Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings

Under the working theory that nothing can go wrong when you combine your favorite bar foods, Happy Tummy decided to put them together and make one ring to rule them all: Mozzarella-Stuffed Crispy Baked Onion Rings.

Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per batch

Ingredients:

• 2 large yellow or white onions, cut into 1/2-inch rings
• 8 oz block mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp paprika (optional for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying (canola, vegetable, or peanut oil works best)

Instructions:

1. Preparation of Onions: Begin by peeling your onions and slicing them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Pop out the centers, ensuring you have a good hollow space but still leaving 2-3 outer layers for structure.
2. Stuff with Mozzarella: Slice the mozzarella into pieces that will fit comfortably inside the hollow of the onion rings. Place a piece of mozzarella in between two onion rings, making a sandwich, with the cheese in the middle.
3. Set Up Dredging Stations:
   • Bowl 1: Add the all-purpose flour. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Bowl 2: Add the beaten eggs.
   • Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs with paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Dredging Process: For each stuffed onion ring, first dip into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Lastly, press it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s well-coated and the breadcrumbs stick well. Set aside on a tray and repeat with the remaining onion rings.
5. Frying:
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to submerge the onion rings.
   • Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few stuffed onion rings, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry until they’re golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve: Once all onion rings are fried and drained, serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch.

Tips:

• Freezing the cheese-stuffed onion rings for about 15 minutes before frying can help maintain their shape and prevent the cheese from oozing out too quickly during frying.
• Always be cautious when working with hot oil. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the oil’s temperature.