Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter: A Cheesy, Crispy Delight!

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions:

Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them into 1-inch thick rings. Take the larger rings and carefully remove the inner layers to create a “ring” of onion. Leave the smaller inner pieces aside (these can be used in other dishes or discarded). For each onion ring, place a mozzarella stick or cube in the center, then gently stack another onion ring on top to encase the cheese. The mozzarella should fit snugly in the middle, but be careful not to overcrowd.

2. Make the Batter:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the milk (or buttermilk) to create a smooth batter. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients, whisking until there are no lumps and the batter reaches a consistency that can coat the back of a spoon.

3. Coat the Onion Rings:

In a shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. To assemble the onion rings, first dip each stuffed onion ring into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the battered onion ring in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat until all the rings are coated.

4. Fry the Onion Rings:

In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to submerge the onion rings halfway, but you don’t need to completely cover them. Carefully place a few onion rings in the hot oil at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the onion rings for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Garlic Butter:

While the onion rings are frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Once the garlic is soft and aromatic, remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and a pinch of salt. This garlic butter will provide the perfect finishing touch to your crispy onion rings.

6. Drizzle with Garlic Butter:

Once the onion rings have cooled slightly, arrange them on a serving platter and drizzle the garlic butter generously over the top. For extra flair, sprinkle a little extra parsley on top for color and freshness.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauce. They pair wonderfully with marinara, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of each bite!

Tips for the Best Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings:

• Choose the Right Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella works best because it melts smoothly and evenly. Avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella, as it won’t melt as well inside the rings.
• Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the onion rings in the batter, then the breadcrumbs, and repeat the process. This creates an even thicker coating for the perfect crispiness.
• Temperature Control: Keep the oil temperature at a consistent 350°F (175°C) to ensure the onion rings cook evenly and become golden brown without burning.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the onion rings and freeze them before frying. Just arrange the prepared, coated rings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container or bag. When you’re ready to fry, cook them straight from the freezer for a quick snack!

Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings:

1. Cheesy Goodness: The gooey mozzarella inside the crispy onion rings makes each bite incredibly satisfying, delivering the perfect balance of savory cheese and tender onion.
2. Crispy Coating: The panko breadcrumbs give these onion rings a crunch that’s addictive and delightful. It’s the kind of crispy you crave in every bite.
3. Garlic Butter Finish: The garlic butter elevates the flavor to a whole new level, adding a rich and aromatic finish that’s hard to resist.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving these as a fun appetizer at a party, a side dish for burgers and sandwiches, or just a comforting snack, these onion rings will never disappoint.

Final Thoughts:

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are an absolute treat for anyone who loves the combination of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful bites. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a comforting snack, these onion rings are guaranteed to be a hit. With their golden, crispy coating, gooey cheese center, and irresistible garlic butter drizzle, they’re the perfect appetizer or side dish to enjoy any time! Get ready to take your taste buds on a delicious, cheesy adventure.