Description
Crispy baked onion rings stuffed with gooey mozzarella—an easy, healthier twist on the classic appetizer. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large onions (yellow or white), cut into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut to fit inside onion rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooking spray or oil spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Onion Rings
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Peel onions and slice into 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate carefully.
- Match smaller onion rings with larger ones, leaving space to fit mozzarella inside.
Step 2: Stuff the Onion Rings
- Cut string cheese into pieces that fit inside the onion rings.
- Place a piece of mozzarella between a smaller and larger onion ring, forming a stuffed ring.
- Repeat with remaining onion rings and cheese.
Step 3: Coat the Rings
- Set up a dredging station with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs with milk
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Dip each stuffed onion ring into flour, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat in egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for a firm coating.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Arrange coated onion rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or preferred dip.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Different Cheese: Try cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mozzarella-stuffed onion rings, baked onion rings, crispy onion rings, cheese-stuffed snack, oven-baked appetizer