Crispy Baked Cheesy Onion Rings

This crispy baked cheesy onion ring recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible snack in just minutes. The melted cheese creates a perfect golden crust around tender onion slices, giving you all the satisfaction of traditional onion rings without the mess of deep frying.

The first time I made these was during a football game when I needed something quick to serve. My husband couldn't believe they weren't deep-fried, and now they're our go-to when we want something indulgent without the guilt.

Ingredients

• White onion: Choose a small to medium onion with firm layers that will hold up well when sliced. The natural sweetness develops beautifully during baking.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: The perfect melting cheese that creates those crispy golden edges while remaining stretchy in the center. Fresh mozzarella has too much moisture for this recipe.
• Daks steakhouse seasoning: This blend adds the perfect savory flavor, but any favorite seasoning works beautifully. Look for something with a balance of salt, pepper and herbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Heat your oven to 400°F. This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect balance between melted cheese and caramelized onions. Allow at least 5 minutes for proper preheating.

Prepare your baking surface:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. The parchment also helps the cheese crisp up evenly from the bottom.

Create your cheese and onion stacks:

Place a heaping tablespoon of shredded mozzarella on the parchment, forming a small circle. Position one thin onion slice in the center, then top with another heaping tablespoon of cheese, ensuring the cheese extends slightly beyond the onion edge to create a sealed ring.

Season and bake:

Sprinkle your rings with Daks steakhouse seasoning or your preferred seasoning blend. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully in the final minutes. The cheese should be golden brown with crispy edges, but not dark brown.

Serve immediately:

Transfer to a serving plate while still warm and pair with your favorite BBQ sauce or dipping option. They're best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is still slightly stretchy inside but crispy outside.

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The mozzarella cheese is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that pre-shredded works better than freshly grated because it contains less moisture. My family has a running joke about how these disappear faster than it takes to make them, which is pretty impressive considering they take just minutes to prepare.

Perfect Slicing Technique

The thickness of your onion slices dramatically affects the final texture of these rings. For maximum crispiness, aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is the perfect time to use it. The thinner slices allow the onion to cook through completely while the cheese crisps up. Too thick, and you'll end up with raw-tasting onion that overpowers the dish.

Seasoning Variations

While the recipe suggests Daks steakhouse seasoning, this is wonderfully adaptable to your taste preferences. Italian seasoning with a pinch of garlic powder creates a pizza-like flavor profile. For spice lovers, try a sprinkle of cajun seasoning or chili powder. My personal favorite variation is everything bagel seasoning, which adds delightful texture and a savory boost. Remember that most cheese already contains salt, so adjust additional seasonings accordingly.

Air Fryer Method

These onion rings adapt beautifully to air fryer cooking. Prepare the cheese and onion stacks exactly as you would for the oven, then place them in your air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Cook at 375°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. The air fryer creates an even crispier exterior while maintaining that wonderful cheese pull. Just be sure to check them frequently as cooking times vary between air fryer models.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make sure the onion rings are crispy?

For crispy onion rings, slice the onions thinly. Thicker slices may not become as crunchy but will still taste delicious.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, parmesan, or a cheese blend to tailor the flavor to your preference.

→ Can these be cooked in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook them in the air fryer at a similar temperature, reducing the time by about 3–4 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn’t burn.

→ What seasoning works best for this dish?

While Daks steakhouse seasoning adds great flavor, you can use any seasoning of your choice, like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

→ What can I serve with these cheesy onion rings?

These onion rings pair wonderfully with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy mayo for dipping.