Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter
🔸 Ingredients:
For the Onion Rings:
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2 large yellow or white onions
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1 block of mozzarella cheese (or string cheese sticks)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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3 large eggs
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1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
For the Garlic Butter:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or ½ tsp dried)
🔸 Instructions:
1. Prep the Onion Rings:
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Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings, then gently separate them.
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Pair up similar-sized rings and place a strip or slice of mozzarella between each pair to make a ring sandwich.
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Freeze the assembled rings for 30–45 minutes to help them hold shape while frying.
2. Set Up Dredging Station:
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Bowl 1: Flour (seasoned with salt & pepper)
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Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
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Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning
3. Bread the Rings:
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Coat each frozen stuffed ring in flour → egg → panko.
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Repeat for an extra-crispy double coat, if desired.
4. Fry:
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Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or deep skillet.
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Fry rings in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown.
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Drain on paper towels.
5. Make Garlic Butter:
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In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.
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Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t brown).
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Stir in parsley.
6. Serve:
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Drizzle garlic butter over hot onion rings or serve on the side as a dip.
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Optional: Serve with marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
🔸 Tips & Variations:
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Want a smoky flavor? Add a touch of smoked paprika to the panko.
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Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne in the dredge or dipping sauce.
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Air fryer version: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.