Go Back
To create the perfect crispy mozzarella onion melts, it's essential to understand the role of each ingredient in this recipe. Here’s a closer look at the main components that come together to create this mouthwatering dish.

Crispy Mozzarella Onion Melts

Get ready to indulge in crispy mozzarella onion melts, a delicious appetizer that pairs golden-fried onion rings with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for game days, movie nights, or a tasty snack at home, this recipe combines texture and flavor for an irresistible treat. Learn key techniques, ingredient benefits, and step-by-step instructions to create these delightful melts that will impress your guests and be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade comfort food!

Ingredients
  

2 large onions, sliced into thick rings (about 1 inch in thickness)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten until smooth

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into thick slices

1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions
 

Prep the Onions: Start by carefully slicing the onions into thick rings, ensuring they are roughly 1 inch wide. Gently separate the onion rings and place them in a bowl to set aside.

    Set Up Breading Station: Prepare your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, pour in the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Bread the Onion Rings: Take one onion ring and dip it into the flour, making sure to coat it evenly while shaking off any excess. Next, immerse it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, transfer the onion ring to the breadcrumb mixture and press the breadcrumbs onto the surface to ensure a thorough coating. Repeat this process for all the onion rings until they're fully breaded.

        Assemble the Melts: With all the rings coated, select a piece of mozzarella cheese and place it between two breaded onion rings, creating an onion and cheese sandwich. Gently press the layers together to hold them in place. Repeat this step until you have the desired number of mozzarella onion melts.

          Fry the Melts: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the mozzarella onion melts to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow for even cooking. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

            Drain the Excess Oil: Once the melts are perfectly crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

              Garnish and Serve: After draining, you may garnish your crispy mozzarella onion melts with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor and color. Serve hot alongside marinara sauce for delicious dipping.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4