Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe

Introduction

These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings combine two favorite snacks into one irresistible appetizer. Thick onion slices are filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños, then breaded and fried until perfectly crispy. They make a flavorful snack for game day, parties, or any occasion that calls for a spicy, cheesy treat.

Ingredients

• 2 large yellow or sweet onions
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeded for mild heat)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Optional: ¼ cup bacon bits
• Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
• Optional: 2 tbsp chopped scallions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings and carefully separate into individual layers. Choose sturdy rings that can hold the filling without breaking.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and finely diced jalapeños. Add bacon bits, garlic powder, or scallions if using. Mix well and chill the filling for 10 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: Spoon or pipe the chilled filling into the center of each onion ring, smoothing the edges gently to create an even layer of filling.
4. Step 4: Place the stuffed onion rings on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes. This helps the filling set, making breading easier.
5. Step 5: Prepare for breading by dredging each ring in flour, then dipping in beaten egg, and finally coating with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
6. Step 6: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a frying pan or deep fryer. Fry the rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
7. Step 7: Transfer the fried rings to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or salsa.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick onion slices to ensure the rings hold the filling and don’t fall apart during frying.
• Freezing the stuffed rings before breading prevents the filling from leaking and helps maintain their shape.
• Double breading (repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating) adds extra crunch and better seals the filling inside.
• Try different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• To make it vegetarian, omit bacon bits or replace with a plant-based alternative.
• For a healthier twist, cook the breaded rings in an air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes instead of frying.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again, about 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the stuffed onion rings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed and breaded onion rings, freeze them on a tray, and then store in a sealed container or bag for up to one month. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

How spicy are these onion rings?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeños you use and whether you include the seeds. Removing the seeds makes the dish mild, while keeping them adds more heat. Adjust according to your preference.

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 128 reviews

These Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings combine crispy fried onion rings with a creamy, spicy filling of cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños. Thick onion slices are stuffed, breaded, and fried to a golden perfection, creating a flavorful appetizer perfect for parties, game day, or any snack craving. Served best hot with ranch, chipotle mayo, or salsa, they deliver a delightful crunch paired with cheesy, spicy goodness.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 stuffed onion rings 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American, Bar Food
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

• 2 large yellow or sweet onions, sliced into ½-inch thick rings

Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeded for mild heat)
• Optional add-ins: ¼ cup bacon bits, ½ tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp chopped scallions or cilantro

Breading

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch

Other

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

1. Prep Onions: Slice large onions into ½-inch thick rings and carefully separate into individual sturdy layers suitable for stuffing without breaking.
2. Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and finely diced jalapeños. Add optional bacon bits, garlic powder, or chopped scallions if desired, and mix well. Chill the filling for about 10 minutes to firm up.
3. Stuff Rings: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill the center of each onion ring evenly with the chilled jalapeño cream cheese mixture. Smooth the filling surface and ensure it’s well-packed but not overstuffed.
4. Freeze: Place the stuffed onion rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm the filling and make the rings easier to bread and fry.
5. Bread Rings: Dredge each chilled stuffed ring first in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coating one more time (double breading).
6. Fry: Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded onion rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
7. Drain & Serve: Remove the fried onion rings with tongs and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by dipping sauces such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or salsa.

Notes

• Use thick onion slices (about ½ inch) to ensure they can hold the filling without breaking.
• Freeze the stuffed rings before breading and frying to prevent filling leaks during cooking.
• Double breading (repeating egg and breadcrumb coating) enhances crunch and helps seal the filling inside.
• Maintain frying oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy, soggy onion rings.
• Air fryer alternative: Cook stuffed rings at 375°F for 10–12 minutes for a healthier, less oily option.
• For cheese variations, try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
• To make vegetarian, skip bacon bits or use plant-based bacon alternatives.
• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or avocado crema for added flavor.

Keywords: fried comfort food, jalapeño popper, onion rings, party snack, spicy cheese, stuffed appetizer