How to Make Quick and Crispy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe
Embark on a culinary adventure with “Crispy Delight: Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings,” where the beloved appetizer meets innovative cooking. This mouthwatering creation combines the gooey, stretchy joy of mozzarella sticks with the sweet, savory crunch of onion rings, resulting in a fusion snack that’s sure to captivate and satisfy. Perfect for parties, game day gatherings, or as a novel treat for family movie nights, these mozzarella stick onion rings offer a fun and flavorful twist on classic favorites.
Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings:
- Unique Combination: Merges two popular appetizers into one for double the flavor and fun.
- Irresistibly Crispy: Boasts a golden, crunchy exterior with a melty, cheesy interior.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps lead to an impressive snack.
- Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for serving at gatherings, ensuring everyone gets a taste of this innovative treat.
Ingredients Notes For Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings:
- Large Onions: Choose firm, large onions to create the perfect-sized rings that can hold the cheese.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use thick slices or blocks of mozzarella that can be cut to fit inside the onion rings.
- Breading: A classic three-step breading process with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs ensures a crispy coating.
- Seasonings: Add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Cooking Oil: For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the onions into thick rings and separate them. Cut the mozzarella into strips or shapes that fit inside the onion rings.
- Assemble: Place a mozzarella piece between two onion rings, forming a cheese-filled ring.
- Bread the Rings: Dip each onion-mozzarella ring first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring even coating at each step.
- Freeze: Lay the breaded rings on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour to firm up, which helps maintain their shape during frying.
- Fry: Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked breaded rings and fry straight from the freezer when ready to eat for the best texture.
How to Make Quick and Crispy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large onions
- 8-10 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Onions and Cheese:
- Cut the onions into 1/2-inch thick slices and separate them into rings. Find pairs of similar-sized rings and set aside.
- Cut the mozzarella sticks to fit the height of the onion rings.
Assemble the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings:
- Place a smaller onion ring inside a larger one, leaving a gap between them. Insert a piece of mozzarella stick in the gap between the onion rings. Repeat with the remaining onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
Bread the Rings:
- Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each stuffed onion ring in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip the floured rings into the beaten eggs, then coat them in breadcrumbs, making sure they are completely covered. For extra crunch, you can double-bread by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs again.
Freeze:
- Place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour to firm up, which helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying.
Fry the Onion Rings:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
- Serve the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings hot with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
