Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings (Print version)
Sweet onion rings stuffed with mozzarella, chilled, double-coated, and fried until crisp outside and gooey inside.
# Ingredients:
For the stuffed rings
01 -
2 large sweet onions or yellow onions
02 -
8 oz (225 g) low-moisture mozzarella block or string cheese, cut into strips
For the coating
03 -
3/4 cup (95 g) all-purpose flour
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
07 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 -
2 large eggs
09 -
2 tablespoons milk
10 -
2 cups (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
For frying and serving
11 -
4 cups (950 ml) vegetable oil, or enough for 2 inches in the pan
12 -
Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Peel the onions and slice them into thick 3/4-inch rounds. Separate the rings and pair each large ring with a smaller ring that fits inside, leaving a gap for cheese.
02 -
Cut the mozzarella into strips that fit the gap between the paired onion rings. Pack the cheese between the rings, pressing gently so the pieces sit snugly.
03 -
Place the stuffed rings on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 45-60 minutes, until firm enough to handle without shifting.
04 -
Mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in one shallow bowl. Whisk eggs with milk in a second bowl. Add panko to a third bowl.
05 -
Coat each frozen ring in seasoned flour, dip in egg, then press into panko. For a sturdier crust, dip again in egg and panko, pressing crumbs into the edges.
06 -
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy pot. Fry the rings in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until deep golden and crisp.
07 -
Transfer the rings to a wire rack and sprinkle lightly with salt. Serve hot with marinara or ranch while the mozzarella is melted.
# Good to know:
01 -
Freeze the assembled rings before breading to reduce cheese leaks.
02 -
Best served immediately after frying.
03 -
Makes about 10 stuffed onion rings, depending on onion size.