Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe

Introduction

If you love the spicy, creamy flavors of jalapeño poppers, this recipe for Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings is a must-try. Crispy, golden onion rings are filled with a cheesy, jalapeño-studded mixture that makes for an irresistible appetizer or snack. Perfect for parties or game days!

Ingredients

• 2 large yellow or sweet onions
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeded for mild heat)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
• Optional: ¼ cup bacon bits
• Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
• Optional: 2 tbsp chopped scallions
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings and carefully separate them into sturdy layers suitable for stuffing.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, and any optional add-ins like bacon bits, garlic powder, or scallions. Chill the mixture for 10 minutes to firm up.
3. Step 3: Spoon or pipe the cheese filling into the center of each onion ring, smoothing the edges to seal.
4. Step 4: Arrange the stuffed onion rings on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
5. Step 5: Prepare to bread the rings by first dredging each one in flour, then dipping in beaten egg, and finally coating with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch and a better seal, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more.
6. Step 6: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rings in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried rings to paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or avocado crema.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick onion slices to hold the filling securely without breaking apart.
• Freezing stuffed rings before frying helps prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Double breading improves crunch and seals the cheesy filling inside.
• For a lighter version, try air frying at 375°F for 10–12 minutes instead of deep frying.
• Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
• Make it vegetarian-friendly by skipping bacon bits and using plant-based cheese alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover fried onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and stuff the onion rings, then freeze them before frying. Keep them frozen until ready to fry for best results.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Simply remove the seeds from the jalapeños or reduce the amount used. You can also substitute with milder peppers to control heat.

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 117 reviews

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings are a delicious and spicy appetizer featuring thick onion slices filled with a creamy, cheesy jalapeño mixture, breaded, and fried to golden perfection. These crispy snacks are perfect for parties or game days, offering a flavorful twist on classic onion rings with a fiery kick and rich, melty cheese filling.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 stuffed onion rings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onion Rings

• 2 large yellow or sweet onions

Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1–2 jalapeños, finely diced (seeded for mild heat)
• Optional: ¼ cup bacon bits
• Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder
• Optional: 2 tbsp chopped scallions

Breading

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs or panko

Frying

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

1. Prep Onions: Slice the onions into ½-inch thick rings and carefully separate them into sturdy layers that are suitable for stuffing with the cheese mixture.
2. Make Filling: In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely diced jalapeños, and any optional ingredients such as bacon bits, garlic powder, and scallions. Chill this filling in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly.
3. Stuff Rings: Spoon or pipe the prepared cheese filling into the center of each onion ring, smoothing the edges to ensure the filling stays contained.
4. Freeze: Place the stuffed onion rings on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 20–30 minutes. This helps the filling set and prevents leakage during frying.
5. Bread Rings: Dredge each frozen stuffed ring first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. For extra crunch and better sealing, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step one more time.
6. Fry: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded onion rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain & Serve: Remove the fried onion rings with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or avocado crema.

Notes

• Use thick onion slices to hold the filling securely without breaking.
• Freezing the stuffed rings before frying helps prevent the cheese filling from leaking out.
• Repeating the breading steps (double breading) improves crunchiness and seals in the filling.
• For an air fryer alternative, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Try swapping sharp cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
• To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, omit bacon bits or use plant-based cheese alternatives.
• Serve with complementary dipping sauces like ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or avocado crema for enhanced flavor.

Keywords: fried comfort food, jalapeño popper, onion rings, party snack, spicy cheese, stuffed appetizer