Description
Crispy jalapeño popper stuffed onion rings combine creamy cheese and spicy peppers in a crunchy golden coating. Irresistible appetizers promise to elevate game day snacking with bold flavors and satisfying textures you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 onions
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cream cheese
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) cheddar cheese, grated
- 3 jalapeno peppers, finely diced
- 4 eggs
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Coating Ingredients:
- 2 cups (240 grams) flour
- 2 cups (240 grams) panko crumbs
Instructions
- Carefully separate whole onion rings, ensuring they remain intact and create a sturdy circular base for stuffing.
- Blend softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, finely chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, and seasoning until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Using a small spoon, gently fill each onion ring with the creamy jalapeno mixture, pressing softly to eliminate air pockets and create an even surface.
- Create a breading station with three shallow dishes: first with seasoned flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with crispy Panko breadcrumbs.
- Carefully roll each cheese-filled onion ring through flour, ensuring complete coverage, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with Panko crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Transfer breaded onion rings to a parchment-lined tray and place in freezer for 2-3 hours to help maintain structure during cooking.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F, carefully lowering rings in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve uniform golden-brown crispiness.
- Remove rings using a slotted spoon, drain excess oil on paper towels, and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent burning.
Notes
- Choose large, thick onion rings for the best structural integrity and easier stuffing process.
- Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation from capsaicin.
- Pat onion rings completely dry before breading to ensure crispy coating adheres well.
- Blend cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed filling.
- Remove seeds from jalapenos for milder heat or keep them for extra spiciness.
- Freeze rings for at least 3 hours to help breading stay intact during frying.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking.
- Drain fried rings on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg