CAROTE 21pcs Pots and Pans Set Nonstick, Cookware Set Black Granite Induction Kitchen
Buy Now →If you love mozzarella sticks and onion rings, get ready for the ultimate mashup—Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings! These crispy, golden rings combine the gooey, stretchy cheese of mozzarella sticks with the savory crunch of classic onion rings. Each bite is perfectly seasoned, deep-fried to perfection, and totally addictive.
Perfect for game nights, parties, or just an indulgent snack, these cheese-stuffed onion rings will be your new favorite appetizer. Plus, I’ll share tips for baking and air frying if you want a lighter option!
Let’s dive into this cheesy, crunchy goodness! And don’t forget to subscribe for more epic snack recipes!
Ingredients
Onion Rings & Cheese:
- 2 large onions (preferably sweet or yellow onions)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese)
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor!)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (for deep frying)
Dipping Sauces (Optional):
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Garlic aioli
Equipment
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Three shallow bowls (for dredging)
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels
Instructions – How to Make Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
Prepare the Onions & Cheese
- Slice thick onion rings (about ½-inch wide). Separate into pairs—one smaller ring inside a larger ring, leaving a gap.
- Cut mozzarella cheese into strips or use string cheese cut to fit inside the onion rings.
- Place mozzarella inside the onion ring gaps, pressing gently to secure.
Freeze the Onion Rings
- Arrange the stuffed rings on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour—this prevents the cheese from leaking when frying.
Set Up the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until combined.
- In a third bowl, combine panko, regular breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Coat the Onion Rings
- Dredge each frozen ring in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat dipping in egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating—this makes them extra crispy!
Fry to Perfection
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Fry a few onion rings at a time (don’t overcrowd) for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack.
Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the cheesy, crunchy goodness!
What to Serve with Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
These crispy cheese-stuffed onion rings are perfect with:
- Marinara Sauce – Classic and delicious!
- Ranch Dressing – Cool and creamy contrast.
- Spicy Mayo – A little heat for extra flavor.
- Garlic Aioli – Buttery, garlicky perfection!
- Crispy French Fries – Because more crispy food is always good!
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Method (Healthier Option!)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange breaded onion rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray lightly with cooking oil spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the breaded onion rings on a greased baking sheet.
- Spray with cooking oil spray for crispiness.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
Both methods cut down on oil but still give you a crispy, cheesy bite!
Substitutions and Variations Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
Want to customize your Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings to suit your taste or dietary needs? Here are some fun variations and easy ingredient swaps to try!
Ingredient Substitutions
No mozzarella? → Use provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor.
No panko breadcrumbs? → Use all regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes or crackers for a unique crunch.
1 No eggs? → Replace with a mixture of milk and cornstarch or use buttermilk to help the breading stick.
No all-purpose flour? → Try cornstarch or almond flour for a lighter coating.
No onions? → Swap with bell pepper rings or jalapeño slices for a spicy kick!
Need a gluten-free option? → Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs—panko-style GF breadcrumbs work great for crunch.
Flavor Variations
Spicy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings → Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for an extra kick. Serve with spicy mayo or buffalo sauce!
Garlic Parmesan Onion Rings → Mix garlic powder and grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for a rich, cheesy flavor. Serve with garlic aioli!
Extra Cheesy Onion Rings → Use a cheese blend (mozzarella + cheddar or pepper jack) for an extra gooey bite.
Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Onion Rings → Wrap the stuffed onion rings with bacon, then bread and fry them for a smoky twist!
Burger-Style Mozzarella Onion Rings → Use these as burger toppers for the ultimate cheesy, crunchy burger experience!
Keto Mozzarella Onion Rings → Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb version.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Deep Frying (Classic & Crispy!)
- The best method for ultra-crispy onion rings with gooey melted cheese.
Air Frying (Healthier & Still Crunchy!)
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Spray with cooking oil before air frying for extra crispiness.
Oven Baking (Oil-Free & Crunchy!)
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Brush or spray with oil to help them crisp up.
Fun Serving Ideas
Pizza-Style Mozzarella Onion Rings → Drizzle with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a pizza-inspired snack.
Pickle-Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings → Replace the onion with pickle slices for a tangy, cheesy treat!
Buffalo-Style Mozzarella Onion Rings → Toss in Buffalo sauce after frying and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
No matter how you customize them, these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings will be crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious!
Conservation and Storage
Want to keep your Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings crispy and delicious even after storing? Follow these simple storage and reheating tips for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage:
- Let the onion rings cool completely before storing (this prevents sogginess).
- Place them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat for Maximum Crispiness
To keep them crispy, avoid microwaving! Instead, use these better methods:
Oven Method (Best for Reheating Large Batches)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through.
Air Fryer Method (Best for Quick Reheating)
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the onion rings in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Stovetop Method (For Extra Crunch)
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the onion rings for 1-2 minutes per side until hot and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel before serving.
Quick Tips for Best Storage & Reheating
Cool completely before storing – This prevents steam from making them soggy.
Store in a single layer – Stacking can make them stick together.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer – Microwaving makes them soft and greasy.
Cook frozen onion rings directly—no need to thaw!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings? Here are the answers to common FAQs so you can make them perfectly crispy and cheesy every time!
1. Why do I need to freeze the onion rings before frying?
Freezing helps prevent the cheese from leaking out too quickly when frying. It also keeps the onion rings firm and easy to coat in breadcrumbs.
2. Can I use string cheese instead of block mozzarella?
Yes! String cheese is a great option because it’s already the perfect shape to fit inside the onion rings. Just cut it to size!
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bread the onion rings and freeze them before frying. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen—no need to thaw!
4. Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Tip: Spray with cooking oil before baking/air frying for extra crispiness!
5. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs work great for crunch!
6. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral, high-smoke point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil, as it burns too quickly.
7. How do I keep the coating from falling off?
- Double coat the onion rings—dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice for extra crunch.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the onion rings so they stick better.
- Chill or freeze the rings before frying to help the breading stay in place.
8. How do I keep them crispy after frying?
- Drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to avoid trapping steam.
- Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven if making multiple batches.
9. What dips go best with Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
Try these delicious dips:
- Marinara sauce – Classic and tangy!
- Ranch dressing – Cool and creamy.
- Spicy mayo – A little heat for extra flavor.
- Garlic aioli – Buttery and rich!
10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Avoid microwaving—it makes them soft and greasy!
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes for crispiness.
Conclusion Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
These Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are the perfect combo of crispy, cheesy, and delicious! Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a huge hit at your next party or game night.
Try them out and let me know what you think! Drop a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on Pinterest!
Print
Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
- Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 onion rings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you love mozzarella sticks and onion rings, get ready for the ultimate mashup—Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings! These crispy, golden rings combine the gooey, stretchy cheese of mozzarella sticks with the savory crunch of classic onion rings. Each bite is perfectly seasoned, deep-fried to perfection, and totally addictive.
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings & Cheese:
- 2 large onions (preferably sweet or yellow onions)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor!)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (for deep frying)
Dipping Sauces (Optional):
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Garlic aioli
Instructions
Prepare the Onions & Cheese
Slice thick onion rings (about ½-inch wide). Separate into pairs—one smaller ring inside a larger ring, leaving a gap.
Cut mozzarella cheese into strips or use string cheese cut to fit inside the onion rings.
Place mozzarella inside the onion ring gaps, pressing gently to secure.
Freeze the Onion Rings
Arrange the stuffed rings on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour—this prevents the cheese from leaking when frying.
Set Up the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk until combined.
In a third bowl, combine panko, regular breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Coat the Onion Rings
Dredge each frozen ring in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat dipping in egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating—this makes them extra crispy!
Fry to Perfection
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
Fry a few onion rings at a time (don’t overcrowd) for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or a wire rack.
Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy the cheesy, crunchy goodness!
Equipment
CAROTE 21pcs Pots and Pans Set Nonstick, Cookware Set Black Granite Induction Kitchen
Buy Now →Notes
- Freeze before frying – This step prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly and helps the onion rings hold their shape.
- Double-coat for extra crunch – Dip in egg and breadcrumbs twice to get a crispier, golden-brown crust.
- Use thick-cut onion rings – Thin onion rings don’t hold the cheese well and can break easily.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly – Helps them stick better for an even, crunchy coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep-Frying, Air-Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 onion rings
- Calories: ~260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Mozzarella stick onion rings, crispy onion rings, cheese-stuffed onion rings, homemade mozzarella rings, fried onion rings, cheesy appetizer, easy party snacks, deep-fried snacks