Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

🧀 Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

🔪 Prep Time: 20 mins

🍳 Cook Time: 15 mins

🍽️ Serves: 4

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🧂 Ingredients:

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large yellow onions, peeled

• 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Garlic Butter:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Pinch of salt

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🍽️ Instructions:

1. Prep the Onion Rings:

• Slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings and separate them.

• Pick pairs of rings – one smaller and one larger – to create a hollow space between them.

• Insert mozzarella sticks between the rings, trimming to fit snugly.

2. Freeze for Stability:

• Place the stuffed onion rings on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during frying.

3. Set Up Breading Station:

• In one bowl, add the flour.

• In another, whisk together eggs and milk.

• In a third bowl, mix panko, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

4. Bread the Rings:

• Coat each frozen ring in flour, then egg, then panko. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko step again (double coating!).

5. Fry to Golden Perfection:

• Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).

• Fry rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crispy.

• Drain on paper towels.

6. Make the Garlic Butter:

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

• Stir in parsley and a pinch of salt.

7. Serve:

• Drizzle the garlic butter over the hot onion rings or serve on the side for dipping.

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🔥 Optional Dips:

• Marinara sauce

• Spicy ranch

• Aioli