Mozzarella Onion Rings

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions

Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into thick rings (about ½ inch wide). Carefully separate the rings from each other, keeping the larger ones intact. For the mozzarella filling, cut the fresh mozzarella into strips or cubes that are small enough to fit inside the onion rings.

2. Stuff the Onion Rings

Take each onion ring and place a piece of mozzarella inside. You can either stuff the cheese into the center or nestle it between two rings, depending on your preference. Make sure the cheese is snugly enclosed by the onion, so it doesn’t escape during frying.

3. Make the Batter

In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs. You will need a third bowl for the breadcrumbs (panko works best for a crunchy finish).

4. Coat the Onion Rings

Dip each stuffed onion ring first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this process for all the onion rings.

5. Fry the Onion Rings

In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C). To test the oil’s readiness, drop in a small piece of batter—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

Carefully lower the coated onion rings into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the onion rings for 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. The mozzarella should be perfectly melted inside, creating a gooey, cheesy center. Use a slotted spoon to remove the rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the mozzarella onion rings are fried to perfection, serve them immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. They pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.

Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Onion Rings:

• Cheese Seals: To ensure the mozzarella stays inside the onion ring during frying, be sure to press the edges of the onion rings tightly around the cheese.
• Temperature Control: Keep an eye on the oil temperature while frying. If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the cheese melts. If it’s not hot enough, the rings will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Resting Between Coats: After coating the onion rings, let them rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the batter adhere better and creates a thicker crust.
• Add a Kick: For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture. You can also sprinkle a little smoked paprika over the fried onion rings for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Mozzarella Onion Rings make an excellent appetizer on their own, but they can also be part of a larger spread. Serve them alongside other crowd-pleasing snacks like:

• Burgers: Mozzarella onion rings make a great side dish for burgers, adding extra flavor and texture.
• Dips: Pair them with a variety of dips, such as garlic butter, chipotle mayo, or a tangy BBQ sauce.
• Salads: Top a crisp green salad with a few of these cheesy rings for a unique and satisfying twist.
• Beer: These onion rings are the perfect pairing with a cold beer—lager, IPA, or even a light pilsner.

Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Onion Rings:

Mozzarella Onion Rings combine everything you love about comfort food into one irresistible bite. The crispy, seasoned exterior contrasts beautifully with the rich, melty mozzarella inside, creating a deliciously indulgent snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a party, enjoying them with a homemade burger, or simply snacking on them during a movie night, they are guaranteed to be a hit. And with their easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to create a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress.

So why not give these Mozzarella Onion Rings a try? With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Enjoy!