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Protein: 14 g