Crispy, deep-fried onion rings stuffed with a cheesy bacon surprise? Sounds like the ultimate mash-up snack! Serve with marinara sauce or ranch dressing if you’re feeling extra like us.
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
1 hr 40 min
Yield
12 onion rings
Ingredients
1 large white onion
6 strips bacon, cooked, divided
2 store-bought macaroni and cheeses, 20 ounces (465 G)
2 qt vegetable oil (1.8 L), for frying
2 cups bread crumbs (230 g)
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups all purpose flour (250 mg)
6 large eggs, beaten
warm marinara sauce, for serving
ranch dressing, for serving
How to Make It
1. Step
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step
Slice the onion into ½-inch (1.24 cm) thick rounds. Separate the rings and arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Step
Roughly chop 4 slices of bacon and add to a medium bowl, along with the macaroni and cheese. Stir to combine.
4. Step
Fill each onion ring with a generous spoonful of the bacon macaroni and cheese. Transfer to the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until fully hardened.
5. Step
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). Set a wire rack inside another rimmed baking sheet.
6. Step
Finely chop the remaining 2 slices of bacon and add to a medium bowl with the bread crumbs, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
7. Step
Add the flour and eggs to 2 separate bowls.
8. Step
Coat a frozen onion ring in the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, then the bread crumbs, then back into the egg and bread crumbs once more. Set on the wire rack and repeat with the remaining onion rings.
9. Step
Working in batches of 2–3 at a time, fry the onion rings in the hot oil for 3–4 minutes, until deep golden brown in color and the macaroni and cheese is warmed through.
10. Step
Serve the onion rings warm with marinara sauce and ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
