Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Cheesy Onion Rings! Crispy on the outside, gooey with melted cheese on the inside, these rings combine two beloved comfort foods into one addictive treat. They’re perfect for game day gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you want to impress guests with something beyond the ordinary onion ring.
I discovered this recipe during a neighborhood potluck and immediately had to recreate it at home. The combination of sweet onions with stretchy cheese and that perfect golden crunch creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, these cheesy onion rings are surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Why I Love These
These cheesy onion rings deliver the perfect balance of crispy coating and gooey, melted cheese that creates an irresistible texture contrast.
They’re surprisingly straightforward to prepare with pantry staples, yet impressive enough to make guests think you spent hours in the kitchen.
I make these whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will devour within minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 cups cooking oil
- Toothpicks for securing
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
How To Make
- Pair two slices of onion rings – one larger than the other with space between them when the smaller is placed inside the larger. Slice mozzarella cheese to fit the space between the rings. Place cheese between the onion pieces and secure with a toothpick.
- Heat oil in a deep cooking pot. Combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a bowl and mix well. Dredge all onion rings in the dry mixture and place on a wire rack.
- Combine milk and beaten egg, mix well. Pour this mixture into the bowl with remaining dry ingredients and mix until a batter is formed.
- Dip the onion rings in the batter mixture, then place back on the wire rack to let excess batter drip. Coat with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry one side until golden brown, then turn over and fry the opposite side until golden brown.
- Remove toothpicks and serve warm with marinara sauce. Share and enjoy!
Nutrition
These cheesy onion rings offer a moderate protein boost from the cheese while being higher in carbohydrates and fats, making them best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack. The onions provide some vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, adding nutritional value to this indulgent appetizer.
To create a lighter version, consider air-frying instead of deep-frying to reduce the oil content significantly. You can also use part-skim mozzarella string cheese and whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for added fiber and reduced fat.
This recipe contains common allergens including dairy, eggs, and gluten. For dairy-free needs, substitute with plant-based cheese alternatives (though they won’t melt quite the same). For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Tips & Variations
- Prep the onion rings up to the breading stage and freeze them solid on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag—this way you can fry them straight from frozen whenever cravings hit.
- Try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick, or mix in some crumbled bacon with the cheese for an extra savory flavor bomb.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free panko or crushed rice Chex cereal for the coating.
Ways To Serve Them
- As a game day appetizer alongside buffalo wings and celery sticks
- Paired with a hearty burger and crisp green salad for a complete meal
- Alongside a creamy tomato soup for a fun twist on grilled cheese and soup
- Serve with chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for additional dipping options
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Allow leftover rings to cool completely before storing in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper. They’ll keep for up to 2 days but will lose crispness.
- Freezer: These don’t freeze well after cooking as the texture becomes soggy when thawed. However, you can freeze uncooked breaded rings for up to 1 month in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, sliced into thick rings
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 cups cooking oil
- Toothpicks for securing
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
Steps
- Pair two slices of onion rings - one larger than the other with space between them when the smaller is placed inside the larger. Slice mozzarella cheese to fit the space between the rings. Place cheese between the onion pieces and secure with a toothpick.
- Heat oil in a deep cooking pot. Combine all dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a bowl and mix well. Dredge all onion rings in the dry mixture and place on a wire rack.
- Combine milk and beaten egg, mix well. Pour this mixture into the bowl with remaining dry ingredients and mix until a batter is formed.
- Dip the onion rings in the batter mixture, then place back on the wire rack to let excess batter drip. Coat with Panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry one side until golden brown, then turn over and fry the opposite side until golden brown.
- Remove toothpicks and serve warm with marinara sauce. Share and enjoy!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 1388 kcal
Notes
- Prep the onion rings up to the breading stage and freeze them solid on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag—this way you can fry them straight from frozen whenever cravings hit.
- Try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick, or mix in some crumbled bacon with the cheese for an extra savory flavor bomb.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free panko or crushed rice Chex cereal for the coating.