If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s the shared love of good food. Growing up, my family always had a tradition of gathering in the kitchen to create something special together. One of my favorite memories is from a summer vacation spent at my grandparents’ house. My cousins and I would eagerly wait for my grandmother to whip up her famous fried onion rings, which we devoured as soon as they were out of the pan. Fast forward to today, and I’ve discovered a recipe that perfectly blends nostalgia with a modern twist: Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings.
This recipe takes the classic onion ring and elevates it with the addition of gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a mouthwatering snack that’s hard to resist. It’s a bit of a project, with a preparation time of about an hour, but the results are worth every minute. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with family or friends, making the cooking process just as enjoyable as the eating.
One thing I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, try adding some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes with the bread crumbs. If you’re a fan of herbs, a little dried oregano or basil can add a nice touch to the breading. And for those who prefer a different cheese, feel free to experiment with provolone or pepper jack for a unique twist.
The process begins with peeling and slicing large white onions into ½-inch rings. You’ll then create a delightful cheese-filled surprise by placing a smaller onion ring inside a larger one and filling the gap with mozzarella strips. Freezing these rings ensures they hold their shape during frying, resulting in perfectly crispy and cheesy bites.
The coating process involves dipping the rings in flour, eggs, and bread crumbs twice, which forms a robust crust that keeps the cheese intact while frying. Be sure to heat your oil to 350°F for the best results, and watch closely to prevent over-frying.
Once golden brown, these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are ready to be enjoyed with a side of marinara sauce. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties, game days, or any occasion that calls for something a little indulgent.
Making Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
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Ingredients
- 3 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 5 eggs
- Oil for frying
- 2 large white onions
- Marinara sauce
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Directions
- Peel the onions and cut them into ½-inch rings. Separate each ring.
- Cut the mozzarella into 4 strips per slice.
- Insert a smaller onion ring inside a larger one. Fill the space between with mozzarella strips. For extra cheesiness, use two layers of cheese. Repeat with all rings and freeze for 1 hour.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.
- Coat each ring in flour first, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumbs. Repeat the egg and bread crumb coating once more. Freeze the rings again.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat to 350°F.
- Fry the rings until golden brown. Avoid over-frying to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Drain the fried rings on a paper towel. Serve hot with marinara sauce.
Storing Suggestions:
Store leftover mozzarella stick onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Ensure the cheese melts well and complements the onions.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free mozzarella stick onion rings, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free bread crumbs. The preparation and cooking steps remain the same.
What oil is best for frying these onion rings?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are good choices for frying because they have high smoke points. These oils will ensure your onion rings cook evenly and become golden brown without burning.
Can I bake the onion rings instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Why is my cheese leaking out while frying?
If the cheese is leaking out, it might be due to over-frying or not sealing the onion rings properly. Ensure the onion rings are well-coated with flour, egg, and bread crumbs, and fry just until golden brown. Freezing the rings before frying also helps keep the cheese intact.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
To prevent the breading from falling off, make sure the onion rings are well-coated in flour, egg, and bread crumbs. Double coating by repeating the egg dip and bread crumb process helps. Also, ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying.
Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
Ingredients
- 2 large white onions
- 5 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- eel the onions and slice them into ½-inch (1 centimeter) rings. Separate each ring.
- Cut the mozzarella into 4 even strips per slice.
- Take a smaller onion ring and place it inside a larger one. Fill the gap between them with mozzarella strips. For a cheesier option, use two layers of cheese. Repeat with the remaining rings and freeze them for 1 hour.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.
- Coat each assembled ring in flour first. Dip it in the beaten eggs, then coat with bread crumbs. Repeat the egg dip and bread crumb coating once more. Continue with all rings and place them back in the freezer.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the rings until they turn golden brown. Be cautious not to over-fry, as the cheese may leak out.
- Drain the fried rings on a paper towel. Serve hot with marinara sauce.
