Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

I’m excited to share my Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter—a crispy, cheesy snack that combines the sweetness of onion, the gooey pull of melted mozzarella, and the rich flavor of garlic butter for an irresistible treat.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love these onion rings because they’re indulgent, crunchy on the outside, and melty on the inside. The combination of savory cheese, sweet onion, and garlicky butter makes them addictive. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or when I’m in the mood for a comfort food snack.

Ingredients

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

• Large onions (I prefer sweet onions), cut into thick rings

• Mozzarella cheese sticks or slices, cut to fit inside onion rings

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs, beaten

• Bread crumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• Garlic powder

• Unsalted butter

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Salt and black pepper

• Oil for frying

Directions

1. I separate the onion into thick rings, pairing similar-sized ones to create a “cheese sandwich” space inside.

2. I place a piece of mozzarella between two onion rings, pressing gently to keep it in place.

3. I dredge each stuffed onion ring in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it in bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. For extra crispiness, I repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.

5. I heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the onion rings in batches until golden and crispy.

6. While they fry, I melt butter in a small pan, add minced garlic, and cook gently until fragrant.

7. I drain the onion rings on paper towels and brush or drizzle them with the garlic butter before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4 servings

• Prep time: 15–20 minutes

• Cook time: 5–7 minutes per batch

• Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb coating for extra flavor.

• I sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the finished onion rings for a fresh touch.

• I use smoked mozzarella for a deeper, richer taste.

• I serve them with marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired appetizer.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or air-fry them until hot and crispy again. I avoid microwaving them to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

I make sure the onion rings are well-coated and do a double breading for a better seal.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes—I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won’t be quite as crispy as fried.

What oil works best for frying?

I like using vegetable or canola oil because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Yes—I assemble and bread them, then refrigerate for up to 4 hours before frying.

Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

No—regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko gives a lighter, crunchier coating.

Conclusion

I love making Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter because they combine the best of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors in one bite. They’re a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s just as fun to make as they are to eat.