My husband tried it and immediately wanted the recipe!

These baked mozzarella and jalapeño onion rings are a delightful twist on the classic appetizer, perfect for adding a bit of spice to your family gatherings or game day snacks. Originating from the idea of combining the gooey goodness of mozzarella sticks with the crispy texture of onion rings, this recipe adds a Midwestern flair with a hint of jalapeño heat. It's a fun and engaging way to bring some excitement to your usual snack lineup, and it's sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

These spicy onion rings pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or a side of coleslaw to balance the heat. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or burgers. A cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing makes an excellent dipping sauce, and for those who love extra heat, a spicy sriracha mayo would be perfect.

Servings: 4

2 large onions, sliced into rings
1-2 jalapeños, sliced into thin rings
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray

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

Slice the onions into rings and separate them. Place a slice of jalapeño and a strip of mozzarella cheese inside each onion ring.

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Coat each stuffed onion ring in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.

Arrange the breaded onion rings on the prepared baking sheet and spray them lightly with cooking spray.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

For a milder version, you can omit the jalapeños or replace them with bell pepper slices. If you're catering to cheese lovers, try using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a richer flavor. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can also experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture, such as adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat or some Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.