Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Best of Both Worlds – Combines the crunch of onion rings with the gooey cheese of mozzarella sticks.
- Irresistibly Crispy – Double-coating in breadcrumbs ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
- Perfect for Parties – A fun and shareable appetizer that everyone will love.
- Freezer-Friendly – Can be made ahead and frozen for quick frying later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large white onions
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups flour (250 g)
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (230 g)
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Directions
1. Prepare the Onion Rings
- Peel the onions and cut them into 1-centimeter (½-inch) rings.
- Separate the rings carefully and set them aside.
2. Add the Cheese
- Slice the mozzarella into 4 even strips.
- Take a smaller onion ring and place it inside a larger one.
- Fill the gap between the rings with the mozzarella strips.
- For extra cheesiness, you can add another layer of cheese.
- Repeat the process for all the onion rings.
- Freeze the prepared onion rings for about 1 hour to help them hold their shape.
3. Coat the Rings
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat each onion ring first in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumbs.
- For an extra crispy coating, dip the rings back into the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs one more time.
- Once coated, place the onion rings back in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
4. Fry the Onion Rings
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350˚F (175˚C).
- Carefully place the coated onion rings into the hot oil and fry them until golden brown.
- Avoid frying them for too long, as the cheese may start to leak out.
- Remove the onion rings from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
5. Serve
- Serve the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freezing Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb coating for extra heat.
- Herb-Infused – Mix Italian seasoning or dried herbs into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Cheese Swap – Try different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a twist.
- Baked Version – Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, coated onion rings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella instead of slices?
Sliced mozzarella works best, as shredded cheese may not hold its shape as well.
2. Why do I need to freeze the onion rings before frying?
Freezing helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly and prevents the onion rings from falling apart.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble and freeze them for up to 2 months, frying them straight from the freezer.
4. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well for deep frying due to their high smoke points.
5. Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?
Yes! Spray them with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?
Make sure the onion rings are well-sealed with breadcrumbs, and avoid over-frying.
7. Can I add seasoning to the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Garlic powder, paprika, or Parmesan cheese can enhance the flavor.
8. What can I serve with these onion rings?
They pair well with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.
9. Can I use whole wheat flour or panko breadcrumbs?
Yes! Whole wheat flour adds a heartier texture, and panko breadcrumbs make them extra crispy.
10. How do I know when the onion rings are done frying?
They should be golden brown and crispy, usually after 2-3 minutes per side.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a fun and indulgent snack that combines crispy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, a movie night, or just because, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their golden-brown crunch and gooey cheese center, they’re best enjoyed hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauce!
Print
Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings combine the crunch of onion rings with the gooey goodness of mozzarella sticks. These double-breaded, golden-fried bites are the ultimate party appetizer—perfectly cheesy, irresistibly crunchy, and easy to make ahead and freeze. Serve them hot with marinara sauce for a snack everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 2 large white onions
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups flour (250 g)
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (230 g)
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Onion Rings
- Peel onions and cut into ½-inch rings.
- Separate the rings and set aside.
2. Add the Cheese
- Slice mozzarella into strips.
- Place a smaller onion ring inside a larger one.
- Fill the gap with mozzarella strips.
- Freeze assembled rings for 1 hour.
3. Coat the Rings
- Prepare three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Coat each ring in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- For extra crispiness, repeat egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Freeze again for 15 minutes.
4. Fry the Onion Rings
- Heat oil to 350˚F (175˚C).
- Fry until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve
- Serve hot with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Add cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumbs.
- Herb-Infused – Mix in Italian seasoning.
- Cheese Swap – Use cheddar or pepper jack.
- Baked Version – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
