Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Craving a cheesy, crispy, and indulgent snack? These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are the ultimate comfort food—combining the satisfying crunch of classic onion rings with the gooey cheese pull of mozzarella sticks. But what takes them to the next level? A rich, garlicky butter glaze brushed over the crispy rings for an extra flavor boost!

Whether you’re making them for game day, as a party appetizer, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Plus, if you’ve ever wondered how frying science impacts crispiness, check out this detailed guide to perfect your technique!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Onion Rings:

2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow)
8 oz mozzarella cheese (string cheese or block)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Garlic Butter:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preparing the Onion Rings

Peel and slice onions into ½-inch thick rings.
Separate rings into pairs, ensuring one is slightly smaller than the other to hold the cheese.

2️⃣ Stuffing with Mozzarella

Cut mozzarella cheese into strips that fit inside the onion rings.
Sandwich the cheese between two onion rings, pressing lightly to secure.

3️⃣ Coating Process

Set up three bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika).
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.

Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs.
For extra crunch, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.

4️⃣ Freezing (Key Step!)

Place coated rings on a baking sheet and freeze for 15-30 minutes.
This prevents the cheese from leaking when frying.

5️⃣ Frying to Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil (this keeps them crispy!).

6️⃣ Making the Garlic Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chopped parsley.

7️⃣ Final Touch

Brush the hot onion rings generously with garlic butter.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!

Best Dipping Sauces

These crispy onion rings are even better when paired with the perfect sauce:

✔ Marinara sauce – A classic pairing.
✔ Garlic aioli – For extra garlicky goodness.
✔ Spicy mayo – A creamy, spicy kick.
✔ Ranch dressing – A cool contrast to the crispy rings.

How to Customize Your Onion Rings

Baked Version: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
Spicy Variation: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings

✅ Freeze before frying – This helps the cheese stay inside.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the fryer – Cook in small batches for even crispiness.
✅ Use a wire rack, not paper towels – Keeps them crispy, not soggy.
✅ Double-coat for extra crunch – More breadcrumbs = better crunch.
✅ Fry at the right temperature – Too hot = burnt, too cold = greasy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

How to Store

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze unfried onion rings for up to 2 months.
Fry directly from frozen (no need to thaw).

How to Reheat

Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes.
Air fryer: 350°F for 5 minutes.
❌ Avoid microwave – It makes them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ Can I make these ahead of time?

✔ Yes! Prep and bread the rings, then freeze them until ready to fry.

2️⃣ Can I use other cheeses?

✔ Absolutely! Try cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor.

3️⃣ Why is my cheese leaking out?

✔ The onion rings weren’t fully coated or weren’t frozen long enough.

4️⃣ Can I bake instead of frying?

✔ Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate cheesy snack, these Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are a game-changer. The combination of crispy breading, stretchy mozzarella, and garlicky butter makes them completely irresistible.

✔ Perfect for parties, game days, or indulgent snacking.
✔ Easy to make and customize to your taste.
✔ Guaranteed to impress your friends & family!

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This Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter recipe is your new favorite appetizer! Try it today and let us know how it turns out!

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