Introduction
Crispy Onion Cheese Rings are a delicious, golden treat that combines the savory flavor of onions with the rich, creamy taste of melted cheese.
This snack or side dish is perfect for any occasion, offering an irresistible crunch with every bite.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just in the mood for something indulgent, these cheese-stuffed onion rings will certainly hit the spot.
Ingredients
2 large onions, peeled and cut into rings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powde
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup cold sparkling water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Oil for frying
Instructions
Start by preparing your onions. Peel and slice them into thick rings. You can discard the small inner rings, or save them for a different recipe. Set the onion rings aside.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix the dry ingredients together until evenly distributed.
Slowly add the cold sparkling water, whisking constantly until the batter reaches a smooth, slightly thick consistency.
The carbonation from the sparkling water will help the batter to become light and crispy.
Next, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese into the batter. This will not only give the rings a cheesy coating but also add flavor to the batter.
Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the onion rings completely for an even, crispy texture.
Once the oil is hot, dip each onion ring into the batter, coating it thoroughly. Carefully place the battered onion rings into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove.
the rings from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
After frying all the onion rings, serve them immediately for the best crunch. You can pair them.
with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, ketchup, or a spicy aioli, to elevate the flavor even further.
How to Make
To make sure the batter is perfectly smooth, it’s essential to add the sparkling water slowly, whisking continuously.
If the batter is too thick, add a small amount of sparkling water until you reach the desired consistency.
For a light and airy texture, be careful not to overmix the batter once the sparkling water is added.
When preparing the oil for frying, test its temperature before frying the onion rings. You can drop a small amount of batter into the oil to see if it sizzles and rises to the surface.
If it does, the oil is hot enough to start frying. This ensures that your onion rings will cook evenly and get that perfect golden crunch.
When frying the onion rings, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil.
which will result in soggy onion rings rather than crispy ones. Fry in small batches to ensure each onion ring gets the attention it needs.
For extra flavor, try seasoning the batter with different herbs or spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or even dried oregano.
This can help create unique variations of the onion rings that suit your taste preferences.
After frying, allow the onion rings to rest on paper towels for a few minutes before serving. This gives them a chance to cool slightly while ensuring the batter remains crispy.
If you want to make the onion rings ahead of time, you can prep and batter them in advance. Place the battered rings on a baking.
sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry them. This can help the batter set and improve the texture when frying.
For a healthier twist, you can try baking the onion rings instead of frying them. Coat them in the batter as usual.
then bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they might not have the same deep-fried crunch, this method can still deliver a delicious result.
Tips
For a more consistent batter texture, make sure your sparkling water is very cold when adding it to the dry ingredients.
Cold liquids help create a crispier batter, which is key to achieving that golden crunch.
If you find that the cheese starts to leak out of the onion rings while frying, consider chilling the battered onion rings for 10-15 minutes before frying.
This will help the batter set and hold the cheese in place better while frying.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese. While cheddar and Parmesan are a great combination.
mozzarella or Gouda can give the onion rings a different flavor and texture. Be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.
For an extra crispy texture, try double-battering the onion rings. Dip them into the batter, then coat.
them in flour before dipping them in the batter again. This will create an even thicker and crispier crust.
If you’re looking to add some heat, incorporate finely chopped jalapeños into the batter or serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce.
To avoid greasy onion rings, make sure to drain the fried onion rings on paper towels immediately after frying. This helps absorb any excess oil and keeps the rings crisp.
Serve the onion cheese rings with a side of pickles or a fresh salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavor and make it a more complete meal or snack.
Conclusion
Crispy Onion Cheese Rings are an indulgent and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any gathering or casual snack time.
With the right batter and the addition of melted cheese, these onion rings are sure to impress everyone who tries them.
By following the simple steps and tips provided, you can make your own batch of crispy, cheesy onion rings that are bursting with flavor. They are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation for years to come.