Oh, the simple joys of a perfectly fried treat! There’s something so comforting about the crunch of an onion ring, isn’t there? And who doesn’t love a good, melty mozzarella stick? Well, today we’re combining those two loves into one glorious, indulgent bite: Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings. ✨ It’s a bit of a project, I won’t lie, but the payoff is so worth it. It’s the kind of appetizer that just makes people smile, and that’s what cooking is all about for me – sharing a little happiness, one delicious bite at a time.
I remember as a kid, my grandmother used to make onion rings for us whenever we visited. She had this old cast iron skillet, and the smell of the hot oil would fill the entire house. It wasn’t just the taste, it was the feeling of being surrounded by family and warmth. This recipe, while a little more involved than her classic rings, evokes that same feeling for me. It’s a labor of love, and that love shines through in every crispy, cheesy bite.
The key to these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings is the freezing step. Don’t skip it! It really helps the rings hold their shape during frying and prevents the cheese from completely melting into the oil. Trust me on this one. It’s a little patience upfront for a lot of success later. And speaking of patience, the double breading is also crucial. It creates a nice, thick coating that keeps everything contained and gives you that satisfying crunch.
I’ve been experimenting with different cheeses for the filling, and while mozzarella is classic, a little provolone mixed in adds a lovely tang. You could even try a sprinkle of parmesan in the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own! That’s the beauty of cooking, isn’t it? It’s a chance to be creative and express yourself. These Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a fantastic way to do just that.
Image Description: A softly lit, slightly overhead shot of a wooden cutting board. On the board are several onion rings in various stages of assembly. Some rings are separated, showing the white onion layers. Others have a strip of mozzarella cheese nestled between the rings. A small bowl of flour, a whisked egg in a shallow dish, and a bowl of golden breadcrumbs are arranged around the rings, suggesting the breading process. The background is blurred, showing a glimpse of a cozy kitchen with warm-toned cabinets.
And let’s talk about the marinara sauce. Don’t underestimate the power of a good dipping sauce! I like to make my own, but a good quality store-bought sauce works just fine. A little fresh basil sprinkled on top adds a lovely touch of freshness. I recently visited a local farmers market and found the most beautiful heirloom tomatoes – I’m already planning a batch of homemade sauce! It’s moments like those, discovering incredible ingredients, that truly inspire me.
These aren’t just appetizers; they’re a little bit of happiness, a little bit of comfort, and a whole lot of deliciousness. I hope you’ll give these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings a try. I truly believe that cooking is an act of care, and sharing these with friends and family is a way to show them how much you love them.
A Little Bit of Golden, Cheesy Bliss: Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings
This recipe combines two classic appetizers into one delicious dish. Onion rings are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hr 20 min
Ingredients
2 large white onions
3 slices mozzarella cheese
2 cups flour (250 g)
5 eggs
2 cups breadcrumb (230 g)
Oil, for frying
Marinara sauce
Instructions
Peel and cut onions into 1-centimeter (½ inch) rings. Separate the rings.
Slice the mozzarella into 4 even strips.
Place a smaller onion ring in the center of a larger one.
Fill the gap between the rings with the mozzarella strips. For extra cheesiness, use two layers of cheese.
Repeat with remaining onion rings and freeze for 1 hour.
Place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls.
Coat each prepared ring in the flour first. Then dip into the egg, then the breadcrumbs, then the egg again, and one last time into the breadcrumbs.
Repeat with the remaining onion rings and place in freezer.
Fill a large pot with oil and set over medium-high heat until it reaches 350˚F (175˚C).
Fry the rings until golden brown, being careful not to fry them for too long as the cheese may ooze out completely.
Drain on a paper towel, then serve with marinara!
Notes
Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before adding the rings. If it’s too cool, they’ll be greasy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn.
Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
These are best served immediately while they’re still hot and crispy.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but they won’t be as crispy. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to try and restore some of the crunch.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and seasonings!
I’d love to hear how these turn out for you! Please leave a rating and comment below – I always enjoy connecting with you all and learning about your cooking adventures. ❤️ Cooking with Care, Sharing with Joy!
Leave a Reply