Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings 
Ingredients:
1 large onion, cut into thick rings
Mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into halves
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions:
Heat cooking oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Separate the onion rings and insert a half of a mozzarella cheese stick into the center of each ring.
In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in the third.
Dredge each mozzarella-stuffed onion ring in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured onion ring into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
Finally, coat the onion ring in the seasoned breadcrumbs mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Repeat the breading process for all the onion rings.
Carefully place the breaded onion rings into the hot oil and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fried onion rings from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: Makes about 8-10 onion rings
Here are Most popular questions and their answers related to Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings:
- What are Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
- Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a delicious appetizer made by stuffing onion rings with mozzarella cheese sticks, breading them, and then frying until crispy.
- How do you make Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
- To make Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings, you’ll need onion rings, mozzarella cheese sticks, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Stuff each onion ring with a half of a mozzarella stick, bread them, and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Can I bake Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings instead of frying them?
- While frying gives the onion rings a crispier texture, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- What type of onion is best for making Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
- Sweet onions like Vidalia or Spanish onions are ideal for making Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings due to their mild flavor and tender texture.
- Can I use pre-sliced mozzarella cheese instead of mozzarella cheese sticks?
- Yes, you can use pre-sliced mozzarella cheese, but make sure to cut it into strips that fit inside the onion rings.
- What dipping sauce goes well with Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
- Marinara sauce is the classic dipping sauce for Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings, but you can also try other options like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo.
- Can I freeze Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings before frying them?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled and breaded onion rings on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- How do you prevent the cheese from leaking out of the onion rings during frying?
- Make sure the cheese sticks are fully encased in the onion rings and that the breading is well-sealed. You can also double coat the onion rings for extra security.
- Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make gluten-free Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
- Are Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings kid-friendly?
- Yes, Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a fun and kid-friendly appetizer that children and adults alike will enjoy.
- How long do leftover Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings last?
- Leftover Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
- Can I add other seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture?
- Yes, feel free to customize the breadcrumb mixture with additional seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, or chili powder for extra flavor.
- What oil is best for frying Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
- Vegetable oil or canola oil are good options for frying Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings due to their high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Can I use a deep fryer to make Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings?
- Yes, a deep fryer works well for frying Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings, but you can also use a large skillet with enough oil to submerge the onion rings halfway.
- Are Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings difficult to make?
- Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are relatively easy to make with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions. They make a delicious appetizer or snack for any occasion.
These questions and answers should provide helpful information for anyone making Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings!
To achieve the perfect Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings, consider these secrets:
- Choose the Right Onion: Select a large onion and cut it into thick rings. The onion rings should be large enough to accommodate a half mozzarella cheese stick inside.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella Sticks: Opt for fresh mozzarella cheese sticks and cut them into halves. Fresh mozzarella tends to melt better and provides that gooey, cheesy center.
- Proper Breading Technique: Follow the breading process carefully. Dredge each mozzarella-stuffed onion ring in flour first to create a dry surface for the egg wash to adhere to.
- Egg Wash Consistency: Ensure the beaten eggs are well-mixed and evenly coat each onion ring. This will help the breadcrumbs stick properly during frying.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This adds flavor to the outer coating of the onion rings.
- Press Gently: Press the seasoned breadcrumbs onto the onion rings gently but firmly to ensure they adhere properly. This step helps create a crispy outer layer.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Heat the cooking oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying the onion rings. The oil should be hot enough to quickly cook the rings to a golden brown and crispy texture.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or deep fryer. Fry the onion rings in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their crispiness.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, transfer the onion rings to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This prevents them from becoming greasy and soggy.
- Serve Immediately: Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are best served hot and fresh. Enjoy them immediately after frying for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
- Pair with Marinara Sauce: Serve the onion rings with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy tomato sauce complements the cheesy goodness of the onion rings.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend in the breadcrumbs to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor.
- Try Different Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is classic, you can experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor combinations.
- Prep Work Efficiency: Set up your breading station in advance with the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixture. This streamlines the process and makes breading easier.
- Creative Presentation: Get creative with your presentation by serving the Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This adds visual appeal to your dish.
Following these secrets will help you achieve perfectly crispy and cheesy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!