Mac and Cheese Stuffed Onion (Print Version)
Onion rings with creamy mac and cheese filling, deep fried to golden crisp perfection—great for snacking or parties.
# What You'll Need:
→ Mac and Cheese Filling
01 - 7 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups whole milk
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
06 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Onion Rings
10 - 2 large yellow onions
11 - Salt, to taste
→ Breading and Frying
12 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
13 - 2 large eggs
14 - 2 tablespoons milk
15 - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
16 - ½ teaspoon paprika
17 - Oil, for deep frying
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer, stirring often, until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Off heat, stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully blended and smooth. Fold in cooked macaroni. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes.
04 - Peel yellow onions and cut into ½-inch thick slices. Separate into large, sturdy rings. Reserve smaller rings for other uses.
05 - Fill onion rings with cooled mac and cheese, pressing gently to level. Arrange stuffed rings on a lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes until solid.
06 - Place flour in one bowl. Whisk eggs with 2 tablespoons milk in a second bowl. Combine panko breadcrumbs and paprika in a third bowl.
07 - Coat each stuffed onion ring in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with panko mixture. Gently press breadcrumbs for an even crust.
08 - Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry onion rings in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt.
09 - Present hot, accompanied by your chosen dipping sauce.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Crunchy exterior with creamy, cheesy center for ultimate texture contrast
- A fun twist on classic mac and cheese and onion rings that's sure to impress guests
02 -
- Contains wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), eggs—check labels for allergy sensitivity
- Each serving has about 410 calories, making it a hearty appetizer
03 -
- Freeze stuffed onion rings before breading so they hold their shape
- Press panko gently all over for an even crispy coat