Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Prep Onions: Slice large onions into ½-inch thick rings and carefully separate into individual sturdy layers suitable for stuffing without breaking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
