Mac & Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe

Let’s dive into the ultimate recipe.

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🍽️ Servings:

Makes 10–12 stuffed rings

⏱️ Time:

Prep: 30 mins | Chill: 1 hour | Cook: 10–15 mins

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🧅 Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole milk (warm)
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: a pinch of paprika or cayenne for heat

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large yellow or white onions (choose firm ones)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying
  OR for baking: cooking spray or a drizzle of oil

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🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Mac & Cheese

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking, and cook until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, pepper, and optional spices.
5. Mix in the cooked macaroni. The mixture should be thick and gooey, not runny.

Step 2: Prepare Onion Rings

1. Peel onions and cut them into thick ½–¾ inch slices.
2. Separate the rings and choose the larger outer rings. Pair up rings so one fits snugly inside another, creating a hollow space between them — this is where the mac & cheese will go.

Step 3: Fill and Freeze

1. Lay paired onion rings on a parchment-lined tray.
2. Carefully spoon or pipe the mac & cheese into the space between the rings. Gently press it in and smooth the top.
3. Freeze the stuffed rings for at least 1 hour or until firm. This helps hold their shape during coating and frying.

Step 4: Bread the Rings

1. Set up a breading station:
   • Bowl 1: Flour seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs
2. Coat each frozen ring in flour, then egg, then panko. Press breadcrumbs in firmly.

Step 5: Cook

🛢️ Frying Method:

1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry 2–3 rings at a time until golden brown and heated through (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Drain on paper towels.

🔥 Baking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
3. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

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😋 Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with dipping sauces like:

• Ranch
• Spicy ketchup
• Garlic aioli
• Chipotle mayo

Garnish with chopped chives or a sprinkle of extra cheese for flair.

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👨‍🍳 Tips & Variations

• Add bacon: Mix crispy bacon bits into the mac & cheese for even more flavor.
• Spice it up: Toss a little hot sauce or jalapeños into the cheese sauce.
• Make ahead: You can freeze the fully breaded rings for up to a month. Just fry or bake from frozen.

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