Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are a mouthwatering twist on the classic onion ring. These crispy, gooey treats are stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese and then dipped in rich, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack!
🧀 Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter Recipe
🧅 Ingredients:
- For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large onions (preferably sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crispiness)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into sticks or use string cheese, cut in half)
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Prepare the Onions:
- Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. You should be able to separate the rings into layers. Save the larger outer rings for stuffing, and set aside the smaller inner rings for breading.
- Stuff the Onion Rings:
- Take one of the larger onion rings and insert a mozzarella stick or half a string cheese into the center. Place another onion ring on top to “seal” the cheese inside. Repeat with the remaining onion rings.
- Breading Setup:
- In one shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a second shallow dish, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
- In a third dish, add the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Onion Rings:
- Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour mixture, coating it well. Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s evenly coated. For extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.
- Fry the Onion Rings:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Garlic Butter:
- While the onion rings are frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the chopped parsley and salt.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the garlic butter over the hot mozzarella-stuffed onion rings or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- For extra crispy rings: You can double dip the onion rings in the egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the onion rings and freeze them before frying. Just place them on a baking sheet in the freezer and once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Fry straight from frozen when you’re ready to eat!
These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are irresistibly cheesy and crispy. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish for burgers, steaks, or even just on their own with a tasty dipping sauce.
Would you like any suggestions on a dip or a side dish to serve with these?