Mediterranean Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
🧄 Description
Golden, crunchy onion rings get a savory Mediterranean twist—stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese, seasoned with fresh herbs, and fried until irresistibly crisp. These snackable bites are perfect for party appetizers, side dishes, or movie-night treats!
🍽️ Servings:
Makes about 12 onion rings (4–6 servings)
📝 Ingredients for Mediterranean Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings
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2–3 large white or yellow onions (thick rings)
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8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into strips
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¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
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2 eggs, beaten
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1 cup (70 g) panko breadcrumbs
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½ cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Oil, for frying (vegetable/canola/olive)
🍳 Instructions
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Prep Onions:
Slice onions ½–¾ inch thick and separate into rings. Pair similarly sized rings so that one fits inside the other. -
Stuff Rings:
Place a strip of mozzarella between matched inner + outer onion rings, creating a “cheese wall”. Secure with toothpicks if needed. -
Set Up Breading Station:
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Bowl 1: Flour + pinch of salt/pepper
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Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
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Bowl 3: Panko + Parmesan + oregano + basil + garlic powder + paprika
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Coat Onion Rings:
Dip each stuffed ring into flour → egg → breadcrumb mix.
For extra crunch, repeat egg + breadcrumbs for a double coat. -
Chill:
Place coated rings in freezer for 15–20 minutes to help cheese stay inside while frying. -
Fry:
Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry rings in batches, 2–3 mins each side, until golden. Drain on paper towels. -
Serve warm with tzatziki, marinara, or spicy yogurt dip.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Freeze longer (30–45 min) if your cheese is very soft.
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Bake alternative: 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 min—flip halfway.
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Try different cheeses (feta + mozzarella blend = extra Mediterranean!)
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Great as sliders: layer into buns with tomato + pesto.
🔍 Nutritional Info (per 2–3 rings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280–320 |
| Protein | ~11 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~23 g |
| Fat | ~18 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~380 mg |
(Values vary based on cheese and frying method.)
🌿 Benefits
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High in calcium & protein (thanks to mozzarella & Parmesan)
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Mediterranean herb blend adds antioxidants & anti-inflammatory benefits
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Satisfying for cravings, while still offering whole onion goodness
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes! Bread and freeze up to 1 month. Fry straight from frozen (+1–2 mins cooking time).
Q: Which dipping sauce works best?
A: Tzatziki or roasted red pepper dip for Mediterranean flair. Marinara or aioli are also great!
Q: Do I have to deep fry?
A: Nope—air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil.
Q: How do I keep cheese from leaking?
A: Double coat in breadcrumbs, freeze longer, and make sure the inner/outer onion rings fit snugly.
