Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Low Carb Baked Mozzarella Onion Rings are the ultimate guilt-free indulgence. Featuring a crunchy almond flour coating and gooey mozzarella centers, they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb and gluten-free, making it suitable for keto and other low-carb diets.
- Baked, not fried, for a healthier yet still crispy texture.
- Combines two favorites: onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for entertaining, game day, or a kid-friendly snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large onions, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into smaller sticks to fit inside onion rings
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk (use almond milk for low carb)
Directions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Prepare Onion Rings
Slice onions into 1/2-inch rings and carefully separate them. Select pairs of rings with a gap between them large enough to hold a mozzarella stick. - Insert Cheese
Place a mozzarella stick inside the gap of each pair of onion rings. Press the rings together slightly to secure the cheese. - Mix Coatings
In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk. - Coat the Rings
Dip each mozzarella-filled onion ring into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, coat the ring in the almond flour mixture, pressing the coating to adhere. - Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated rings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Cool and Serve
Let the onion rings cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. Serve warm with your favorite low-carb dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the almond flour mixture for a kick of heat.
- Cheese Variations: Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese sticks for different flavors.
- Herbaceous Coating: Mix dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley into the almond flour mixture.
- Dipping Sauces: Pair with marinara, ranch, or a spicy mayo for extra flavor.
- Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F for 10-15 minutes for an even crispier texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and warm. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different flour for coating?
Yes, coconut flour can be used, but it may result in a slightly different texture.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?
Ensure the onion rings are pressed together securely and bake them until just golden to avoid over-melting.
3. Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella is too soft and watery for this recipe; use mozzarella cheese sticks for best results.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the rings and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
5. Are these keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Almond flour and mozzarella cheese make this recipe low-carb and keto-compliant.
6. Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, fry them in hot oil (about 350°F) for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. What can I use instead of almond flour?
Try crushed pork rinds or a low-carb breading mix for a similar effect.
8. Can I use white onions instead of yellow?
Yes, white onions work well, but yellow onions have a milder flavor.
9. What’s the best way to slice the onions?
Use a sharp knife to create even, 1/2-inch slices for uniform cooking.
10. Can I freeze these onion rings?
Yes, freeze uncooked coated onion rings in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Low Carb Baked Mozzarella Onion Rings are a unique and delicious snack that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your low-carb lifestyle. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these onion rings are a must-try for cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat!
PrintLow Carb Baked Mozzarella Onion Rings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Low Carb, Gluten-Free
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy baked onion rings filled with gooey mozzarella cheese sticks, coated in a flavorful low-carb almond flour breading. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party treat!
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese sticks, cut to fit inside onion rings
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk (use almond milk for a low-carb option)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Prepare Onion Rings: Carefully separate onion slices into individual rings. Pair rings with a gap between them to fit a mozzarella stick inside. Insert the mozzarella stick into the gap and gently press the rings together to secure.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Coat Rings: Dip each mozzarella-filled onion ring into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, coat it in the almond flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated rings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each ring.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the coating is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the onion rings cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the rings for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve with a low-carb marinara sauce or ranch dip for added flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the rings and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Ensure the almond flour is finely ground for a smoother coating
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *