Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a delightful twist on the classic onion ring appetizer, combining the savory crunch of onions with the gooey, melty goodness of mozzarella cheese. These bite-sized wonders are perfect for serving as a snack, party appetizer, or even a side dish alongside your favorite main course. This recipe will take you through each step to create these crispy, cheesy delights that are sure to impress your family and guests.
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large onions – cut into thick rings
- 8 mozzarella sticks – cut into smaller pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs – beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs – use a fine breadcrumb variety for better coating
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – a flavorful mix of basil, oregano, and thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt – to enhance the flavor of the batter
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – for a touch of spice
- Vegetable oil – for frying the onion rings, enough to submerge them in the skillet or fryer
These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores and should make about four servings of delicious Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings.
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Preparing the Onion Rings
Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into thick rings. Aim for about 1/2-inch thick slices for a satisfying bite. Once the onions are sliced, gently separate the rings. You’ll need to choose two rings that are large enough to comfortably fit a piece of mozzarella between them. Make sure the mozzarella fits snugly so it won’t slide out while frying.
Step 2: Stuffing the Onion Rings
Take each onion ring and place a piece of mozzarella stick in between two of the onion rings. Press down gently to ensure the mozzarella is nestled in securely. Repeat this step for all the onion rings, stuffing them with the mozzarella. You can use a sharp knife to cut the mozzarella sticks into smaller pieces if necessary, depending on the size of the onion rings.
Step 3: Breading Station Setup
For the breading process, you will need three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the two large eggs. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix the breadcrumbs thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Breading the Stuffed Onion Rings
Carefully coat each stuffed onion ring in flour, making sure it is lightly dusted on all sides. Afterward, dip the flour-coated ring into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely covered with the egg wash. Finally, roll the onion ring in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere. Repeat this process for all the stuffed onion rings.
Step 5: Freezing the Onion Rings
Once all the onion rings are breaded, place them on a tray in a single layer. Put the tray in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. This step is important because it helps the breading stay intact while frying and also prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
Step 6: Frying the Onion Rings
While the onion rings are freezing, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the onion rings completely, ensuring they fry evenly. You can test the oil temperature by dropping in a small breadcrumb—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Once the oil is hot, fry the onion rings in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the rings are golden brown and crispy. Turn the onion rings halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly cooked. Remove the fried onion rings from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 7: Serving the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
Serve your Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings hot, straight from the fryer. These crispy treats are best enjoyed with marinara sauce for dipping, but feel free to experiment with other sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I make these onion rings in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the onion rings up to the freezing step in advance. Store them in the freezer for up to a day before frying. When you’re ready to serve them, just fry them directly from the freezer.
2. What can I substitute for mozzarella sticks?
If you prefer a different cheese, you can use string cheese or even small cubes of cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack. However, mozzarella offers the best melt and stretch for this recipe.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the onion rings a crispy, golden texture, you can bake them if you prefer a healthier version. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake the breaded onion rings on a greased baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. How can I make these onion rings spicier?
For a spicy version, you can add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
5. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
7. Can I freeze the breaded onion rings before frying?
Absolutely! After breading the onion rings, freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to fry them, just take them out of the freezer and fry them straight from frozen. You may need to adjust the frying time slightly.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and crispy textures that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these rings are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare and full of flavor. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make these delicious appetizers from scratch, ensuring the mozzarella stays perfectly melted inside the crispy, seasoned onion rings. Try them today and elevate your appetizer game to a whole new level!