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Handheld smartphone photo of Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings with a crunchy panko crust and cross-section.

Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings: The Ultimate Crunchy Game Day Appetizer

Crispy panko-breaded onion rings stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapeños. A perfect handheld appetizer with a molten center and a shatteringly crunchy exterior.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large Sweet Onions Sliced into 1/2-inch rings
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Softened (225g)
  • 1 cup Sharp Orange Cheddar Freshly shredded (115g)
  • 3 medium Jalapeños Finely diced
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour 125g
  • 3 large Eggs Beaten
  • 3 cups Panko Breadcrumbs 180g
  • 1 quart Neutral Oil For frying

Equipment

  • 1 Deep Fryer or Dutch Oven For frying
  • 1 Digital Oil Thermometer Essential for temperature control
  • 1 Piping Bag To fill the onion rings

Method
 

Prepare the Onions
  1. Slice onions into 1/2 inch rounds. Nest a smaller ring inside a larger ring, leaving a gap for the filling.
  2. Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños. Pipe the mixture into the gap between the nested onion rings.
  3. Place stuffed rings on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 1-2 hours until solid.
Dredge and Fry
  1. Dredge frozen rings in flour, then egg, then panko. Repeat the egg and panko dip for a thicker crust.
  2. Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 3-4 minutes until the panko is golden-brown and the onion is translucent.

Notes

Freeze the rings completely before breading to prevent the cheese from leaking.
Use a double-dredge method for the ultimate crunch.