Golden Mozzarella Stuffed Rings

Mozzarella stuffed onion rings bring a crispy, cheesy twist to a classic snack that everyone loves. They are perfect as an appetizer or a party treat when you want something indulgent and satisfying with a golden crunch on the outside and gooey cheese inside. This recipe walks you through making beautiful stuffed rings that hold their shape during frying and deliver that perfect bite every time.

I first made these for a weekend family gathering and now they are requested for every celebration. Watching the cheese stretch as you bite in is always a fun moment.

Ingredients

• Two large yellow onions: choose firm, medium to large onions with little bruising for the best rings
• Mozzarella cheese sticks: fresh mozzarella sticks that are not pre shredded help create a gooey melt
• All purpose flour: helps create the first coating layer and ensures the breadcrumbs stick well to the rings
• Eggs beaten with milk: act as the binding agent to hold the breadcrumb coating in place
• Plain breadcrumbs: seasoned with garlic powder and Italian seasoning add flavor and a crispy texture
• Salt and black pepper: for balanced seasoning
• Vegetable oil for deep frying: choose an oil with a high smoke point such as canola or peanut oil for best frying results

Instructions

Peel and Slice the Onions:

Peel the yellow onions carefully and slice into half inch thick rounds. Gently separate these rounds into individual rings being careful not to break them. Pair larger rings with smaller ones of similar size so that the smaller ring can fit inside the larger one, creating a pocket for the cheese.

Prepare the Cheese:

Cut the mozzarella sticks into small segments. These pieces should fit snugly within the space created between the paired onion rings. You want the cheese to be about the thickness of the onion rings so it melts evenly without oozing out too quickly.

Assemble the Rings:

Place the smaller onion ring inside a larger ring then insert enough mozzarella pieces in the gap to fill the center. Press gently to secure the cheese inside without squeezing the rings so tightly that they break.

Freeze the Assembled Rings:

Place the stacked, stuffed onion rings on a parchment lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least one hour to firm them up. This important step helps the cheese stay inside and helps the coating stick better during frying.

Prepare the Breading Stations:

In three shallow dishes arrange the breading elements. Put flour in the first dish. Beat the eggs and milk together for the second dish. For the third, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Heat the Oil:

Heat the vegetable oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep fryer or heavy skillet. Use a thermometer to maintain an even temperature for consistent frying.

Bread the Onion Rings:

Take the stuffed onion rings from the freezer and dredge each first in flour making sure every surface is covered. Next dip into the egg wash so the coating will stick. Finally, press lightly into the seasoned breadcrumbs covering the rings completely.

Fry Until Golden:

Add the breaded onion rings to the hot oil carefully. Fry in batches, cooking each side for about two to three minutes until golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Remove and drain on paper towels immediately to keep them crispy.

Serve Warm:

Let the rings cool just enough to handle but serve warm. Pair with a fresh marinara sauce or creamy ranch for dipping.

I love the way mozzarella melts inside the crispy onion ring while the herb seasoned crumbs add a lovely Italian flair. This snack reminds me of my childhood when my cousin and I would sneak into the kitchen to grab rings fresh out of the fryer before the adults even got a chance.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover fried onion rings in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a 350 degree oven to keep the coating crisp. Avoid microwaving as this can make the coating soggy. If you freeze the uncooked stuffed rings after assembly, separate layers with parchment to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten free version, swap all purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten free alternatives. Panko breadcrumbs can be used for extra crunch. You may substitute mozzarella sticks with other firm melting cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these onion rings with classic dips such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli. They also pair well alongside burgers, sandwiches, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

These mozzarella stuffed onion rings are a crowd pleasing appetizer that combines crisp coating with gooey melted cheese. Serve warm with your favorite dip and enjoy.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do you keep the cheese from leaking during frying?

Freezing the assembled onion rings before breading and frying helps the cheese stay intact and prevents leaking.

→ What type of cheese is best for stuffing?

Mozzarella sticks are ideal due to their mild flavor and excellent melting qualities.

→ Can I use a different coating instead of breadcrumbs?

Plain breadcrumbs provide a crisp texture, but panko or seasoned crumbs can be used for extra crunch and flavor.

→ What oil temperature is recommended for frying?

Vegetable oil should be heated to around 350°F to ensure a golden, crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.

→ How thick should onion slices be for stuffing?

Onions should be sliced about 1/2-inch thick to create sturdy rings that hold the cheese well during frying.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these rings contain no meat products and are suitable for a vegetarian diet.