Cheesy Fried Onion Rings

Crunchy, golden rings of onion wrapped around stretchy mozzarella make an addictive combo of texture and taste. This oven-baked treat brings together sweet onion flavors with gooey cheese, all wrapped in a crunchy outer layer that snaps with every bite.

I stumbled upon these rings at a family party, and they were gone in seconds. The sweet onions with stretchy cheese had everyone coming back for more. Even my picky nephew who normally stays away from onions couldn't keep his hands off these cheesy, crunchy goodies.

Key Ingredients

• Whole wheat flour: Gives a slight nutty flavor, though regular all purpose works fine too
• A combo of panko, cornmeal, and crushed cereal: Makes an extra crunchy coating that stays crisp after baking
• Part skim mozzarella sticks: Melt perfectly without getting too greasy. Keep them frozen until you need them
• Buttermilk: Softens the onions and adds great flavor. Go for full fat for the best taste
• Sweet onions: Offer a natural sweetness that works beautifully with cheese. Try to find Vidalia or Walla Walla types for best results

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Coating and Baking Process:

Give each stuffed ring a coat of plain flour. Dunk in beaten eggs for complete coverage. Go back to flour for a second layer. Dip in eggs one more time for better sticking. Last, roll thoroughly in the seasoned panko mix. Put each ring carefully on your baking sheet. Spray all sides generously with cooking spray.

Create the Coating Station:

Combine leftover flour with panko, cornmeal, and crushed cereal in a wide dish. Add salt and pepper to taste. In another bowl, beat eggs until they're smooth and uniform.

Prepare the Cheese Filling:

Cut frozen mozzarella sticks into four long pieces each. Sort onion rings by size, finding rings that can nest together - a smaller one inside a bigger one. Press cheese strips between paired rings, using roughly two pieces for each ring.

Prepare for Baking:

Get your oven hot at 425°F. Cover a big baking sheet with foil and set it aside. Take onions from the buttermilk and pat them gently with paper towels.

Prepare the Onions:

Slice onions into half-inch thick rings and carefully pull them apart. Soak the rings in buttermilk, making sure each one is completely covered. Wrap and chill for at least an hour to make them tender.

They'll transform in the oven over 22 minutes - don't forget to flip them halfway. The outside should turn nice and golden while the cheese inside gets all melty and wonderful.

Pin it

Delicious Dipping Options

A classic marinara sauce goes wonderfully with these rings, giving a tangy contrast to the rich cheese. Homemade ranch adds a creamy element that brings out both the onion and mozzarella flavors. These dips turn a simple appetizer into something truly memorable.

Bringing People Together

Food has this magic way of connecting folks. These stuffed onion rings have become a must-have at our family get-togethers, making moments of happiness and shared experience. Just watching someone pull apart a ring and see the cheese stretch makes everyone smile.

Homemade Beats Store-Bought

Making snacks yourself lets you pick the ingredients while creating something really special. These rings show that homemade can be way better than anything you'd get at a restaurant, both in taste and quality. There's something so satisfying about making something this tasty yourself.

My grandma always told me onions were nature's flavor boosters. After cooking with all kinds of onions for years, I've found sweet onions really do work best in this recipe, especially when they're matched with creamy mozzarella.

Pin it

I've spent so many hours in my kitchen getting these tricks just right. The hot baking sheet idea was a total game-changer that I figured out after noticing restaurant onion rings always had that perfect crunch on the bottom. These little tweaks might seem small, but they make a huge difference in how they turn out. What I love most is how they take a good recipe and make it great, always giving you that professional-level crunch and that amazing cheese pull that makes these rings so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I stop cheese from coming out?

Pick snugly fitting onion rings and pack cheese tightly before coating.

→ Which oil works best for frying?

Stick with oils like canola, vegetable, or peanut since they fry well at high heat.

→ Can I switch the cheese type?

Sure, but go for cheese that melts easily—cheddar or provolone work great.

→ Is baking a good option?

Better to fry—baking won’t give you the same crunch.

→ Why bother with three coating steps?

It creates the perfect crispy shell and keeps the cheese sealed in while frying.