How can I stop the cheese from oozing out?

Keep the cheese snug between the onion layers using toothpicks, but don’t overstuff. A good batter and crumb layer also lock everything in place.

What temperature should my oil be for frying?

Aim for around 350°F (175°C). No thermometer? Drop in a bit of batter—if it quickly sizzles and rises, you're good to go.

Is baking an option instead of frying?

Sure! Put them in at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Just know they won't have that same crunchy exterior.

What kinds of cheese work best?

Choose meltable cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack. Sticks or blocks are easiest to slice and fit neatly.

How can I tell when they're fully cooked?

Once both sides have turned golden and crunchy, and inside, the cheese has melted (but not spilling out), they’re ready.

Irresistible Cheesy Onion Rings

Category: Quick Bites for Every Gathering

Upgrade your snack game with crispy onion rings stuffed with melted mozzarella. Perfect match with some marinara on the side!

Pin It Share Send Print Jump to Recipe

By Ana

Updated on Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:37:52 GMT

Irresistible Cheesy Onion Rings | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I stop the cheese from oozing out?: Keep the cheese snug between the onion layers using toothpicks, but don’t overstuff. A good batter and crumb layer also lock everything in place.
→ What temperature should my oil be for frying?: Aim for around 350°F (175°C). No thermometer? Drop in a bit of batter—if it quickly sizzles and rises, you're good to go.
→ Is baking an option instead of frying?: Sure! Put them in at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Just know they won't have that same crunchy exterior.
→ What kinds of cheese work best?: Choose meltable cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack. Sticks or blocks are easiest to slice and fit neatly.
→ How can I tell when they're fully cooked?: Once both sides have turned golden and crunchy, and inside, the cheese has melted (but not spilling out), they’re ready.

Onion Cheese Rings

Golden brown onion rings stuffed with gooey mozzarella, dipped in batter, rolled in Panko crumbs, and fried to perfection.

Prep Time

15 min

Cooking Time

7 min

Total Time

22 min

By: Ana

Category: Snacks & Appetizers

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yields: 4 Servings (8 cheesy onion rings)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Key Ingredients

01 8 sticks of mozzarella cheese

02 2 cups of oil for frying

03 1 cup of milk

04 Toothpicks to hold everything together

05 1 egg, whisked

06 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs

07 1 large onion, cut into thick rings

→ Dry Mix

08 1 cup of regular flour

09 1 teaspoon of baking powder

10 1 teaspoon of fine table salt

Steps

Step 01

Take two onion rings of different sizes so one fits inside the other, leaving some space between them. Trim mozzarella sticks to go inside that gap, sandwiching the cheese between the rings. Use a toothpick to keep the onion and cheese together.

Step 02

Fill a deep pot with oil and heat it up. In a mixing bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Roll the onion-and-cheese rings in this dry mix, then pop them onto a rack.

Step 03

Blend milk with the beaten egg until smooth. Stir this wet mix into the leftover dry mix until it forms a thick batter.

Step 04

Dip each onion ring into the batter, letting the extra drip off while on the rack. Roll them in Panko until fully coated.

Step 05

Fry over medium heat until one side is golden, then flip it over to cook the other until evenly crisp and golden.

Step 06

Carefully pull out the toothpicks, then dish out with warm marinara sauce on the side. Dig in while hot!

Notes

Mozzarella-filled onion rings are a crunchy and cheesy snack that everyone loves.
Grab some marinara for dipping to make them even more flavorful.
To keep the cheese from melting out while frying, secure it well with toothpicks.
The combination of flour, batter, and breadcrumbs gives a satisfyingly crispy crust.