Onion rings are a classic favorite, but when stuffed with melty, savory cheese, they take on a whole new level of deliciousness. These crispy cheese-stuffed onion rings are golden on the outside and wonderfully gooey on the inside, making them the perfect appetizer for gatherings, game nights, or as a snack any time of the day. The contrast of crispy breading with the gooey cheese and soft onion is simply irresistible!
Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something indulgent, these cheese-stuffed onion rings will quickly become a go-to dish. Here’s how you can make them at home!
Ingredients:
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1 large onion (preferably yellow onion for its natural sweetness)
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Cheese (about 200g of semi-soft cheese, such as Prato cheese or mozzarella for better meltability)
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2 cups all-purpose flour (for coating the onion rings)
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3 large eggs (beaten, to create an egg wash)
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2 cups bread crumbs (use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
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2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
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Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley (for garnish), tomato sauce, or ranch dressing (for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
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Peel and Slice the Onion: Start by peeling the outer skin off the onion and cutting off both ends. Slice the onion into thick rings, about 1/2 inch wide. After cutting, carefully separate the rings from each other. Select the larger rings to stuff with cheese and set the smaller ones aside for a different recipe or to use for extra crispy bites.
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Separate the Rings: Gently separate the onion rings into individual pieces. You’ll need to pick rings that are large enough to create a small cavity in the center, where the cheese will be stuffed.
2. Cut the Cheese:
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Prepare the Cheese: Slice the cheese into thin strips that can easily fit between two onion rings. Semi-soft cheeses like Prato cheese melt beautifully and give a mild, creamy flavor. You can also experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar for a more distinct taste. Choose cheeses that melt easily to ensure the gooey texture we’re after!
3. Stuff the Onion Rings:
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Stuff the Rings with Cheese: Carefully place a strip of cheese between two onion rings. Press them gently together to secure the cheese inside, creating a cheese-stuffed onion ring. Repeat this process for the remaining onion rings.
4. Coat the Onion Rings:
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Dredge in Flour: Take each stuffed onion ring and coat it first with all-purpose flour. Make sure the flour covers the entire surface, ensuring the breading sticks during frying.
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Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip each flour-coated onion ring into the beaten eggs, making sure the rings are evenly coated with egg wash. This step helps the breadcrumbs adhere properly.
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Coat with Breadcrumbs: After the egg wash, coat each ring with panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs, if preferred). Gently press the breadcrumbs into the onion rings to ensure an even coating. For extra crunch, you can double dip the onion rings in egg wash and breadcrumbs for an even thicker crust.
5. Heat the Oil:
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Prepare to Fry: Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the onion rings, but not smoking. Test the temperature by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.
6. Fry the Onion Rings:
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Fry Until Golden and Crispy: Carefully place the breaded onion rings into the hot oil, a few at a time. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy rings. Fry the onion rings for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the onion rings gently so they cook evenly on both sides.
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Drain the Excess Oil: Once the onion rings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve and Garnish:
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Garnish and Serve: Arrange the cheese-stuffed onion rings on a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey! For dipping, offer tomato sauce, ranch dressing, or a tangy barbecue sauce to complement the crispy, cheesy rings.
Additional Tips and Variations:
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Make It Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier experience, you can double-stuff the onion rings with cheese. Use two layers of cheese between the onion rings to ensure that every bite is bursting with melted cheese.
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Spicy Twist: For a spicy kick, add a bit of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture, or serve the onion rings with a sriracha dipping sauce. You can also add finely chopped jalapeños inside the onion rings for an extra layer of heat.
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Air Fryer Option: If you prefer a healthier version, these cheese-stuffed onion rings can be made in an air fryer. Simply follow the same steps for coating, but instead of frying in oil, place the onion rings in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Be sure to give the onion rings a light spray of cooking oil before air frying for the best result.
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Add Herbs and Spices: To elevate the flavor profile, try adding fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil to the breadcrumb coating. These herbs pair wonderfully with cheese and add a fragrant touch to the onion rings.
Why You’ll Love These Cheese-Stuffed Onion Rings:
These onion rings are the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and gooey, savory interior. The cheese melts to perfection, creating an irresistible pull when you take a bite, while the onion adds a sweet and slightly savory flavor. The crispy breadcrumb coating gives you that satisfying crunch with every bite, making these cheese-stuffed onion rings the ultimate snack or appetizer.
Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual meal, or just indulging in something delicious, these cheese-stuffed onion rings are sure to impress. They’re customizable, quick to make, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for crispy, cheesy goodness.
Conclusion:
Indulge in these crispy cheese-stuffed onion rings, and experience the perfect fusion of sweet onion, creamy cheese, and crunchy breading. This recipe is sure to become a favorite at your next gathering or serve as the ideal side dish for any meal. Whether you fry them or opt for the air fryer method, they’ll deliver a delightful snack that everyone will love.
Enjoy every cheesy bite!
