Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

– 2 large yellow onions
– 10–12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Oil for frying

For the Garlic Butter:

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Peel and slice onions into thick rings, separating them carefully.
2. Cut mozzarella sticks to fit inside pairs of similarly sized onion rings. Stack a smaller ring inside a larger one and fit cheese between them, pressing together.
3. Freeze the stuffed rings for 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Dip each frozen ring in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat.

6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry rings in batches until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
7. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. Drizzle garlic butter over the hot onion rings. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes freezing) | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per 2–3 rings | Servings: 4 servings