Mozzarella-stuffed onion rings with garlic butter are the ultimate indulgent snack—crispy, golden onion rings filled with gooey, melted cheese and finished with a buttery garlic glaze. They're crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside, and totally irresistible. Whether I’m serving them as a game day appetizer or a fun weekend treat, they never last long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes onion rings to a whole new level. The combination of sweet onion, rich mozzarella, and garlicky butter creates an explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. They’re surprisingly easy to make and way more fun than your average side dish. I also love how customizable they are—you can dip them in anything or switch up the cheese for different vibes.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large yellow or sweet onions
- Mozzarella cheese sticks or block mozzarella (cut into strips)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Fresh garlic (minced)
- Optional: parsley for garnish, marinara or ranch for dipping
Directions
- I start by slicing the onions into thick rings and separating them into pairs—two rings that fit inside each other with a gap to stuff.
- I place a mozzarella strip between each ring, pressing gently so it holds its shape. I freeze the rings for about 30 minutes to help the cheese stay in place during frying.
- I set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with panko mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- I dip each stuffed ring in flour, then egg mixture, then panko—pressing gently to coat.
- I heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the rings in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
- While they drain on paper towels, I melt butter in a pan and sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- I brush the hot rings with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley before serving with my favorite dip.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8–10 stuffed rings, depending on the size of the onion. It takes around 20 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to chill, and 10–15 minutes to fry, so I usually have them ready in just over an hour.
Variations
- I swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a different flavor.
- I bake them at 425°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.
- I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour when I need a GF option.
- For a spicy kick, I add cayenne or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mix.
Storage/Reheating
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp again. I avoid microwaving—they lose their crunch that way.
FAQs
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! I spray them with a little oil and air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and melty.
Do I have to freeze them before frying?
Freezing helps keep the cheese from oozing out too quickly. I always chill them for at least 30 minutes before frying.
What dip goes best with these?
I love them with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can go straight from the freezer to the fryer or oven.
What kind of onion works best?
I prefer large yellow or sweet onions—they hold their shape and have a mild flavor that balances the cheese and garlic butter perfectly.
Conclusion
Mozzarella-stuffed onion rings with garlic butter are the ultimate crispy, cheesy comfort food. With that melty center, crunchy coating, and rich garlic finish, they’re a snack that always steals the show. Whether I’m hosting friends or just treating myself, these never disappoint—and once I made them the first time, I knew they’d be a repeat favorite.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 mozzarella-stuffed onion rings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Air Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These mozzarella-stuffed onion rings are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and brushed with buttery garlic for the ultimate cheesy indulgence. Whether air-fried, baked, or deep-fried, they’re the perfect appetizer for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving something bold and crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow or sweet onions
- 6–8 mozzarella cheese sticks or block mozzarella (cut into strips)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- For Serving:
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli or spicy mayo (optional)
Instructions
- Slice onions into thick rings and separate into pairs that nest with space between.
- Place a mozzarella strip between each onion ring pair. Gently press together and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs + milk
- Bowl 3: Panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Dip each frozen stuffed ring in flour, then egg, then panko—pressing to coat evenly.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry rings in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
- Brush garlic butter over hot rings and sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.
Notes
- To bake: Place rings on a parchment-lined tray, spray with oil, and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.
- To air fry: Spray with oil and cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze rings before cooking. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
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