Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings with Garlic Butter

These Mozzarella-Stuffed Onion Rings combine the classic crunch of onion rings with the gooey, melty goodness of mozzarella cheese. Drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will elevate your appetizer game. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a snack, this dish is vegetarian-friendly and satisfies both traditional cravings and modern culinary creativity.

Ingredients:

• 2 large onions
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Peel the onions and slice them into 1-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings, keeping the larger ones intact.
2. In a bowl, mix the mozzarella cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stuff the cheese into the larger onion rings, pressing down gently to secure.
3. In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each stuffed onion ring in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well-coated for a crispy texture.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the onion rings in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chopped parsley.
7. Drizzle the garlic butter over the fried onion rings before serving. Enjoy warm!