Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything I crave in a single bite: crunchy coating, melty cheese, and that irresistible garlic butter flavor. The contrast of sweet onion, stretchy mozzarella, and crispy breadcrumbs is pure comfort food. It’s also a fun and creative twist on two favorites—mozzarella sticks and onion rings—rolled into one. Plus, I can bake or fry them, depending on how indulgent I want to be.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large white or yellow onions

• Mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese)

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Garlic, minced

• Butter

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Italian seasoning or dried parsley

• Oil for frying (if frying) or cooking spray (if baking)

Directions

1. I start by slicing the onions into thick rings, about ½-inch each, and separating them into pairs of rings (one slightly smaller inside the other).

2. I cut the mozzarella into strips and sandwich it between two onion rings so it fills the gap—then I freeze them for about 30 minutes so they hold their shape.

3. I set up a breading station with three bowls: flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), beaten eggs, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

4. Once the stuffed rings are firm, I dip each one in flour, then egg, then coat it generously in the breadcrumbs.

5. For frying, I heat oil to 350°F and fry the rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

6. For baking, I preheat the oven to 425°F, place the rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. While the rings cook, I melt the butter in a small pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.

8. As soon as the onion rings are out of the fryer or oven, I drizzle them with the garlic butter or serve it on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 45–50 minutes total, including 10 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of freezing, and about 10 minutes to cook (depending on the method).

Variations

Sometimes I add a little grated parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor. I’ve also stuffed the rings with pepper jack or cheddar for a spicy twist. If I want a lighter version, I bake them instead of frying and use whole wheat breadcrumbs. Dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo are also great additions.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crisp and hot—usually about 8–10 minutes. I avoid the microwave since it softens the crust and makes the cheese runny.

FAQs

Can I use string cheese instead of block mozzarella?

Yes, I’ve used string cheese and it works well—it’s easy to portion and fits perfectly inside the onion rings.

Why do I need to freeze the stuffed rings?

Freezing helps the cheese stay inside while frying or baking. Without it, the mozzarella melts too quickly and can leak out before the coating crisps up.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. I use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just be sure all your seasonings are certified gluten-free if needed.

What kind of onions work best?

I prefer white or yellow onions because they’re mild and slightly sweet, which pairs well with the cheese and garlic butter.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble and freeze the stuffed rings in advance. When I’m ready to cook, I take them straight from the freezer to the fryer or oven.

Conclusion

Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are the ultimate snack for cheese lovers like me. They’re crispy, melty, and loaded with flavor from the garlic butter finish. Whether I serve them at a party or enjoy them as a late-night treat, they always steal the show. Once I tried them homemade, there was no going back.