Oh, these are dangerous—in the best way possible. The first time I made mozzarella stuffed onion rings with Garlic Butter Recipe, I was just tinkering with game day snacks, looking for something indulgent and a little extra. One golden, crispy bite later? I was hooked. The combo of sweet onion, gooey melted mozzarella, and that garlicky butter drizzle is just… chef’s kiss. Whether you’re throwing a party or just need a crunchy, melty pick-me-up, this recipe delivers big flavor with little fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

A crispy, cheesy twist on classic onion rings
That garlic butter drizzle takes things to the next level
Baked or fried — choose your crunch adventure
Perfect finger food for parties, game nights, or movie marathons
Great way to use up extra mozzarella or onions
Make ahead & freeze for easy snack attacks

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Cuisine	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level
Appetizer	American	25 minutes	15 minutes	40 minutes	4 servings	Intermediate

Ingredients

Large sweet onions – for perfect wide rings and mild flavor
Low-moisture mozzarella sticks – melts like a dream, holds shape
All-purpose flour – helps the batter stick
Eggs – binds the coating to the rings
Panko breadcrumbs – for an ultra-crunchy crust
Italian seasoning – adds a pop of herbiness to the coating
Garlic powder – layers in flavor before the butter even hits
Salt & pepper – basic but essential seasoning
Butter – base for that luscious garlic drizzle
Fresh garlic – sautéed into the butter for big, bold flavor
Fresh parsley – for a bright, herby finish

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Slice & Hollow the Onion Rings

Peel your onions and cut them into thick rings—about ½ inch. Pop out the inner layers to make pairs of rings with a gap in between for stuffing. Save the small bits for soup or stir-fry!

Tuck in the Mozzarella

Take a string cheese or cut-up mozzarella stick, and fit it snugly between two onion rings like a cheesy donut sandwich. Press gently to secure them—don’t worry, the coating will help hold them together.

Coat and Bread

Set up a dredging station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a seasoned panko mixture in the third. Dip each stuffed ring in flour, then egg, then panko. Press those crumbs on tight!

Chill Before Cooking

Pop the coated rings in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps them stay intact during cooking and keeps the cheese from escaping.

Fry or Bake

Fry in hot oil until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side. Or bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. You can also air-fry for 12–14 minutes!

Make That Garlic Butter

Melt butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant—about a minute. Drizzle over the hot onion rings, then shower with parsley.

Pro Tips for Success

Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid excess leaking during cooking.
Don’t skip the freezing step—it keeps the cheese from oozing too fast.
Make sure your oil is hot (350°F) if frying—cool oil = soggy crust.
Press the panko coating on firmly so it sticks and crisps up evenly.
Let them cool a minute before serving—the cheese is molten!

Flavor Variations

Spicy kick: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the panko mix
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or cheddar for a new flavor vibe
Garlic overload: Add garlic powder to the panko and the butter
Gluten-free: Use GF breadcrumbs and flour substitutes
Herb boost: Add chopped basil or thyme to the garlic butter

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping
Pair with crisp beers or bubbly lemonade
Stack ’em on a burger for the ultimate cheesy crunch
Make it a platter with other finger foods like jalapeño poppers or loaded fries—or round it out with something ultra-cozy like these Creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes. Trust me, it’s a garlic lover’s dream pairing.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Prep ahead: Assemble and freeze uncooked rings for up to 1 month
Cook and store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days
Reheat: Oven or air fryer gets them crispy again—avoid the microwave!

Leftovers

Chop and add to grilled cheese sandwiches for a cheesy onion crunch
Dice and toss onto salads or in wraps for added texture
Reheat and dip in soup like tomato bisque for comfort food heaven

Freezing

Absolutely! Freeze after breading on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to your cook time.

Reheating

For best results, use an air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crispy. Microwave only if you’re desperate—things get soggy fast!

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of sticks?
I don’t recommend it. Fresh mozzarella has too much moisture and tends to leak out or make the rings soggy.

Can these be made in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out super crispy.

What onions work best?
Sweet onions are ideal because they’re mild and wide. But yellow onions work if that’s what you’ve got.

Can I make them vegan?
Sure! Use vegan cheese sticks, plant-based butter, and egg substitutes like aquafaba or flax eggs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something a little outrageous in the best way, these Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter are it. They’ve got crunch, melt, and that irresistible garlicky finish that makes you want “just one more.” Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or sneaking a midnight snack, this one’s for the books. Go ahead, grab that onion and let’s get cheesy!