Description
Crispy and gooey cheezy stuffed mozzarella onion rings featuring thick onion slices stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese, coated with seasoned breading, and baked to golden perfection. A delicious, gluten-free appetizer that is easy to prepare, customizable in flavors, and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack at home.
Ingredients
Onions and Cheese
- Large onions: firm, sweet, thickly sliced (about 1/2 inch)
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: fresh, cut to size matching the onion rings
Coating and Breading
- Gluten-free flour (or regular flour if preferred): for coating
- Eggs: beaten, for binding
- Gluten-free bread crumbs (or panko/regular breadcrumbs): seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, pinch of paprika
Frying or Baking
- Oil for frying: neutral oil with high smoke point such as vegetable or canola (optional for frying method)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Peel the onions and slice them into thick rings around 1/2 inch wide. Carefully separate each ring to have perfect circular shapes without breaks.
- Cut the Mozzarella: Slice mozzarella sticks to fit snugly inside the onion rings, ensuring a gooey cheese center in every bite.
- Assemble the Rings: Place a piece of mozzarella inside a larger onion ring. Then sandwich it with a slightly smaller onion ring on top to lock the cheese inside completely.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Arrange three bowls – one with gluten-free flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; one with beaten eggs; and one with seasoned gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Rings: Dip each assembled ring in the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat dipping in eggs and breadcrumbs once more.
- Chill before Cooking: Refrigerate the coated rings for 20 minutes to help the breading set and prevent cheese from oozing during baking or frying.
- Bake or Fry to Golden Perfection: For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprayed with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
For frying (optional): Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry rings in small batches 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. - Drain and Serve: Remove cooked rings with a slotted spoon if fried and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm to enjoy melty, cheesy deliciousness.
Notes
- Chill assembled rings before cooking to prevent cheese leakage.
- Do not overcrowd baking sheet or frying pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use thick onion slices for better cheese holding and texture.
- Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs adds an extra crispy crust.
- Serve immediately for best gooey texture and flavor.
- Can substitute mozzarella with pepper jack, smoked mozzarella, gouda, or provolone for varied flavors.
- Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs ensure the recipe is gluten-free without compromising crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze assembled but uncooked rings on parchment first, then store frozen up to 1 month; fry or bake from frozen for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 rings
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheezy stuffed mozzarella onion rings, gluten-free onion rings, cheesy appetizers, baked onion rings, mozzarella snacks
