Oh my goodness, if you’ve never tried mozzarella stuffed crispy baked onion rings, you’re in for a treat! Imagine biting into a crunchy, golden onion ring, and then—bam!—you hit that ooey-gooey, melty mozzarella center. It’s like a flavor explosion that’s so satisfying! I remember the first time I made these for a game night with friends. The aroma filled the house, and as soon as I pulled them out of the oven, everyone was gathered around the kitchen, ready to dive in. Trust me, they disappeared in minutes! The combination of the sweet onion, the rich cheese, and the crispy breadcrumbs is just unbeatable. Perfect for snacking or serving at parties, these onion rings are sure to become a favorite in your household too!
Ingredients List
- 2 large onions, sliced into thick rings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it helps achieve the ultimate crispy texture you’re after. Trust me, no one wants soggy onion rings!
Prepare the Onions
Now, grab those large onions and slice them into thick rings. I usually aim for about half an inch thick. Once sliced, gently separate the onion rings and set them aside. This is where the fun begins, so don’t worry if a few layers fall apart; they’ll still taste amazing!
Create the Coating Mixture
In a bowl, mix together your breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture adds such a delightful flavor, and it’s what gives those onion rings their signature crunch. Make sure it’s well combined so every bite is bursting with flavor!
Set Up the Dredging Stations
Okay, it’s time to set up your dredging stations. Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the whisked eggs, and the last one for the breadcrumb mixture. This makes the coating process super easy! To dredge, take a stuffed onion ring, dip it in the flour first, then into the egg, and finally coat it with that scrumptious breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each ring is evenly coated for that perfect crunch!
Stuff the Onion Rings
Now for the fun part—stuffing! Take your shredded mozzarella cheese and carefully fill each onion ring. Don’t be shy with the cheese; the more, the merrier! You want that melty goodness to ooze out when you bite into them.
Coat the Onion Rings
Once all your onion rings are stuffed, it’s time to coat them. Dredge each stuffed ring in the flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they’re well-covered—this is what creates that delightful crunch we all love!
Bake the Onion Rings
Finally, place your coated onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen is filled with that irresistible aroma and the onion rings look perfectly crunchy. Get ready for a delicious treat!
Tips for Success
To really nail these mozzarella stuffed crispy baked onion rings, here are some of my top tips! First, always use large onions—they’re easier to stuff and give you that perfect bite of flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste, and feel free to add a little kick with some cayenne pepper if you like it spicy!
And let’s talk about dipping sauces—these rings are fantastic with a classic marinara, ranch, or even a tangy buffalo sauce. The contrast of the creamy cheese and the tangy dip is just heavenly! Lastly, if you’re making these for a crowd, consider doubling the recipe; trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say “onion rings!” Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s an estimate for each serving of these delicious mozzarella stuffed crispy baked onion rings:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
Keep these values in mind as you enjoy your crispy, cheesy creations! They’re a tasty treat that you can feel good about indulging in every now and then.
FAQ Section
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is my go-to for that melty goodness, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar adds a sharp flavor, while pepper jack will give you a nice kick! You could even mix cheeses for a fun twist—just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well. Trust me, each variation can bring a whole new flavor profile to the table!
How can I make these gluten-free?
If you want to whip up a gluten-free version of these crispy baked onion rings, it’s super easy! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are lots of fantastic options available now, and they work just as well to create that delicious crunch. Plus, your gluten-sensitive friends will thank you!
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally prep these ahead of time! Just follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover the coated onion rings and store them in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven—no fuss! This way, you can enjoy your gathering without the last-minute rush. Just remember, they might need a couple of extra minutes in the oven if they’re coming straight out of the fridge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight snacking or entertaining!
- Deliciously crispy texture with a gooey, cheesy center that’s hard to resist.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for everyone at the table.
- Customizable with your favorite seasoning or dipping sauces to suit any palate.
- Perfect for parties or gatherings—everyone will be raving about these onion rings!
- Healthier than traditional fried versions, baked to crispy perfection without all that oil.
Trust me, once you try these mozzarella stuffed crispy baked onion rings, they’ll become a regular feature in your home. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, and watch them disappear in no time!
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Mozzarella Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings You Must Try
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy baked onion rings stuffed with mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the onions into thick rings.
- Separate the onion rings and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Place flour in a separate dish.
- Stuff each onion ring with mozzarella cheese.
- Dredge the stuffed onion rings in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use large onions for better stuffing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 rings
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed crispy baked onion rings
