Low Carb Baked Mozzarella Onion Rings

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large onions, sliced into ½-inch rings

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into pieces that fit inside onion rings

Coating:

• 2 cups almond flour

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Wet Mix:

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ¼ cup milk (or almond milk for a low-carb/keto version)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and even crisping.

Step 2: Slice & Separate Onion Rings

1. Peel your onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings (about 1.2 cm).

2. Carefully separate the rings—you’ll need pairs of rings with a space between them large enough to insert a mozzarella stick.

   • Tip: Larger outer rings work best for stuffing.

Step 3: Stuff the Onion Rings

1. Cut your mozzarella sticks into smaller lengths that fit inside the space between paired onion rings.

2. Nest one ring inside the other with a cheese stick wedged between.

3. Press the rings together gently to hold the mozzarella in place.

   • Repeat until all rings are prepared.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating Stations

Bowl 1 (Dry Mix):

• Combine almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Bowl 2 (Wet Mix):

• Whisk together the beaten eggs and milk (or almond milk).

Step 5: Coat the Rings

1. Take one stuffed ring and dip it into the egg mixture—make sure it’s fully coated.

2. Immediately transfer it to the almond flour mixture and coat thoroughly, pressing the coating onto all sides.

   • Tip: You can double-dip (egg → flour → egg → flour) for a thicker crust.

3. Place the coated ring onto your lined baking sheet.

4. Repeat until all rings are coated and arranged in a single layer, spaced apart.

Step 6: Bake the Rings

• Place the tray in the preheated oven.

• Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the outside is golden and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted.

  • Keep an eye during the last few minutes to avoid cheese oozing out.

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve

• Let the onion rings cool for 3–5 minutes on the baking sheet to help the coating set and prevent burning your mouth on the hot cheese.

• Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Variations & Tips:

• Spicy version: Add 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne to the almond flour.

• Crunch boost: Add ½ cup crushed pork rinds to the coating for extra crispness.

• Cheese options: Try pepper jack, cheddar, or provolone for new flavors.

• Make ahead: Coat the rings and freeze them. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the baking time.

• Sauce ideas: Try with:

  • Spicy sriracha mayo

  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing

  • Marinara for an Italian-style twist

enjoy!