I was recently half-watching a cooking show, when suddenly they deep-fried a giant onion ring and topped it with a drizzle of truffle oil. I paused. That idea stuck with me. So I decided to fill crispy onion rings with gooey mozzarella—because honestly, what’s more satisfying than cheesy molten pockets nestled inside crunchy, caramelized onion?

This isn’t just about comfort. It’s about surprising your taste buds right now. The crispy batter gives a satisfying crunch, but the real magic is that cheesy stretch pulling apart mid-bite. Perfect for snack time or even a quick appetizer that makes you feel like a questionable gourmet.

It’s simple enough to whip up between busy moments—and honestly, I think that’s what makes it addictive. No fancy tricks, just some good cheese, a good onion, and a little patience with the oven. Sometimes, slicing into these feels like uncovering a secret little treasure chest of melted cheese and crispy layers.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• It’s a totally unexpected way to serve onions, turning them into cheesy, crunchy bites that aren’t boring.
• They make late-night snacks feel fancy enough for guests to ask for seconds—even if you’re just craving guilty pleasure.
• It’s a one-pan, hands-on kind of project that’s forgiving and fun, not a fussy mess.
• The aroma of frying cheese and onions makes the whole house smell like a street fair.
• Honestly, the melted mozzarella explosion never gets old. That’s worth making again and again.

Thinking about the mess I’ll make just writing this out… someday I’ll stop being surprised how something so simple ends up being the best thing I’ve eaten all week.

Cheesy Crispy Onion Rings filled with Mozzarella

This dish features large onion rings that are battered and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The batter is filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, creating molten pockets inside the crunchy exterior. The final result is a savory, cheesy bite with a satisfying crunch and melty cheese pull.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large onions peeled and sliced into thick rings
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for batter coating
• 1 cup cold water to create batter
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 1 tsp baking powder helps batter become crispy
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• oil for frying vegetable oil enough for deep frying

Equipment

• Deep-frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls

Method

 

1. Slice the onions into thick, rounds, making large rings and set aside.
2. Prepare the mozzarella cubes by cutting them into 1-inch pieces; set aside to stuff into the onion rings later.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add cold water and the beaten egg, stirring until the batter is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Line a shallow dish with panko breadcrumbs for coating the onion rings.
5. Carefully stuff a cube of mozzarella into the center of each onion ring, pressing gently to secure it inside.
6. Dip each stuffed onion ring into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated all around.
7. Next, roll the coated onion rings in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they adhere well.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep-frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C); you can test by dropping a small piece of bread—if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.
9. Carefully drop the prepared onion rings into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even color.
10. Remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, revealing a crispy, golden exterior.
11. Serve immediately, allowing the molten mozzarella inside to be enjoyed with the crispy onion exterior.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle truffle oil over the onion rings before serving. Make sure the cheese is well-stuffed for gooey molten centers. Be careful when frying to prevent splatters and ensure safety.

Maybe I need to stop thinking about how I’ll burn myself trying to get that perfect cheesy stretch every time. It’s a small miracle that the patience pays off and I get to experience those gooey moments. The crispy batter might be the real MVP, but the molten cheese always steals the show.

Either way, these onion rings are proof that sometimes the craziest ideas—like stuffing them with cheese—are the ones worth trying. And honestly, I probably should’ve added a spicy dip or something. But for now, I’ll just leave it at that. Let’s see how long I can resist the urge to make an extra batch tonight.

Theo Granger

Hi, I’m Theo Granger, the voice and recipe creator behind Boldly Overseasoning.

If you believe salt is not the enemy, spices should be generous, and flavor should never whisper when it can sing, then you are absolutely in the right place. Boldly Overseasoning is my unapologetic celebration of big flavor, confident cooking, and trusting your instincts in the kitchen. I created this space for people who are done with bland food and ready to cook with courage.