Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are the ultimate snack fusion—crispy, golden onion rings stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite delivers the satisfying crunch of fried coating with the rich, stretchy melt of mozzarella. It’s the kind of indulgent appetizer that disappears fast at any party or game day table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these combine the best parts of two classic appetizers in one: the crispy outer shell of onion rings and the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and guaranteed to get attention when I serve them. Whether I’m making a batch for friends or just treating myself, these never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large onions (preferably sweet onions)

• Mozzarella cheese sticks or block mozzarella, cut into strips

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

• Milk

• Breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. I start by peeling and slicing the onions into thick rings, about ½ inch wide, and then separate them into pairs of rings (one slightly smaller ring nested inside a larger one).

2. I cut mozzarella cheese to fit snugly in between the two onion rings, pressing them together to hold the cheese in place.

3. I place the stuffed rings in the freezer for 1-2 hours until they’re solid—this helps keep everything together during frying.

4. For the coating, I prepare three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs mixed with a splash of milk, and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.

5. I coat each frozen onion ring first in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally press it into the breadcrumbs until fully coated. I like to double-coat for extra crunch.

6. I heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C), then carefully fry the rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.

7. Once fried, I drain them on paper towels and serve immediately while the cheese is still melty.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 stuffed onion rings and takes around 25 minutes to prepare (plus 1–2 hours of freezing) and about 15 minutes to fry. It serves 4 to 6 as a snack or appetizer.

Variations

• I sometimes add a slice of jalapeño inside for a spicy twist.

• For extra flavor, I mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb coating.

• I’ve also made a baked version—just spray with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden.

• To make them gluten-free, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. I avoid microwaving since that tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble and freeze them ahead of time. When I’m ready to fry, I cook them straight from the freezer—no thawing needed.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I use low-moisture mozzarella because it melts beautifully and stays contained. Fresh mozzarella is too wet and may leak out too much.

Can I use an air fryer?

Absolutely. I air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out crispy with less oil.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Freezing the rings before frying is key. It helps the cheese stay in place while the coating cooks and crisps up.

What dip goes best with these?

I usually serve them with marinara sauce, but they’re also great with ranch, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a fun, cheesy twist on two classic snacks that I can’t resist making again and again. With their crispy shell and gooey center, they’re perfect for parties, casual hangouts, or whenever I’m in the mood for something indulgent and satisfying.

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