Mozzarella-Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings Recipe

Introduction

These mozzarella-stuffed crispy baked onion rings offer a delicious twist on a classic snack. Filled with melting mozzarella and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, they are perfect for dipping and sharing. Baked instead of fried, they’re a lighter way to enjoy a flavorful treat.

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/2 inch thick rings
• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 12 sticks part skim mozzarella cheese sticks, frozen
• 1 cup whole wheat flour, divided
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 cup Corn Chex or cornflakes, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large, shallow container, soak the onion slices in buttermilk, making sure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for tender onions.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Remove onions from buttermilk and arrange them on the sheet in pairs, with one ring slightly smaller so it nests inside the larger ring, leaving a small gap.
3. Step 3: Soften mozzarella sticks for about 5 minutes, then quarter them lengthwise. Press two quarters snugly into the gap between each onion ring pair to create a cheese stuffing.
4. Step 4: Prepare three bowls: one with 3/4 cup flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of the remaining 1/4 cup flour, cornmeal, panko, crushed Corn Chex, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: Dip each stuffed onion ring first into the flour, then the eggs, back into the flour, then eggs again, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Step 6: Place coated onion rings on the baking sheet and spray them liberally with nonstick cooking spray.
7. Step 7: Bake for about 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the onion rings are crispy and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, soak the onions overnight in buttermilk.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Try swapping mozzarella for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• If you prefer frying, these onion rings can be deep-fried instead of baked for a crispier texture.

Storage

Store leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these onion rings in advance?

You can soak the onions in buttermilk a day ahead, but it’s best to assemble and bake the onion rings just before serving to keep them crispy.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella-stuffed onion rings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Mozzarella-Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings are a deliciously crispy and cheesy appetizer or snack. Sweet onion rings are soaked in buttermilk for tenderness, stuffed with frozen mozzarella cheese, coated in a crunchy blend of whole wheat flour, cornmeal, panko, and crushed cornflakes, then baked to golden perfection. Served with marinara or ranch dipping sauce, these onion rings offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions while delivering irresistible flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

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Onion and Soaking Liquid

• 1 large sweet onion, cut into 1/2 inch thick rings
• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk

Cheese

• 12 sticks part skim mozzarella cheese sticks, frozen

Coating

• 1 cup whole wheat flour, divided (3/4 cup and 1/4 cup)
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 cup Corn Chex or cornflakes, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray

For Serving

• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping

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Instructions

1. Soak the Onion Rings: Place the onion slices in a large shallow container and cover them with the buttermilk, making sure all slices are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to soften the onions and enhance flavor.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
3. Pair the Onion Rings: Remove the onions from the buttermilk and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Create pairs for stuffing by matching one ring roughly 1/2 inch smaller than its partner so one can nest inside the other, leaving a small gap for the cheese.
4. Prepare the Cheese: Take the frozen mozzarella sticks out of the freezer and let them soften slightly for about 5 minutes. Cut each stick into quarters lengthwise. Insert two cheese quarters snugly into the gap between each onion ring pair.
5. Prepare Coating Bowls: In a small bowl, pour 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, mix the remaining 1/4 cup whole wheat flour, cornmeal, panko, crushed Corn Chex (or cornflakes), kosher salt, and black pepper.
6. Coat the Stuffed Onion Rings: Dip each mozzarella-stuffed onion ring first into the 3/4 cup flour, then into the beaten eggs, back into the flour again, dip again in eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko mixture. Ensure they are well covered to achieve a crispy exterior.
7. Bake the Onion Rings: Place the coated onion rings back onto the baking sheet. Spray them liberally with nonstick cooking spray to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking, until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

• For best texture, soak onions overnight if time allows for maximum tenderness.
• Freezing mozzarella sticks beforehand helps them hold shape during baking without melting too quickly.
• You can substitute Corn Chex with crushed cornflakes if desired.
• Spraying the coated rings with nonstick spray is essential for crispiness in the oven.
• If you want a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mix.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat while keeping good melt quality.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed onion rings, crispy baked onion rings, baked onion rings, cheesy onion rings, appetizer, vegetarian snack