Mac and Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings

• 1 large sweet onion, sliced into 1/2-inch rings
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 200°F to keep cooked rings warm.
2. 2 In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and mustard powder, stirring to form a roux.
3. 3 Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted.
4. 4 Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5 Separate onion rings into individual rings. Stuff each ring with a small spoonful of mac and cheese mixture.
6. 6 Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each stuffed ring with flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
7. 7 In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. Fry the rings in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. 8 Drain on paper towels and transfer to the oven to keep warm while frying the remaining rings.
9. 9 Serve immediately while crispy and gooey.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Baking sheet

Variations

• Add bacon bits to the mac and cheese filling for a smoky twist.
• Use blue cheese for a tangy gourmet option.

Substitutions

• If you don't have panko, use regular breadcrumbs for coating.
• Use almond milk as a dairy-free alternative in the cheese sauce.

Pairings

• Craft beer or a glass of Chardonnay
• Spicy pickles on the side

Nutrition

Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, double dip the rings in egg and breadcrumbs.
• Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy rings.

Storage

Best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. Reheat in a 350°F oven.

Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to texture changes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
• Pair with a crisp salad for a light balance.

FAQ