Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate cheesy snack with a crunchy twist, you simply can’t beat mozzarella stick onion rings! Imagine melty mozzarella tucked inside crisp, sweet onion rings, all bundled up in a crunchy, golden coat. It’s a showstopper of a treat, perfect for sharing at parties, Saturday movie nights, or anytime you want to wow someone with an out-of-the-box (and incredibly addictive) appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This mozzarella stick onion rings recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients, but each plays a crucial role in making every bite utterly irresistible. Let’s take a look at what you need, and why they matter.

• Onion: Go with a large onion for nice, wide rings that hold your cheesy centers and fry up perfectly crisp.
• Mozzarella Sticks: The star ingredient! These give you that classic, stringy cheese pull everyone loves.
• Flour: Coats both the onions and cheese, giving the batter a base to stick to.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle, savory kick to the crust—don’t skip it!
• Paprika: Brings color and a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with gooey cheese.
• Eggs: The “glue” that binds all breading together, helping your coating crisp up just right.
• Bread Crumbs: For the all-important crunch; panko works extra well for extra crispiness.
• Oil for Frying: Enough to submerge your mozzarella stick onion rings; use a neutral oil for best results.

How to Make mozzarella stick onion rings

Step 1: Prep the Onion and Cheese

Start by slicing your onion into thick rings—aiming for about half an inch works best. Gently separate the rings to keep them intact. Then, cut each mozzarella stick in half. This size nicely matches up to the rings and makes it easier to assemble later.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

Get out two shallow bowls and one larger plate or tray. Mix together your flour, garlic powder, and paprika in the first bowl. Whisk the eggs until smooth in the second. Pour bread crumbs into the third. This assembly line keeps things neat and makes the breading process a breeze.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese

Take each mozzarella stick half and first roll it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Next, dip it into the beaten egg—this helps every crumb stick. Press it into the bread crumbs until fully and firmly covered. A thorough coating here means your cheese will stay snuggled in the crispy shell as it fries!

Step 4: Assemble the mozzarella stick onion rings

Place each breaded mozzarella stick inside an onion ring. If the cheese is a bit shorter than the diameter, gently press and mold it so both ends touch the ring. The onion acts as a “bracelet” for the cheesy filling, giving you that dreamy double crunch once fried.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Carefully lower a few assembled mozzarella stick onion rings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re deeply golden and audibly crisp. Once done, let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before serving.

How to Serve mozzarella stick onion rings

Garnishes

Brighten things up with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra paprika. If you’re feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of grated parmesan over the hot mozzarella stick onion rings takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

Pair these delights with fresh veggie sticks, seasoned curly fries, or a simple green salad. For dipping, classic marinara sauce, ranch, or even a spicy aioli work wonders alongside mozzarella stick onion rings.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile them high on a rustic wooden board, stack them in a tower for a fun party centerpiece, or thread them on skewers for easy grab-and-go snacking. For game days, serve them alongside a trio of your favorite dipping sauces to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover mozzarella stick onion rings (trust me, it’s rare!), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and are just as delicious with a second round of crisping.

Freezing

For a stash of quick snacks, freeze assembled and breaded (but unfried) mozzarella stick onion rings in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They can be fried straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the frying time.

Reheating

To revive their crispy magic, reheat refrigerated or frozen rings in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them soggy rather than crispy.

FAQs

Can I bake mozzarella stick onion rings instead of frying?

Absolutely! You can bake them on a wire rack in a 425°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once for even browning. Spritz with a little cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Which onions work best for onion rings?

Large, sweet yellow or white onions are ideal for mozzarella stick onion rings, but red onions add a lovely color and milder flavor if you prefer.

Can I use different cheese for this recipe?

You sure can! While mozzarella gives that signature stretch, try pepper jack or cheddar sticks for a fun twist on the original mozzarella stick onion rings. The only rule is to use cheese that melts well and holds its shape when fried.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Go for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These ensure your mozzarella stick onion rings crisp up beautifully without leaving any unwanted flavors.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Double-coating the mozzarella sticks (flour, egg, bread crumbs, then back into egg and bread crumbs again) provides an extra barrier to keep the cheese safely tucked in as the onion rings fry.

Final Thoughts

Few things are as satisfying as pulling apart a fresh batch of mozzarella stick onion rings, revealing that gooey cheese encased in a perfectly crisp onion ring. If you’re looking to level up your appetizer game, give these beauties a try—you’ll find yourself craving them again and again!

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