Ingredients
2–3 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rings
4–6 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt, plus more for seasoning
⅛ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
4–6 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Onions: Peel and slice onions into ½-inch thick rounds. Gently separate rings; use larger outer rings for stuffing.
2. 2. Blanch the Onion Rings (Optional): Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add onion rings and boil for 30 seconds. Transfer to an ice bath, then drain and pat dry thoroughly.
3. 3. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. 4. Stuff the Onion Rings: Take a large onion ring. Spoon the cream cheese filling into the center cavity, smoothing it out. Repeat with all rings.
5. 5. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in first dish, beaten eggs in second, and panko in third. Season flour and panko with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. 6. Bread the Rings: Dredge each stuffed ring in flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg, then coat generously with panko, pressing gently. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
7. 7. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat to 350°F (175°C) using a kitchen thermometer.
8. 8. Fry: Carefully place 2-3 breaded rings in hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Turn as needed. Do not overcrowd.
9. 9. Drain and Serve: Remove rings and place on a wire rack over paper towels. Sprinkle with salt immediately. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
Blanching onions softens them and reduces raw bite. Chilling breaded rings helps breading adhere. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best results. For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or substitute with bell pepper. For extra heat, leave some seeds in jalapeños. Can be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air-fried at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2-3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer. Nutrition facts are estimated based on typical ingredient values and frying absorption.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 rings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg