Easy Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings Recipe

There’s something downright irresistible about crispy onion rings and gooey mozzarella sticks. So why not bring them together into one ultimate snack? Meet Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings a golden, crunchy delight with all the crispiness of onion rings and the melty, cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks. Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer or pairing them with a warm Onion Soup, this is the comfort food combo you never knew you needed but won’t be able to resist!

• The best of both worlds – Crispy onion rings meet stretchy, cheesy mozzarella sticks for an unbeatable bite.
• Perfect party snack – Ideal for game nights, gatherings, or just a Friday night craving.
• Baked, not fried – Get that crunch without the extra oil.
• Easy to customize – Change up the breading or dipping sauces to suit your taste.
• Kid-friendly – A fun and tasty way to get picky eaters excited about food.
• Minimal ingredients – Uses pantry staples for a quick and satisfying treat.

• Sweet onion – The star of the show, sliced into thick rings for structure and sweetness.
• Buttermilk – Helps the coating stick while adding a slight tang.
• Mozzarella cheese sticks – Frozen, so they hold their shape while baking.
• Whole wheat flour – Used in stages for the perfect crispy coating.
• Eggs – Act as a binding agent for the breading.
• Cornmeal, panko, and crushed Corn Chex/cornflakes – A powerhouse trio for the crispiest crunch.
• Kosher salt and black pepper – Just enough seasoning to enhance the flavors.
• Nonstick cooking spray – Helps get that golden-brown finish without frying.
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing – For that essential dunking experience.

(Full ingredient measurements in the recipe card below!)

Step 1: Prep the Onion and Cheese

Peel and slice a large sweet onion into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and match them up with mozzarella sticks, cutting the cheese sticks as needed to fit inside each ring. Freeze them together for about 30 minutes this keeps the cheese from melting too quickly while baking.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls. In one, place ½ cup of the whole wheat flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In the third, combine the remaining flour, cornmeal, panko, crushed Corn Chex or cornflakes, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Onion Rings

One at a time, dip each onion-mozzarella combo into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mix, pressing to coat well. Place them on a lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Lightly spray the coated rings with nonstick cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crisp.

• Freeze before baking – This prevents the cheese from leaking out too soon.
• Double dip for extra crunch – For a thicker coating, repeat the breading process.
• Use a wire rack – Baking them on a rack (instead of a baking sheet) ensures even crisping.
• Cut the cheese sticks properly – You want a snug fit within the onion ring for the best results.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Leaving space between rings allows them to crisp up better.

These onion rings are best served hot and fresh, straight from the oven. Dunk them in warm marinara sauce for that classic mozzarella stick experience, or go for a cool, creamy ranch dressing. They also pair wonderfully with spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

• Make ahead: Bread the rings and freeze them for up to a week before baking.
• Storage: Leftovers? (Unlikely, but just in case.) Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Pop them back in the oven at 375°F for about 5 minutes to regain that crispy texture. An air fryer works great for reheating as well!

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings

These Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings combine the best of crispy onion rings and gooey mozzarella sticks for the ultimate cheesy snack!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Shallow Bowls

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 large sweet onion cut into 1/2 inch thick rings
• 12 sticks mozzarella cheese sticks frozen

Breading

• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup whole wheat flour divided
• 3 large eggs beaten
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup crushed Corn Chex or cornflakes
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Extras

• Nonstick cooking spray for baking
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions

 

• Peel and slice the sweet onion into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and match them with mozzarella sticks, cutting the cheese sticks as needed to fit inside each ring. Freeze for 30 minutes.
• Prepare three shallow bowls: one with ½ cup of flour, another with whisked eggs and buttermilk, and the third with remaining flour, cornmeal, panko, crushed Corn Chex, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each onion-mozzarella combo into the flour, then the egg mixture, then the breadcrumb mix, pressing to coat well. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
• Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, double coat the rings by dipping them in the flour and egg mixture twice. Freezing before baking helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly.

Keyword Cheesy Snacks, Mozzarella Cheese, Onion Rings

I first made these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings on a whim for a family game night. My kids are obsessed with both onion rings and mozzarella sticks, so I figured why not combine them? The first batch disappeared before I could even set them on the table! My husband, who usually isn’t a fan of onion rings, declared these the best snack he’s ever had. Now, they’re a staple for movie nights and weekend gatherings.

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, looking for a fun weekend snack, or just want to impress your friends, these Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a must-try. They’re the kind of finger food that brings people together crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive. Plus, since they’re baked instead of fried, you can indulge without the guilt!

These Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are a crispy, cheesy dream come true. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just craving something indulgent, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out!

Mozzarella Stick Onion Rings are more than just a snack they’re an experience. They bring people together with their irresistible combination of crunchy coating and gooey cheese. Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy family night, or just because you’re craving something delicious, they’ll always be a hit. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!