Thank you so much for being here—it means the world! If you’re looking for a snack that’s anything but boring, Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings are about to become your newest obsession. Right after the title, let me tell you: these Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings are everything you love about pizza night, wrapped up in the crunchiest, most satisfying bite ever.
Imagine thick onion rings filled with gooey mozzarella and zesty pepperoni, coated in golden, seasoned breadcrumbs and fried (or baked!) until irresistibly crispy. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist—perfect for game days, parties, or just when you’re craving something wildly delicious.
What Are Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings?
Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings are a brilliant mashup of three iconic snacks: onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and pizza. Thick-cut onion rings are layered with melty mozzarella and pepperoni, then breaded and fried until crunchy on the outside and cheesy in the middle. Every bite is crispy, savory, and loaded with pizza flavor.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! You can swap out the fillings, bake them instead of fry, and even prep them ahead of time. Party food? Check. Kid-pleaser? Oh yes. Midnight snack? You already know.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden coating with big-time crunch
- Melty cheese center that pulls like your favorite pizza
- Savory, meaty flavor from the pepperoni
- Fun and creative alternative to classic appetizers
- Easy to prep ahead and freeze for later frying or baking
They’re finger food perfection and anything but ordinary. The smell when these are frying? Out. Of. This. World.
What Do Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings Taste Like?
They taste exactly how you hope: like cheesy, crispy, deep-fried pizza! The onions soften slightly, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the cheese and pepperoni. Each bite gives you layers of crunch, gooey cheese, and a pop of bold Italian seasoning.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing: Great for parties, holidays, or family dinners
- Customizable: Add olives, mushrooms, cooked sausage—whatever toppings you love
- Make-ahead friendly: Freeze before frying for a stress-free snack later
- Baked or fried: Go lighter with an air fryer or oven method
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings:
- 2 large onions, peeled and sliced into thick rings (½-inch)
- 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese (cut into sticks or thick slices)
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For Dipping:
- Warm marinara or pizza sauce
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- 3 shallow bowls for dredging
- Baking sheet (for freezing)
- Deep skillet or deep fryer
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Paper towels for draining
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Cheese: Try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend for a different flavor.
- Meatless: Leave out pepperoni or replace with finely chopped mushrooms or black olives.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
How to Make Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings
1. Prepare the Onion Rings
- Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings.
- Pair two rings of different sizes to create a hollow “space” between them.
- Fill the space with mozzarella cheese and a few pepperoni slices.
- Press gently to hold them together.
- Freeze for 20–30 minutes. (This helps them stay intact during breading and frying!)
2. Bread the Rings
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs (mixed with seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).
- Dredge each frozen stuffed ring in flour, then dip in egg, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps a second time.
3. Fry
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
4. Serve
- Serve hot with warm marinara or pizza sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings
These are great all on their own, but they also pair beautifully with:
- A crisp green salad (to balance the richness)
- Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
- Sparkling lemonade or soda
- Beer or a bold red wine (if it’s a grown-up gathering!)
Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings
- Freeze before breading: This helps them keep their shape when frying.
- Double bread for crunch: It’s worth the extra step!
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
- Season the breadcrumbs well: That outer layer is key to the flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Make ahead: Bread and freeze uncooked rings for up to 2 weeks. Fry straight from frozen—just add 30 seconds more cook time.
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to get the crisp back. Avoid the microwave—it’ll make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spritz with oil before baking for that golden crisp.
Can I air fry them?
Definitely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning once. They won’t be quite as golden as deep-fried, but still super tasty.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Absolutely—just leave out the pepperoni or swap it with veggies like mushrooms or olives.
What onions work best?
Large yellow or white onions work best. They’re sturdy and hold their shape.
Final Thoughts
Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings are everything a snack should be: crunchy, cheesy, melty, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re making them for game night, a party, or just a fun twist on pizza night, these rings will absolutely steal the show.
If you loved this, don’t stop here—try more of my pizza-inspired snacks and stuffed appetizers coming soon!
Want More Recipes Like This?
Try these other crowd-favorite recipes:
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Twists
- Mini Pepperoni Pizza Sliders
- Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
- Crispy Zucchini Fries with Marinara
Share the Love 💬📸
Tried these Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings? I’d love to see how they turned out! Leave a review in the comments below and tag your creations on Pinterest or Instagram so we can cook and celebrate together.
Nutritional Information (per ring, estimated)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 340mg
Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings (Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!)
Description
Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—these Stuffed Pizza Onion Rings are everything you love about pizza and onion rings rolled into one! Loaded with mozzarella and pepperoni, then coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, they’re a fun, shareable snack that’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a crave-worthy night in.
Ingredients
For the Onion Rings:
2 large onions, peeled and sliced into thick ½-inch rings
8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks or thick slices
½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying
For Dipping:
Warm marinara or pizza sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Onion Rings:
Slice onions into ½-inch thick rings. Pair rings of similar sizes to create a hollow “pocket” between them. Fill the space with mozzarella sticks and a few pepperoni slices. Press gently to secure and place on a baking sheet. Freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up.Set Up Breading Station:
In one bowl, add flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.Bread the Rings:
Take each frozen stuffed ring and dredge it in flour, dip it in the egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.Fry to Perfection:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the onion rings in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Serve:
Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with marinara or pizza sauce for dipping. Optional: sprinkle with fresh parsley or parmesan for an extra punch of flavor.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: You can freeze the stuffed, breaded rings before frying and store them for up to 2 weeks. Fry straight from frozen—just add about 30 seconds more cook time.
Baking Option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with oil before baking for a crispier finish.
Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
Cheese Choices: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to try provolone, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist.
Vegetarian? Just leave out the pepperoni or swap in chopped mushrooms or black olives for a meatless version.
Serving Suggestion: Great on their own or with a fresh salad, garlic knots, or cold soda. Total party food!
