Do Share Recipe

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe | Crispy Snack

I finally made these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe, and let me tell you — my kitchen turned into a gooey, crunchy little party. I couldn’t resist sneaking one right out of the fryer while the cheese was still stretchy and molten. The crispy onion exterior with that perfectly melted mozzarella inside is pure bliss in every bite.

It’s a simple yet irresistible appetizer that everyone falls in love with. I’m excited to share exactly how I made them so you can recreate the same magic at home — and if you enjoy delicious, comfort-style dishes, you might also love the Rotisserie Chicken Bowls Recipe.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these golden, cheesy delights — plus some tips I learned while making them.

2 large white onions – White onions hold their shape beautifully when sliced and fried. They’re sturdy and mild, making them perfect for this recipe.
3 slices mozzarella cheese – Fresh mozzarella melts smoothly and stretches beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese since it often contains anti-caking agents that affect the texture.
2 cups all-purpose flour (about 250g) – This helps create the first dry coating so the batter clings better.
5 large eggs – Beating them well creates a smooth, rich binder for the breadcrumbs to stick.
2 cups breadcrumbs (about 230g) – Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for an ultra-crispy texture. Panko especially gives a beautiful crunch.
Oil, for frying – Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil with a high smoke point to ensure even frying.
Marinara sauce – The perfect tangy dip to balance out all that cheesy goodness.

Note: This recipe serves about 4 people as an appetizer portion.

Variations

Here are a few fun ways to customize your cheesy onion rings:

Use dairy-free mozzarella or vegan cheese alternatives for a plant-based version.
Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones to make the recipe gluten-free.
Mix in garlic powder, paprika, or chili flakes into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Try using cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone cheese for a different cheesy twist.
For a lighter option, bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying — still crisp, but with less oil.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and easy comfort food, you can also enjoy the Rotisserie Chicken Burritos Recipe for another hearty homemade treat.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30–32 minutes

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get everything done smoothly:

Deep pot or deep-fryer: For frying the rings evenly in hot oil.
Three mixing bowls: To organize your flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for coating.
Tongs or slotted spoon: For safely flipping and removing the onion rings from the oil.
Paper towels or wire rack: To drain excess oil after frying.
Baking tray: Handy if you plan to freeze the rings before frying.

How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe

Preparing the Onion Rings

Start by peeling the onions and slicing them into thick, even rings about half an inch wide. Carefully separate the rings so you have both large and smaller ones — you’ll be stacking these to make the stuffed layers.

Stuffing with Cheese

Take one large onion ring and nest a smaller one inside it. Slide thin strips of mozzarella cheese in between the two rings. This “cheese wall” is what gives you that delicious molten center once fried. Make sure the cheese is packed snugly so it doesn’t fall out.

Freezing Before Coating

Place the stuffed rings on a tray and freeze them for about one hour. This step is key — it firms up the cheese and onion layers, helping them hold their shape during coating and frying.

Coating the Rings

Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each frozen ring first in flour, then in egg, then in breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy shell, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more — that double coating makes a big difference.

Frying

Heat the oil in your deep pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the rings into the oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown — about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t leak out. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serving

Serve immediately while they’re still hot and the cheese is gooey. A bowl of warm marinara or spicy ketchup on the side makes the perfect dipping companion.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made these a few times, and here’s what I’ve learned to make them even better:

Make sure the onion rings are completely dry before stuffing — moisture makes the coating slip off.
Keep the cheese cold before stuffing; it melts at the perfect pace that way.
Maintain the oil temperature — too low and the rings absorb oil, too high and the outside burns before the cheese melts.
Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible; the texture is more natural and crispier than store-bought.
If you’re air-frying, lightly spray oil on both sides of the rings for that perfect crunch.

How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings Recipe

Presentation is everything when serving these golden beauties. I love to arrange them on a rustic wooden board or a shallow platter for that restaurant-style look. Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve them with a few dipping sauces — marinara, garlic aioli, or spicy ranch — to give guests a variety of flavors. The melted cheese inside makes them impressive enough for parties, yet cozy enough for a weekend treat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general idea of the nutrition per serving (may vary based on oil and cheese used):

Calories: 320–350 kcal
Protein: 10–12 g
Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
Fat: 18–20 g

These cheesy onion rings are rich, satisfying, and perfect for occasional indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Restoring & Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5–7 minutes. This brings back their crunch without drying out the cheese. Avoid the microwave — it makes them soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfried stuffed rings for up to a month. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen; just add an extra minute to the frying time.

How Long They Stay Fresh

Once fried, they’re best eaten right away. However, if stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay decent for up to 24 hours before the coating begins to soften.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these cheesy onion rings are worth making again and again:

Easy yet indulgent: Just a few basic ingredients come together to create something spectacular.
Perfect flavor combo: The sweet onion and melty mozzarella balance beautifully with the crunchy coating.
Totally customizable: Switch up cheeses, spices, or dips for endless variations.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for parties, game nights, or family dinners — everyone loves them.
Restaurant-style results at home: They look and taste like a gourmet appetizer without the complexity.

If you love crispy snacks with a cheesy surprise inside, these Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings will win you over instantly. They’re fun to make, ridiculously satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you think. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become one of your go-to appetizers for any occasion.

Ben Carraoli