Crispy Baked Onion Cheese Rings: The Ultimate Snack Indulgence
These Baked Onion Cheese Rings are a delightful twist on the classic onion ring, filled with gooey mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Baked to crispy perfection, they’re a healthier yet indulgent snack that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for a party appetizer or a fun family snack!
In our household, finding a snack that pleases everyone can be a challenge—until these Baked Onion Cheese Rings came into the picture. My husband, who’s always on the lookout for something crunchy and cheesy, couldn’t get enough of these. The kids? They love pulling apart the onion rings to reveal the melty cheese inside. Now, these crispy delights have become a weekend staple, with everyone eagerly gathering around the kitchen, waiting for that first cheesy bite. It’s one of those recipes that brings joy to our family time, and I’m sure it will do the same for yours.
Why These Baked Onion Cheese Rings?
- Cheese-Lover’s Dream: Each onion ring is packed with both mozzarella and cheddar cheese, creating a melty, gooey center that cheese lovers will adore.
- Crispy Crunch: Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, these rings are coated with crushed potato chips, adding an extra crunch that’s simply irresistible.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these onion rings are a lighter yet equally satisfying snack.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can whip up this snack in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 small pack potato chips (approximately 150g or 5.3 oz)
- 1 large onion (about 300g or 10.5 oz)
- 1 slice mozzarella cheese, cut into strips (about 28g or 1 oz)
- 1 slice cheddar cheese, cut into strips (about 28g or 1 oz)
- Flour for dredging (approximately 50g or 1/4 cup)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Tomato sauce (optional)
- Ketchup (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the coating: Place the potato chips in a food-safe plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands.
- Slice and prepare the onions: Cut the onion into 1/2-inch-thick rings, then carefully separate each ring.
- Stuff with cheese: Take the mozzarella and cheddar cheese strips, and arrange them inside the onion rings, alternating between the two cheeses for a layered effect.
- Coat the rings: Lightly dredge each stuffed onion ring in flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the rings in the crushed potato chips, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.
- Bake: Place the coated onion rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the coating is golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy these crispy baked onion cheese rings with a side of tomato sauce or ketchup for dipping.
Notes:
- Substitutions: If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding a slice of pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also use gluten-free flour and chips to make this snack gluten-free.
- Cooking Tips: Make sure to press the cheese strips firmly inside the onion rings to prevent them from spilling out during baking.
- Storage: These onion rings are best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in a toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.
