If you’re looking for a delicious and cheesy twist on traditional onion rings, these Baked Mozzarella Onion Rings are the perfect snack or appetizer. With gooey mozzarella cheese inside crispy onion rings, baked to golden perfection, they’re irresistible and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, cut into 1/2 inch rings
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Step 1: Prepare the Onions and Cheese
Cut the onions into 1/2-inch thick rings and carefully separate them into individual rings. Set aside. Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks that are about the same length as the diameter of the onion rings.
Step 2: Assemble the Onion Rings
Place a mozzarella stick inside each onion ring. Try to match the size of the cheese stick with the size of the onion ring. If needed, cut the cheese sticks to fit the rings. Once all the onion rings are filled with cheese, place them on a tray.
Step 3: Set Up a Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls or plates:
- Fill the first bowl with all-purpose flour.
- In the second bowl, whisk the beaten eggs.
- In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Bread the Onion Rings
Take each onion ring filled with mozzarella, coat it in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure they stick to the onion rings. Place the coated onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Bake the Onion Rings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the prepared onion rings with cooking spray to help them crisp up during baking. Bake the onion rings in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the onion rings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Cooking Notes:
- Even Coating: Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the onion rings to ensure they stay crispy during baking.
- Freezing Option: For easier handling, freeze the assembled onion rings for about 30 minutes before breading them. This helps the mozzarella stay in place during the coating process.
- Crispier Texture: For an extra crispy texture, you can use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Variations:
1. Spicy Mozzarella Onion Rings
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Cheesy Herb Onion Rings
Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs to the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy, herby flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Mozzarella Onion Rings
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these onion rings gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these onion rings in an air fryer?
A: Yes! You can air fry the onion rings at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and bread the onion rings ahead of time, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and bake directly from frozen when ready.
Q: What type of onions should I use?
A: Sweet onions, like Vidalia, or yellow onions work best for this recipe, as they are mild and complement the mozzarella cheese.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
A: It’s best to use mozzarella sticks or a block of mozzarella cheese cut into sticks, as shredded mozzarella won’t stay in place inside the onion rings.
These Baked Mozzarella Onion Rings combine the best of both worlds: crispy onion rings and gooey mozzarella cheese. They’re a fun and unique appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and crispy. Plus, they’re baked, making them a lighter alternative to fried versions.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy onion and melty cheese in every bite!
