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Cheesy Onion Mozzarella Rings take the humble onion ring to a whole new level. With a golden, crispy exterior and gooey, stretchy mozzarella inside, these savory bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re planning a game-day spread or indulging in a late-night snack, these stuffed rings deliver big flavor with satisfying crunch in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Onion Mozzarella Rings

Crispy outside, melty inside – perfect cheese pull guaranteed
Made with pantry staples – no fancy ingredients required
Impressive yet easy – great for parties, gatherings, or movie nights
Pairs with your favorite dips – ranch, spicy mayo, marinara, you name it

The first time I made these for a game night, they vanished faster than I could fry them. That audible crunch paired with creamy cheese is absolutely irresistible!

Ingredients For Cheesy Onion Mozzarella Rings

Main

2 large onions, peeled and sliced into thick rings
200g mozzarella block, cut into long strips

Coating

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups (90g) panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Frying

Vegetable oil for deep frying (sunflower or peanut oil recommended)

How to Make Cheesy Onion Mozzarella Rings

Slice & Prep the Onions: Cut onions into thick rounds (½ inch). Carefully separate them into rings and pair similar-sized ones together. Nest two rings inside each other, leaving space between to insert the cheese.
Stuff with Mozzarella: Cut mozzarella into long thin strips and tuck inside the gap between the paired rings. Press gently to hold the cheese in place. Repeat until all rings are filled.
Set Up Your Breading Station: In three separate bowls: Bowl 1: flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; Bowl 2: beaten eggs; Bowl 3: panko breadcrumbs. Dip each ring in flour → then egg → then panko. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko step for a double coating.
Freeze Before Frying: Place the coated rings on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from leaking out during frying.
Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rings in small batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy mayo. These are best enjoyed fresh!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Before frying: Store uncooked rings in the freezer for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen for best texture.
After frying: Let cool on a rack, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5–8 minutes.

Variations & Ingredient Swaps

Cheese options: Try fontina, gouda, or cheddar for a flavor twist.
Make it vegetarian-friendly: Use sweet onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Gluten-free version: Swap flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives—still crispy and delicious.
Sweet version: Dust fried rings with cinnamon sugar and serve with honey for a dessert-style snack.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Onion Mozzarella Rings pair perfectly with:

Mini sliders or buffalo wings
A selection of dips: ranch, blue cheese, chipotle mayo
Tucked into burgers for a decadent crunch
Game-day platters or party snack boards

A Bit of History

While classic onion rings have been around for over a century, stuffing them with cheese is a modern upgrade born in pubs and food trucks. This genius combination blends bar snack indulgence with nostalgic comfort—no wonder it’s a viral sensation!

Pro Tips for Success

Freeze before frying to lock in the cheese and prevent leaks.
Double-dip in egg and panko for that thick, crunchy crust.
Test your oil by dropping in a breadcrumb—it should sizzle instantly.
Let onions come to room temp before slicing to make ring separation easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these in advance?
Yes! Assemble and freeze them before frying. It saves time and helps prevent cheese spills.

→ What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Whole milk mozzarella melts perfectly and stretches beautifully.

→ Do I have to use panko?
Highly recommended! Panko gives the crispiest result.

→ How do I get an ultra-crunchy coating?
Double dip in egg and panko for an extra thick crust.

→ What sauces go well with these?
Classic ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, marinara, garlic aioli—the sky’s the limit!

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Conclusion

Cheesy Onion Mozzarella Rings are more than just a snack—they’re a show-stopping appetizer, a comfort food craving, and a crowd-pleaser rolled into one crunchy, gooey bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these rings are guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.