Holy smokes! I brought this to a potluck and it was gone in a flash!

Southern-style baked mozzarella onion rings are a delightful twist on the classic appetizer, marrying the crispiness of onion rings with the gooey goodness of mozzarella. Borrowing from Southern culinary traditions that emphasize bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this recipe offers a healthier baked alternative to the deep-fried version. It's perfect for a game night, casual get-together, or as a special treat to elevate your snacking game.

These baked mozzarella onion rings pair excellently with a zesty marinara sauce or a creamy ranch dressing. For a full meal, consider serving them alongside a crisp garden salad and some buttermilk fried chicken. They also make a fantastic appetizer for a barbecue feast or a tailgate party, where they can accompany dishes like pulled pork sandwiches or coleslaw.

Servings: 4

2 large sweet onions
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into thick slices
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Peel and cut the onions into thick rings, and separate the layers to create individual rings.

Place a slice of mozzarella between two onion rings, pressing gently to sandwich the cheese securely between the rings.

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.

Place the Panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.

Dredge each mozzarella-filled onion ring in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat it in the Panko breadcrumbs.

Place the coated onion rings on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the onion rings are golden brown and crispy, turning halfway through the baking time.

Allow the onion rings to cool slightly before serving.

For a bit of smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. If you're a fan of spice, consider incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes into the flour blend. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. To make it extra indulgent, you can also experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or sharp cheddar.