Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe

The Best Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe For Crispy Bites

Crispy mozzarella stick onion rings blend two beloved appetizer classics into one irresistible golden-brown indulgence.

These crowd-pleasing bites refine ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparks instant excitement.

The perfect combination marries stretchy cheese with crunchy exterior, creating a textural sensation that delights taste buds.

Sharp seasonings elevate the traditional concept, offering a tantalizing twist on familiar comfort food.

Innovative cooking techniques ensure each ring delivers maximum flavor and satisfying crunch.

Surprising home cooks with its simple yet ingenious approach, this recipe turns an ordinary snack into something extraordinary.

Hungry guests will be impressed by the delectable fusion of two favorite finger foods.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Onion Rings

Main Ingredients:
  • Onions, White: Sweet, crisp onions with mild flavor that create the base of the onion rings, best when firm and without soft spots.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and provides a gooey center for the rings, preferably fresh and whole milk variety.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour, All-Purpose: Creates a smooth base layer that helps other coatings stick to the onion and cheese, essential for crispy exterior.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs adhere and create a golden, crispy coating.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy, textured outer layer that gives the onion rings their signature crisp finish.
Cooking and Serving Ingredients:
  • Oil for Frying: Neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola, crucial for deep-frying and achieving golden-brown color.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based dipping sauce that adds tangy, rich flavor to complement the cheesy, crispy rings.

Frying Guide for Mozzarella Onion Rings

Step 1: Prepare Onion Rings

  • Select large and medium onions
  • Peel the onions carefully
  • Slice onions into 1/2-inch thick rings
  • Gently separate the rings
  • Select matching ring sizes to create pairs

Step 2: Create Cheese Filling

  • Take fresh mozzarella cheese
  • Cut cheese into even thin strips
  • Place smaller onion ring inside larger ring
  • Insert cheese strips into the gap between rings
  • Add second layer of cheese for extra richness

Step 3: Freeze Prepared Rings

  • Arrange filled onion rings on a flat tray
  • Place tray in freezer
  • Freeze for approximately 1 hour

Step 4: Set Up Coating Station

Create three separate bowls:
  • First bowl: All-purpose flour
  • Second bowl: Beaten eggs
  • Third bowl: Breadcrumbs

Step 5: Coat Onion Rings

  • Roll each frozen ring in flour
  • Dip into beaten eggs
  • Cover with breadcrumbs
  • Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating
  • Return coated rings to freezer

Step 6: Heat Cooking Oil

  • Select large deep pot
  • Pour vegetable oil
  • Heat oil to 350°F

Step 7: Fry Rings

  • Carefully place coated rings in hot oil
  • Fry until golden brown
  • Avoid overcooking to prevent cheese leakage

Step 8: Serve

  • Remove rings with slotted spoon
  • Drain excess oil on paper towels
  • Serve with marinara sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 9 onion rings

Calories: 424 per serving

Mozzarella‑Stuffed Onion Rings with Spicy Aioli

  • Cheese-Packed Delight: These mozzarella stick onion rings combine two classic appetizers into one epic snack, creating an irresistible fusion of crispy exterior and melty cheese interior that will make taste buds dance.
  • Super Simple Breading Technique: The double-dip method ensures an extra crunchy, golden-brown coating that locks in the cheese and creates a satisfying crunch with every single bite.
  • Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings, this recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare and cook, making it an ideal last-minute appetizer that will impress everyone at the table.
  • Freezer-Friendly Prep: Assembling and freezing the rings beforehand allows for stress-free cooking and helps prevent the cheese from leaking during frying, ensuring picture-perfect results every single time.

Tips for Crispy Mozzarella Onion Rings

  • Freeze Strategically: Chilling the assembled onion rings helps prevent cheese from leaking during frying and ensures a crispy, intact exterior.
  • Choose the Right Onions: Select firm, large onions with thick rings to create the best structure for stuffing and frying.
  • Layer Cheese Carefully: Use thin mozzarella strips and avoid overfilling to prevent cheese from completely melting out during cooking.
  • Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 350˚F to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy coating without burning the breading.
  • Double-Coat for Crunch: The double-dipping technique in breadcrumbs creates an extra-crispy, thick breading that locks in the cheesy goodness.

Storing and Reheating Onion Rings

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled mozzarella stick onion rings in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual rings tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Reheat: Warm rings in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and melted cheese leakage.

Dips for Mozzarella Onion Rings

  • Dip into Zesty Marinara Madness: Pair these crispy mozzarella-stuffed onion rings with a homemade marinara sauce for a tangy, robust flavor explosion that complements the cheesy, crunchy texture.
  • Crack Open a Cold Beer Companion: Grab a light, crisp lager or a hoppy IPA to cut through the richness of the fried rings and refresh your palate between bites.
  • Create a Cool Ranch Rescue: Whip up a quick ranch dressing with fresh herbs and garlic to provide a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the hot, crispy onion rings.
  • Serve with Sparkling Citrus Splash: A chilled lemonade or sparkling citrus drink will help balance the deep-fried goodness and add a bright, zesty note to your snacking experience.

Mozzarella Onion Ring Variations

  • Spicy Pepper Jack Rings: Replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick, adding diced jalapeños inside the rings for extra heat.
  • Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Rings: Wrap thin bacon strips around the mozzarella-filled onion rings before coating, creating a savory and crispy exterior.
  • Ranch-Infused Breading: Mix ranch seasoning into the breadcrumbs for a tangy flavor profile that complements the cheesy onion rings.
  • Blue Cheese Lovers' Version: Swap mozzarella for crumbled blue cheese, providing a sharp and intense cheese experience with each bite.
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Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy mozzarella stick onion rings blend classic American appetizer magic into one irresistible golden treat. Cheese-stuffed rings offer delicious bar-style snacking perfection that will delight hungry guests craving ultimate comfort indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large white onions
  • 3 slices mozzarella cheese

Coating Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250 g) flour
  • 2 cups (230 g) breadcrumbs
  • 5 eggs

Additional Ingredients:

  • Oil for frying
  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice onions into uniform rings, carefully separating the larger and smaller sizes to create nested layers.
  2. Cut mozzarella into precise strips, ensuring they will fit perfectly between onion ring layers.
  3. Nest a smaller onion ring inside a larger ring, creating a hollow center for cheese placement.
  4. Strategically layer mozzarella strips within the ring gap, potentially using double cheese for enhanced richness.
  5. Freeze the prepared rings for one hour to stabilize the cheese and structure.
  6. Arrange three separate stations: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with crispy breadcrumbs.
  7. Meticulously coat each frozen ring by first dusting with flour, then thoroughly dipping in egg, rolling in breadcrumbs, repeating the egg and breadcrumb process for maximum crispiness.
  8. Return coated rings to freezer to maintain their shape and prevent cheese leakage.
  9. Heat oil in a deep pot to precise 350˚F, monitoring temperature carefully to ensure perfect frying conditions.
  10. Gently lower rings into hot oil, frying until achieving a golden-brown exterior while preventing cheese from completely melting out.
  11. Transfer fried rings onto absorbent paper towels to remove excess oil.
  12. Serve immediately alongside zesty marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Freeze assembled rings to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
  • Double-coating helps create an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in melted mozzarella.
  • Temperature control is crucial – oil at 350˚F ensures perfectly cooked rings without burning or soggy breading.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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