Are you ready to transform the humble onion into a mouthwatering, golden-brown delicacy that will have everyone begging for more? These Baked Onion Cheese Rings are not just another side dish – they're a crispy, cheesy revelation that combines the sweet, mellow flavor of onions with a perfectly crunchy coating that will make your snack game legendary. Forget greasy deep-fried rings; this healthier baked version delivers all the flavor with a fraction of the guilt!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Carefully separate the onion rings, ensuring they remain intact. Discard the smaller inner rings or save for another recipe.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with shredded cheese.
- Dredge each onion ring first in the seasoned flour, ensuring complete and even coating. Shake off excess flour.
- Dip the floured onion ring into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated ring in the cheese-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres completely.
- Place the coated onion rings on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the rings are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
Tips
- Choose the right onions: Large, firm sweet onions work best for creating perfect rings with a consistent size.
- Pat the onion rings dry before coating to help the flour and breadcrumb mixture stick better.
- For extra crispiness, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to your breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a non-stick baking sheet or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give each ring some space to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Let the rings cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, parmesan, or a Mexican cheese mix for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
