Save to Pinterest Golden, crispy onion rings filled with creamy macaroni and cheese—a playful, indulgent appetizer or snack that's perfect for parties or comfort food cravings.
The first time I made these, everyone at the table was blown away by the combination—it vanished in minutes and quickly became the must-have snack for movie nights and game day gatherings.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: 200 g (7 oz), for the cheesy filling
- Whole milk: 2 cups (480 ml), gives a creamy texture
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, for the roux
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp, thickens the sauce and for breading
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 ½ cups (150 g), sharp flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: ½ cup (50 g), adds meltiness
- Dijon mustard: ½ tsp, subtle tang
- Salt: ½ tsp plus extra to taste
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Yellow onions: 2 large, cut into rings
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (120 g), for breading
- Large eggs: 2, beaten
- Milk: 2 tbsp, for egg wash
- Panko breadcrumbs: 2 cups (120 g), for crunch
- Paprika: ½ tsp, adds color and warmth
- Oil: For deep frying
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package, drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth; simmer and stir frequently until thickened (3 to 4 minutes).
- Add cheese:
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard, salt and pepper. Mix with cooked macaroni. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 20 minutes until firm.
- Prepare onions:
- Peel onions and slice into 1 cm (½ inch) thick rings. Separate large, sturdy rings; reserve smaller ones for another use.
- Stuff rings:
- Press cooled mac and cheese into onion rings, filling and leveling tops. Freeze stuffed rings on lined tray at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Breading station:
- Place flour in one bowl. In a second, whisk eggs with 2 tbsp milk. In a third, combine panko and paprika.
- Bread onion rings:
- Dip each stuffed ring in flour, then egg mixture, then panko. Gently press crumbs on to cover fully.
- Fry:
- Heat oil to 180°C (350°F) in deep fryer or large pot. Fry rings in batches 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt.
- Serve:
- Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Save to Pinterest One family night, we turned these stuffed onion rings into a dipping contest—kids and adults alike loved the challenge of coming up with creative sauces and no one could pick a favorite.
Required Tools
Saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board, deep fryer or large heavy pot, slotted spoon or spider, baking tray (for freezing)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 410 Protein: 13 g Fat: 21 g Carbohydrates: 43 g
Recipe Variations
Swap in Gruyère or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor, or bake instead of fry for a lighter take.
Save to Pinterest Serve these right away while hot for the ultimate gooey, crunchy treat. The surprise inside never fails to delight every guest.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do you get the mac and cheese to stay inside the onion rings?
Chilling the cooked macaroni mixture until firm and freezing the stuffed onion rings helps keep everything intact during breading and frying.
- → Can these onion rings be baked instead of deep fried?
Yes, bake on a rack at 220°C (425°F) for about 20 minutes, turning once, for a lighter version.
- → What sauces pair well with these onion rings?
Popular options include marinara, ranch, or a spicy garlic aioli for dipping.
- → Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
Absolutely! Gruyère, pepper jack, or even a blend works well for extra flavor.
- → What tools are required for this dish?
You’ll need a saucepan, mixing bowls, knife, cutting board, deep fryer or pot, whisk, slotted spoon, and a tray for freezing.