These Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings combine two of your favorite appetizers into one tasty snack! Crispy onion rings stuffed with oozy mozzarella cheese are an enjoyable snack at any time of the year or for gatherings.
📋 Ingredients:
- 🧅 2 large onions
- 🧀 8-10 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 🌿 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1/4 cup milk
- 🌾 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 🧂 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 🧂 1 teaspoon paprika
- 🌿 Vegetable oil, for frying
- 🍅 Marinara sauce, for dipping
📝 Directions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Onions and Cheese:
- Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set aside.
- Cut the mozzarella sticks into pieces that are slightly shorter than the height of the onion rings.
2️⃣ Assemble the Onion Rings:
- Take an onion ring and place a piece of mozzarella stick inside it. Use a smaller onion ring to encase the mozzarella stick, creating a “mozzarella stick sandwich” inside the onion rings. Repeat with the remaining onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
3️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.
4️⃣ Bread the Onion Rings:
- Dredge each assembled onion ring in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the surface to ensure a good coating.
- Place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet or plate. Repeat with all the onion rings.
5️⃣ Fry the Onion Rings:
- In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place a few onion rings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining onion rings.
6️⃣ Serve:
- Serve the mozzarella stick onion rings hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories: 300 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the onion rings in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- For added flavor, try seasoning the breadcrumb mixture with Italian seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.