Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Introduction

If you love classic onion rings but have always wished they were cheesier, you’re in for a treat. Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter take the crispy, golden perfection of fried onion rings and elevate them with a gooey, melty mozzarella core. To make things even better, they’re finished with a drizzle of fragrant garlic butter that transforms them into an irresistible snack, side dish, or party appetizer. Whether you’re entertaining guests, planning a game-day menu, or just craving something indulgent, these stuffed onion rings deliver flavor, crunch, and comfort in every bite.

My recipe story

This recipe was born out of a love for two comfort food staples—onion rings and mozzarella sticks. One evening while preparing snacks for friends, I found myself with extra mozzarella and onions sitting side by side. Inspiration struck, and I thought, why not combine the two? The result was beyond my expectations: a perfectly crisp shell with a molten cheese center, enhanced further by a drizzle of garlic butter. My friends devoured them instantly, and ever since, Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter have become a signature dish whenever I host gatherings.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. The star of the show is, of course, mozzarella cheese. Shredded mozzarella melts into that irresistible gooey texture that pairs perfectly with crispy onion layers. Opt for whole milk mozzarella for maximum richness.

Onions are equally important—choose large white onions for their mild, slightly sweet flavor. Their layers separate easily, making them perfect for stuffing. The coating involves a classic dredging station: all-purpose flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This ensures a golden, crunchy crust that locks in the cheese. Finally, garlic butter made with fresh garlic and melted butter is brushed on top for that finishing burst of flavor that ties everything together.

Equipment you’ll need

• Large cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork (for eggs)
• Baking tray
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels (for draining excess oil)
• Basting brush (for garlic butter)

Step-by-step directions

Step 1: Prepare the onions. Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings, about ½-inch wide. Gently separate the rings, pairing larger ones with slightly smaller ones to form a hollow space for the mozzarella filling. This ensures the cheese stays neatly tucked inside once fried.

Step 2: Stuff with mozzarella. Take shredded mozzarella and press it firmly between the onion ring pairs, creating a thick cheese layer sandwiched inside. To make this step easier, freeze the assembled stuffed rings for about 15–20 minutes before coating. This helps the cheese stay intact during frying.

Step 3: Set up dredging station. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour and breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Coat each stuffed ring in flour, dip in egg, then cover generously with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.

Step 4: Fry until golden. Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the coated rings into the hot oil in batches, frying for about 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

Step 5: Drain and butter. Remove the fried rings using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, brush each ring generously with garlic butter for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone for different flavor profiles. For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños between the onion layers or mix chili flakes into the breadcrumbs. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour can easily be used to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters. You can also bake the rings in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes if you prefer a lighter version without deep frying.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These onion rings are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness. For freezing, assemble and bread the rings but don’t fry them. Instead, freeze them on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra 1–2 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving ideas & pairings

Serve these onion rings hot with your favorite dipping sauces—classic marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli all pair wonderfully. They make a fantastic side dish for burgers, grilled meats, or even alongside pasta for a comfort-food feast. For parties, stack them into a tower for a fun presentation, or serve as individual appetizers with toothpicks. Pair them with a cold beer, sparkling water, or a refreshing cocktail for the ultimate snacking experience.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and bread the onion rings in advance, freeze them, and fry them later for convenience.

What type of onions work best?
Large white onions are ideal for their mild flavor and sturdy layers, but yellow onions work well too.

Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a healthier version.

Why is my cheese leaking out?
This usually happens if the rings weren’t frozen before frying or if the coating wasn’t sealed properly. Double-coating helps.

What’s the best dipping sauce?
Marinara is a classic choice, but spicy mayo, ranch, or even honey mustard are delicious alternatives.

Final thoughts

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. They’re a crowd-pleasing snack that works equally well for casual nights in or festive gatherings. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is easy to master and endlessly customizable. Once you take your first bite of that crunchy shell and gooey mozzarella core, you’ll understand why this dish has quickly become a favorite in so many kitchens. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular on your menu whenever you crave something indulgent and satisfying.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Crispy onion rings filled with gooey mozzarella and brushed with garlic butter. The perfect snack or appetizer for parties and comfort food cravings.

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Ingredients

• 2 large white onions

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs

• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Peel the onions and slice them into ½-inch rings. Separate into pairs of similar-sized rings to create hollow spaces.

2. Stuff shredded mozzarella between two rings, pressing gently to hold the cheese in place. Freeze the rings for 15–20 minutes.
3. Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season the flour and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.

4. Coat each stuffed ring in flour, dip in egg, and cover in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.

5. Heat oil in a pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
6. Drain on paper towels, then brush with melted butter mixed with minced garlic. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, enjoy immediately while the cheese is melty. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer. Pair with marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American