Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are the ultimate fusion of two iconic snacks: gooey mozzarella sticks and crispy onion rings. These crave-worthy bites wrap a ring of sweet onion around a cheesy mozzarella core, all coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. When I want to impress at game night or just indulge a little, this is my go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together the bold flavor of onion rings with the melty, stretchy center of mozzarella sticks. Every bite has crunch, gooey cheese, and a hit of sweet onion flavor. They’re unique, fun to make, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any party.

Ingredients

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

• Large sweet onions (cut into thick slices, rings separated)

• Mozzarella cheese sticks or block mozzarella (cut into strips)

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

• Milk

• Bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)

• Salt and pepper

• Garlic powder and paprika (optional, for seasoning)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. I cut thick slices of onion and separate them into rings. I pair up two rings (one larger, one slightly smaller) and fit a mozzarella strip between them to form a “cheese sandwich” inside the onion ring.

2. I freeze the assembled rings for 30 minutes to help them stay intact while frying.

3. I prepare a breading station with flour in one bowl, whisked eggs and milk in another, and seasoned breadcrumbs in the third.

4. I dip each frozen ring first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs—making sure it’s well coated. For extra crispness, I repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coat.

5. I heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the rings in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

6. I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and serve them hot with marinara or ranch for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 mozzarella stick onion rings, depending on the size of the onions. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to freeze, and 15 minutes to fry. I usually set aside around 1 hour from start to finish.

Variations

• I sometimes use spicy pepper jack cheese for a kick.

• For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

• I’ve also tried baking or air-frying them with good results—just less crisp than deep frying.

storage/reheating

These are best fresh, but I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crunch. I avoid the microwave—it softens the coating too much.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

I don’t recommend it. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t hold its shape well. I use sticks or block mozzarella cut into strips for clean layers.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Freezing the assembled rings before breading and frying really helps. I also make sure they’re fully coated in breadcrumbs, especially around the edges.

Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. They turn out golden but slightly less crispy than fried.

What dipping sauce works best?

I love classic marinara, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even spicy mayo are great options too.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, I freeze the assembled and breaded rings on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. I fry them straight from frozen, just adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are everything I want in a snack—cheesy, crispy, flavorful, and totally unforgettable. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m serving them up for guests or treating myself, they’re worth every bite.