Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, cut into thick rings
- ½ pound ground beef, cooked and seasoned
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Construction:
- Prepare the Onion Rings: Slice onions into thick rings and separate them. Choose the larger rings for stuffing.
- Make the Filling: Mix cooked ground beef, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon.
- Stuff the Onion Rings: Take two onion rings of different sizes, nest one inside the other, and pack the gap with the beef mixture. Press firmly so it holds together.
- Coating Process: Dredge each stuffed onion ring in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat for a thicker crust.
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rings in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serving: Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or smoked gouda.
- Alternative Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different twist.
- Baked Option: For a healthier version, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- BBQ Style: Add a drizzle of BBQ sauce to the beef mixture for a smoky flavor.
Tips:
- Use Cold Ingredients: Chilling the stuffed onion rings before breading helps them hold their shape.
- Double Dipping: For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Keep oil at 350°F to prevent greasy or undercooked rings.
- Serve Immediately: These taste best fresh and crispy; avoid letting them sit too long.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or steak seasoning to the beef for extra flavor.
Enjoy your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings as a fun appetizer or indulgent snack!