Description
Crispy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings deliver a perfect snack with double crunch and melty cheese inside. Combining the crispy texture of golden-fried onion rings and the gooey melt of mozzarella sticks, this appetizer is ideal for game days, parties, or satisfying any snack craving. Made with simple pantry ingredients and easily customizable, these onion rings promise a fun, flavorful treat that’s impressive and indulgent.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Large onions (firm, sweet) – 2
- Mozzarella sticks (fresh or frozen) – 8 sticks
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Eggs – 2 large, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs – 2 cups
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Optional paprika or garlic powder – ½ teaspoon each
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola) – enough for deep frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Rings: Peel the onions and slice them into ½ inch thick rings. Carefully separate each ring into individual circles, discarding the smaller inner rings. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Assemble the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings: Cut mozzarella sticks into pieces sized to fit snugly inside the onion rings. Layer a piece of mozzarella inside each onion ring, gently pressing to secure it in place.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, black pepper, and any optional spices like paprika or garlic powder in a third bowl.
- Bread the Rings: Coat each stuffed onion ring first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it generously in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch and secure coating, repeat the egg dipping and breadcrumb rolling one more time.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded rings in small batches, turning occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove carefully and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the crispy mozzarella stick onion rings immediately while the cheese inside is delightfully melted and the coating remains crisp.
Notes
- Keep the breaded rings cold by chilling briefly before frying to help the coating set and prevent cheese leakage.
- Use fresh oil to maintain crispiness and avoid off-flavors from reused oil.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and to maintain a consistent oil temperature for even cooking.
- Drain fried rings well on paper towels to soak up excess oil and preserve crunch.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and gooey cheese experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 onion rings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, onion rings, crispy snack, fried appetizer, cheesy snack, party food, game day snack