Description:
Looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are the ultimate appetizer. Sweet onion rings, generously filled with gooey mozzarella, breaded to crispy perfection, and drizzled (or dipped!) in a luscious garlic butter sauce. They’re indulgent, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun weekend snack. Prepare to be amazed by this cheesy, crispy, garlicky delight!
Ingredients:
For the Onion Rings:
- 1 large sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rings
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works well)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Gently separate the onion slices into individual rings. Aim to use the larger, more uniform rings for easier stuffing. Discard the small inner rings, or save them for another culinary adventure, such as adding to soups, omelets, or stir-fries. The goal is to have rings that are sturdy enough to hold the mozzarella filling.
Step 2: Stuff the Onion Rings
Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella in the center of each onion ring. Don’t be shy! Pack the cheese in firmly to ensure a good, melty filling. Gently press the cheese to help it stay in place, creating a stable base for the breading process.
Step 3: Create the Breading Station
This is where the magic happens! Set up a three-bowl breading station for an efficient and mess-free process.
- Bowl 1: In the first shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices. This seasoned flour acts as the first layer of adhesion, helping the egg stick to the onion and create a flavorful base.
- Bowl 2: In the second bowl, beat the eggs until lightly frothy. This egg wash will bind the flour and breadcrumbs, creating a cohesive coating.
- Bowl 3: In the third bowl, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs offer a superior crispness due to their larger, flakier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Bread the Onion Rings
This is the crucial step to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Dip each mozzarella-stuffed onion ring into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. This step helps the egg wash adhere properly.
- Next, dip the floured onion ring into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Make sure the entire ring is submerged in the egg for even coverage.
- Finally, coat the onion ring generously in panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them adhere. Pay special attention to the sides and any exposed cheese. A well-breaded onion ring is less likely to leak cheese during frying.
- Place the breaded onion rings on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up the coating before frying. This step is essential for preventing the breading from falling off during frying and helps the cheese stay contained.
Step 5: Fry the Onion Rings
Frying in hot oil is the key to achieving that perfect crispy texture.
- Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to reach about 2 inches deep. Ensure you use a high-sided pot to prevent oil splatters. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately. Frying at the correct temperature is crucial for crispy, not soggy, onion rings.
- Carefully add the breaded onion rings to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy onion rings.
- Fry each batch for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them halfway through cooking. Watch the onion rings closely to prevent burning.
- Remove the fried onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This helps to absorb excess oil, resulting in a less greasy final product.
Step 6: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce elevates these onion rings to a whole new level of flavor.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Low heat prevents the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
- Transfer the garlic butter to a small bowl and keep warm while assembling the platter.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Arrange the crispy mozzarella-stuffed onion rings on a serving platter.
- Drizzle or serve the garlic butter sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and melty.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are a flavor explosion in every bite. The sweetness of the onion complements the salty, gooey mozzarella, while the crispy breading provides a satisfying crunch. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory element that ties everything together. This recipe is relatively easy to make, using common ingredients, and it’s guaranteed to impress your friends and family. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or any occasion where you want to serve a delicious and indulgent appetizer. The homemade touch makes them so much better than anything you can buy in a store!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.
- Serve alongside burgers or sandwiches for a decadent side dish.
- Enjoy as a snack while watching your favorite movie or sports game.
Tips:
- Use a sweet onion variety like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best flavor.
- Refrigerating the breaded onion rings for 15-20 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting out too quickly.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the garlic butter sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a different flavor variation, try using different types of cheese, such as provolone or pepper jack.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on portion size and amount of cheese) Protein: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving Sodium: Approximately 500-700 mg per serving
Conclusion
These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are a decadent treat that’s perfect for sharing. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So go ahead, indulge in this cheesy, crispy, garlicky delight! Don’t be surprised when people ask for the recipe! This appetizer is a certified winner.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying them? A: While frying provides the optimal crispy texture, you can bake these onion rings. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Note that the baked version will not be as crispy as the fried version.
Q2: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese? A: Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella cheese can be used for convenience. However, low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is recommended because it melts better and doesn’t release as much moisture as fresh mozzarella, which can make the onion rings soggy.
Q3: Can I prepare these onion rings ahead of time? A: You can prepare the onion rings up to the breading stage and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. This allows the breading to adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting out too quickly. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving for optimal crispness.
Q4: What other dipping sauces would go well with these onion rings? A: Besides garlic butter, these onion rings pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, spicy mayo (mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce), honey mustard, or a creamy avocado dip. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combination.
Q5: Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs? A: Yes, you can easily make these onion rings gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many gluten-free panko breadcrumb options are available in most grocery stores. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to make the recipe entirely gluten-free.
