Description
Combine the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks with the crispy crunch of onion rings for a viral mashup appetizer that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large onion, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- 4-6 mozzarella sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the onion rings: Separate the onion slices into individual rings.
- Assemble the mozzarella stick onion rings: Take an onion ring and carefully wrap a piece of mozzarella stick inside it. You may need to gently press the mozzarella to fit snugly. Repeat with remaining onion rings and mozzarella pieces.
- Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Bread the mozzarella stick onion rings: Dredge each assembled onion ring first in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated.
- Cook the mozzarella stick onion rings:
- If frying: Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the breaded onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- If baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the mozzarella is completely enclosed by the onion ring for best results.
- For extra cheesy goodness, you can double-coat the onion rings by dipping them in egg and breadcrumbs a second time.
- Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 pieces
- Calories: 200-250 (estimated)
- Sugar: 5-7g (estimated)
- Sodium: 300-400mg (estimated)
- Fat: 12-18g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: 5-8g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: 7-10g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g (estimated)
- Fiber: 2-3g (estimated)
- Protein: 8-10g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg (estimated)