Description
Crispy onion rings filled with a creamy, spicy mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and jalapeños, perfect for game day or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large yellow or sweet onions
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
- ¼ cup bacon bits (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions (optional)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prep the onions by slicing them into ½-inch thick rings and separating them gently.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeños. Add optional ingredients if desired and chill for 10 minutes.
- Generously fill each onion ring with the creamy mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
- Freeze the stuffed rings on a parchment-lined tray for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Dredge each ring in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the rings in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the fried rings to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For a healthier alternative, you can bake these onion rings at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes. Ensure that the oil temperature is correct to avoid sogginess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ring
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg