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Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings

Featured in Elegant Small Bites.

Crispy, golden onion rings envelop a molten mozzarella center, making these an indulgent treat for gatherings and snack cravings. Each ring is double-coated—dipped in seasoned flour, then a smooth batter, and finished with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs for supreme crunch. After a quick deep-fry, they emerge beautifully golden and irresistibly crispy on the outside, with gooey cheese hidden within. Serve hot, paired with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping, and enjoy the delightful contrast of crisp exterior and stretchy, cheesy interior.

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Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 26 Jun 2025 23:02:53 GMT
A plate of fried onion rings with cheese on top. Pin it
A plate of fried onion rings with cheese on top. | gracefulflavors.com

These ultra-crispy mozzarella onion rings have become my go-to party snack when I want to treat my friends to something unforgettable. Extra cheesy on the inside, they crunch perfectly on the outside thanks to a double coating, and they always disappear as soon as I set them out.

My first time making these was for a last-minute birthday gathering, and they vanished even before the cake came out. Now every time I fry a batch, the kitchen is full of anticipation.

Ingredients

  • Large onion: thick rings create the main vessel for stuffing plus look for one that feels firm to the touch and is heavy for its size
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks: give a gooey center select whole milk mozzarella for best melting and flavor
  • Panko bread crumbs: add crunch and airy texture try not to substitute with regular bread crumbs
  • All-purpose flour: for coating look for a powdery fresh feel with no clumping
  • Baking powder: helps lift the batter a quality baking powder will mean a lighter bite
  • Egg: combines with milk for a sticky batter fresh eggs are always best
  • Milk: blends the batter and helps everything stick I prefer whole milk for richness
  • Fine salt: seasons every layer
  • Cooking oil: for frying neutral oil with a high smoke point works best like canola or vegetable
  • Toothpicks: to secure onion rings and seal in the cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Assemble Onion Rings:
Pair one large onion ring with a slightly smaller one and nest them together. Fit a stick of mozzarella in the gap between them and secure the whole thing with a toothpick so it holds tightly. This prevents cheese from leaking while frying.
Prepare Dry Coating:
Mix all-purpose flour baking powder and fine salt in a bowl really whisk until fully combined so every ring gets even seasoning and lift. Dredge your stuffed onion rings in this mixture so they are lightly coated and set them aside on a wire rack.
Mix Wet Batter:
In another bowl blend your milk and beaten egg completely. Pour this into any remaining dry mixture and keep stirring until the batter is smooth with no flour pockets. A lump-free batter sticks best and fries up extra crispy.
Coat with Batter and Panko:
Dip each assembled onion ring into the wet batter ensuring an even coat all over. Let extra batter drip away then roll them in Panko bread crumbs so each ring is fully and thickly coated. Place back on the rack for a short rest.
Deep-Fry the Rings:
Heat your oil in a deep pot to about 350 degrees. Gently fry each onion ring in hot oil for several minutes until golden brown turning carefully to ensure even color. They should sizzle energetically but not brown too fast. Drain finished rings on paper towels.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove toothpicks once the rings are cool enough to handle. Pile on a platter and offer with warm marinara sauce or your favorite dip. The cheese should stretch with every bite.
A piece of food with cheese on it. Pin it
A piece of food with cheese on it. | gracefulflavors.com

Mozzarella is my favorite part here it melts perfectly and delivers that ideal cheese pull every time. I still remember my niece’s eyes lighting up the first time she bit into one and found the gooey surprise inside.

Storage Tips

To store any leftovers cool the onion rings completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two days in the refrigerator. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore their full crunch—microwaving will soften the coating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try pepper jack or provolone cheese for a twist on the filling. If you want to make them gluten free use gluten-free flour and Panko. For a lighter flavor swap yellow onions for sweet Vidalia.

Serving Suggestions

These mozzarella onion rings are fantastic as a party starter with classic marinara or even ranch dressing. Stack them high for a showstopping display. For a full meal serve alongside a crisp green salad or classic burgers.

A Bit of History

Onion rings are a beloved American comfort food dating back nearly a century. Adding mozzarella is an Italian American-inspired update that brings gooey richness to classic crispy rings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I keep the cheese from leaking out while frying?

Secure the mozzarella between two onion rings using toothpicks and ensure a good seal with both batter and breadcrumbs. The double coating helps prevent leaks.

→ Can I make these in advance?

Assemble the onion rings ahead of time and keep refrigerated. For best texture, fry just before serving to maintain crispness.

→ What is the best oil temperature for frying?

Maintain oil at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. This cooks the rings quickly while keeping them golden and light, not greasy.

→ Can I bake instead of fry?

Baking is possible at a high temperature (around 425°F), but the rings may not be as crispy as when deep-fried.

→ Are these vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, as long as the cheese is made with vegetarian rennet, these onion rings fit a vegetarian diet.

Cheesy Mozzarella Onion Rings

Crispy golden onion rings filled with mozzarella cheese and perfect for party snacks or vegetarian comfort food.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
7 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (8 stuffed onion rings)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
02 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
03 1 cup milk
04 1 large egg, beaten
05 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
06 2 cups cooking oil
07 toothpicks, for securing

→ Dry Ingredients

08 1 cup all-purpose flour
09 1 teaspoon baking powder
10 1 teaspoon fine salt

Instructions

Step 01

Pair two slices of onion rings, matching one larger and one smaller ring. Nest the smaller onion ring inside the larger ring, leaving a gap between layers. Slice mozzarella cheese sticks lengthwise and fit the mozzarella snugly into the gap. Secure each assembly with a toothpick to hold the cheese in place.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine salt. Stir to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.

Step 03

Dredge each stuffed onion ring in the flour mixture, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated. Place coated rings onto a wire rack.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and beaten egg until well combined. Gradually add this liquid mixture into any remaining seasoned flour, stirring to form a smooth batter.

Step 05

Dip each floured onion ring into the batter, letting excess drip off. Roll coated rings in Panko breadcrumbs to cover all sides. Return to the wire rack.

Step 06

Heat cooking oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Using a slotted spoon or tongs, gently lower the breaded onion rings into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Remove from oil and set on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 07

Carefully remove the toothpicks from each onion ring before serving. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. Secure the cheese between onion rings with toothpicks to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
  2. Double coating first in flour, then in batter and Panko breadcrumbs ensures an extra crispy crust.
  3. For best texture and flavor, serve onion rings immediately after frying while hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep cooking pot
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Toothpicks
  • Slotted spoon or tongs

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella cheese, milk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour, Panko bread crumbs)