ADVERTISEMENT
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the onion rings:**
– Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings, making sure to keep them intact and undamaged. Set the smaller inner rings aside for a different use or discard.
– For each onion ring, place a mozzarella stick inside, and gently press it so that it fits snugly. The mozzarella should be fully encased in the onion ring with no gaps.
2. **Set up a breading station:**
– In a shallow bowl, place the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
3. **Bread the stuffed onion rings:**
– One at a time, dip each mozzarella-stuffed onion ring into the flour, making sure it is evenly coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the onion ring to ensure a thick, even coating. Repeat for all onion rings.
4. **Heat the oil:**
– Pour enough oil into a large frying pan or deep skillet to submerge the onion rings. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece of breading; it should sizzle and brown within a few seconds.
5. **Fry the onion rings:**
– Carefully lower the breaded, stuffed onion rings into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to turn them carefully to avoid spilling the cheese inside.
6. **Drain and serve:**
– Use a slotted spoon to remove the onion rings from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
– Once all the rings are fried, serve them hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. You can sprinkle a little extra salt on top for added flavor.
### Tips and Variations
– **Make them spicy:** Add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick. The heat pairs wonderfully with the rich, melty cheese inside.
– **Try different cheeses:** While mozzarella is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a unique twist.
– **Baking option:** If you prefer to bake the onion rings instead of frying them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
– **Use thick onion rings:** For a more substantial onion ring, choose larger onions and cut the rings thicker. Just be sure to use enough mozzarella to fill the space!
### Why Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings Are So Special
**Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings with Marinara** offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, savory onion provides the perfect contrast to the rich, gooey mozzarella, while the breadcrumb coating adds an irresistible crunch. Pairing it with marinara sauce offers a tangy, herby contrast that enhances the cheesy goodness of the rings. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it’s a perfect example of how two classic ingredients—onion rings and mozzarella cheese—can come together to create something extraordinary.
### Final Thoughts
These **Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings with Marinara** are more than just an appetizer—they’re a showstopper that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re serving them at your next party, as a side dish, or enjoying them on a casual night in, these cheesy, crispy delights are guaranteed to impress. With their perfect balance of crispy texture and melty cheese, these stuffed onion rings will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy this irresistible, savory snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
ADVERTISEMENT
