Mozzarella Onion Rings

Mozzarella Onion Rings are a deliciously cheesy twist on the classic onion ring. With crispy breadcrumbs on the outside and gooey mozzarella cheese on the inside, these baked rings offer a savory, indulgent snack or appetizer. The combination of warm, melty mozzarella and the crunch of the coating creates a satisfying contrast that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup bread crumbs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the onion into rings and carefully separate them.
3. Cut the mozzarella cheese into strips that fit into the onion rings.
4. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until well combined.
6. Dip each mozzarella strip into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs.
7. Place the coated mozzarella strips into the onion rings, then arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the onion rings are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheese Variety: While mozzarella is classic, you can try using other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for different flavors.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to the breadcrumbs to give these onion rings a spicy twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these onion rings gluten-free.
• Herbed Up: Add dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for a more aromatic flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes for a crispy texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of onion?
   Yes, you can use yellow or white onions, but sweet onions (like Vidalia) give a milder, sweeter flavor.
2. Can I deep-fry these instead of baking them?
   Yes, if you prefer deep-frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the mozzarella onion rings until golden brown and crispy.
3. What can I serve these with?
   These cheesy onion rings are great on their own or served with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prep the onion rings and coat them ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.
5. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?
   It’s best to use block mozzarella and slice it into strips for the best melt. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.
6. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?
   Make sure the cheese strips are fully encased in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating, and bake at a high enough temperature to melt the cheese without it spilling out.
7. Can I bake these without breadcrumbs?
   Breadcrumbs help create the crispy outer layer. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed cornflakes, panko, or even crushed crackers as an alternative.
8. Can I freeze these for later?
   Yes, you can freeze the prepared, unbaked mozzarella onion rings. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
9. How do I make these onion rings extra crispy?
   For extra crunch, double-coat the mozzarella strips—dip them in the flour mixture, then the egg, and again in the breadcrumbs.
10. Can I use other cheeses for this recipe?
    Yes, other melting cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack will work well in place of mozzarella, giving the onion rings a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

These Mozzarella Onion Rings are the perfect snack or appetizer for cheese lovers. The combination of crispy coating and gooey cheese creates an irresistible treat that’s simple to make and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve them at a party, as a side dish, or just enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

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