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- 2 large onions, sliced into thick rings - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/4 cup marinara sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup breadcrumbs - Fresh basil leaves for garnish This recipe for Viral Pizza Onion Rings starts with simple, fresh ingredients. The main stars are the onions. I like using large onions for thicker rings. Each ring offers a great bite. Then, we add all-purpose flour. It helps create a crispy coating. Buttermilk brings moisture. It makes the onion rings tender and flavorful. Shredded mozzarella cheese gives that gooey pizza touch. Don't forget the marinara sauce for dipping. It's a perfect match! For seasonings, garlic powder adds a punch. Dried oregano and paprika give it an Italian flair. Salt and black pepper round out the flavors. If you want an extra crunch, breadcrumbs work great. They help the rings become golden and crisp. Fresh basil leaves are optional but add a nice touch. They brighten up the dish. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a snack that’s crunchy and full of flavor. Each bite will remind you of pizza and make your taste buds dance! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the rings cook evenly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the rings from sticking. 3. In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix adds flavor to the rings. 1. Take each onion ring and dip it into the flour mix. Ensure it is well coated. 2. Shake off any extra flour. This helps the next layer stick better. 3. Next, dip the floured ring into buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. 4. Roll the onion ring in breadcrumbs until it is fully coated. Press gently to make it stick. 1. Place the coated onion rings on the baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching. 2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of each ring. This will melt and add flavor. 3. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. 4. Remove the rings from the oven and let them cool slightly. Enjoy them warm! To get those onion rings crispy, bake them at 400°F (200°C). This heat makes the crust golden. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them. For extra crunch, try frying instead of baking. Heat oil in a pan. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Boost the flavor by adding spices to the breadcrumb mix. Try 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat. You can also use different cheeses. Instead of mozzarella, use cheddar or Parmesan. Each cheese brings a new taste. Marinara sauce is great for dipping, but try ranch or garlic sauce too. Pair these rings with a cold drink like soda or beer. They also go well with a fresh salad or a plate of wings. Enjoy them as a tasty snack or appetizer! Pro Tips Use Fresh Onions: Fresh onions will provide a better flavor and texture compared to older ones. Look for onions with smooth, firm skins for the best results. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices to the flour mixture for a personal twist. Consider adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for extra flavor. Ensure Even Coating: When breading the onion rings, make sure to coat them evenly and shake off any excess to avoid clumping and ensure a crispier texture. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the onion rings right after baking. They are best enjoyed warm and crispy! {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for fun. Try using provolone or cheddar for a bolder taste. These cheeses melt well and add a nice twist. If you prefer vegan options, use dairy-free cheese. Brands like Daiya or Violife work great. They melt nicely and taste amazing! For gluten-free onion rings, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the breadcrumbs are also gluten-free. You can also add more veggies. Try zucchini or bell peppers. They add flavor and color to your dish. Spice things up by adding herbs like basil or thyme to the flour mix. This gives your rings a fresh taste. You can also mix in some chili flakes for heat. Pair these rings with other snacks. Serve them with stuffed mushrooms or a fresh salad for a fun platter. To keep your Viral Pizza Onion Rings fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method prevents air from making them soggy. Store them in the fridge. They last up to three days. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. For the best texture, reheat your onion rings in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the onion rings on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are warm and crispy. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place the rings on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. They may not be as crispy this way, but it works in a pinch. To freeze your prepped onion rings, let them cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to cook them, thaw the onion rings in the fridge overnight. For a quicker option, you can cook them from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Enjoy your tasty snack whenever you like! To spice up your onion rings, add cayenne pepper to the flour mix. Use about half a teaspoon for a nice kick. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking. This adds heat and flavor to each bite. Yes, you can use other onions! Sweet onions like Vidalia or red onions work great. They add a different taste. Just remember, the cooking time might change slightly. Test them to find your favorite flavor. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with lemon juice. Use one cup of milk and add one tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. To make the cheese melt perfectly, use shredded mozzarella. Spread it evenly on the rings before baking. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes. This heat helps the cheese brown and melt just right. Yes, these onion rings are great for meal prep! You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy snack anytime. You now have all the ingredients and steps to make great onion rings. From prepping to baking, each part matters. Remember, you can adjust the cheese, seasonings, or even try new veggies. Perfecting the crunch is key, and you can store leftovers efficiently. With these tips, you'll impress anyone who tries your homemade onion rings. Enjoy the cooking process and share your tasty results with friends!

Viral Pizza Onion Rings

Crispy onion rings topped with melted mozzarella and served with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large onions, sliced into thick rings
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 4 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)
  • none fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper together.
  • Dip each onion ring into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated, then shake off excess.
  • Next, dip the floured onion ring into buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Roll the onion ring in breadcrumbs until fully coated, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Place the breaded onion rings on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining onion rings.
  • Once all onion rings are on the baking sheet, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top of each one, allowing it to melt and brown as it bakes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
  • Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
Keyword appetizer, onion rings, pizza, snack