Name: Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large onions (white or yellow); 24–30 mozzarella cheese sticks or strips; 20–30 pepperoni slices; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2–3 eggs, beaten; 1½–2 cups breadcrumbs; Oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking/air frying)

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I love how these stuffed pizza onion rings turn a simple onion into a crispy, cheesy, pizza-inspired snack. Thick onion rings are filled with mozzarella and pepperoni, coated in a crunchy breading, and cooked until golden and melty. They make an easy party appetizer or fun weekend treat that everyone enjoys.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like making this recipe because it combines the flavor of pizza with the crunch of onion rings. I can prepare it quickly with just a few ingredients, and the results are always satisfying. The melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and crispy coating make each bite delicious, and I enjoy serving them with marinara or my favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large onions (white or yellow)
24–30 mozzarella cheese sticks or an equivalent amount of block mozzarella sliced into strips
20–30 pepperoni slices (regular or turkey pepperoni)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2–3 eggs, beaten
1½–2 cups breadcrumbs
Oil for frying (or cooking spray if baking/air frying)

Directions

I peel the onions and cut them into thick rings, about ½–¾ inch wide.
I separate the rings and pair each smaller ring with a slightly larger one to create a hollow space for filling.
I place mozzarella strips inside the gap between the rings and press them gently so they fit snugly.
I tuck 1–2 slices of pepperoni alongside the cheese inside each ring.
I freeze the filled rings for 20–30 minutes so they hold their shape.
I coat each ring in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finish by covering it with breadcrumbs.
I fry the rings in oil heated to 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
I let them rest on paper towels or a cooling rack before serving them with marinara sauce.

Servings And Timing

I usually get 4–6 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: about 20 minutes
Freezing time: 20–30 minutes
Cooking time: about 10 minutes per batch

Variations

I use smoked mozzarella or provolone when I want a deeper cheese flavor.
I choose panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
I add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for more flavor.
I bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes when I want a lighter version.
I air-fry them at 380°F (193°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to keep them crispy.
I avoid microwaving because the coating softens.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

I freeze the stuffed rings before breading and frying. This keeps the cheese firm until the coating crisps up.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

I assemble and bread the rings, freeze them, and cook them straight from the freezer when needed.

What kind of onion works best?

I use large white or yellow onions because they give wide, sturdy rings that hold plenty of filling.

Can I make them without pepperoni?

Yes, I sometimes fill them with only cheese for a simpler version.

Can I cook them without frying?

Yes, I bake or air-fry them whenever I want a lighter alternative and they still turn out crispy.

Conclusion

I enjoy making these stuffed pizza onion rings because they turn basic ingredients into an irresistible snack. The combination of crispy coating, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni creates a fun, pizza-like bite that’s perfect for sharing. Whether I fry, bake, or air-fry them, they come out delicious every time.