Cheesy Onion Ring Chips

Cheesy onion ring chips are the ultimate snack for anyone who loves a combination of crunch, gooey cheese, and savory onion flavor. This indulgent treat transforms simple onion rings into bite-sized chips topped with melted cheese and a touch of seasoning—perfect for parties, movie nights, or casual snacking.

With a crispy coating, rich cheese topping, and optional spices, cheesy onion ring chips bring together comfort food flavors in an easy-to-make dish. Making them at home is simple, and you can customize the cheese, seasonings, and dipping sauces to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Onion Ring Chips

• Crispy & Cheesy: Golden fried onion rings topped with melted cheese create the perfect crunchy-chewy combination.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal snack for last-minute cravings.

• Versatile: Serve as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

• Customizable: Adjust the cheese type, seasonings, and toppings to match your preferences.

• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, these chips are a guaranteed hit.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Frying pan or deep fryer

• Wire rack or paper towels for draining

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or fork

• Tongs or slotted spoon

• Knife and cutting board

• Baking sheet (if finishing cheese under the broiler)

• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for Cheesy Onion Ring Chips

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large onions, sliced into ¼-inch rings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1–2 cups breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1–1.5 cups shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

For Serving:

• Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or ketchup for dipping

Timing & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

• Total Time: 30–35 minutes

• Servings: 4–6 as a snack or appetizer

How to Make Cheesy Onion Ring Chips

Step 1. Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Peel and slice onions into ¼-inch rings, separating the layers carefully.

2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Dip each onion ring in buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture.

4. For extra crunch, coat with breadcrumbs or panko before frying.

Step 2. Fry the Oni on Rings

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C).

2. Carefully add onion rings, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding.

3. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

4. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 3. Add the Cheese

1. Place fried onion rings on a baking sheet.

2. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the onion rings.

3. Optional: Sprinkle smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.

4. Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 4. Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while warm, with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup. These onion ring chips are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a fun snack.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Onion Ring Chips

• Uniform Slices: Slice onions evenly for consistent cooking.

• Crispier Coating: Double-dip in flour and buttermilk for extra crunch.

• Cheese Options: Try cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for variety.

• Keep Warm: Place fried onion rings on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while frying remaining batches.

• Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumbs.

Variations to Try

• Bacon Cheese Onion Chips: Add crumbled crispy bacon on top before broiling.

• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Chips: Sprinkle chopped jalapeños over melted cheese for heat.

• Garlic Parmesan Onion Chips: Toss with garlic powder and grated Parmesan for a rich flavor twist.

• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based milk for a vegan version.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 280–320

• Protein: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fat: 15g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 450mg

Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

If simple snacks are your favorite, you may also like Glazed Ham and Cheese Sliders, No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars, or Olive Cheese Bread.

Cheesy Onion Ring Chips

Golden fried onion rings covered with gooey melted cheese. Cheesy onion ring chips are a crunchy, flavorful, and fun snack ideal for sharing or casual indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large onions sliced into ¼-inch rings
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 –2 cups breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cheese Topping:

• 1 –1.5 cups shredded cheddar mozzarella, or a blend
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

For Serving:

• Ranch dressing spicy mayo, or ketchup for dipping

Equipment

• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Wire rack or paper towels for draining
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Baking sheet (if finishing cheese under the broiler)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prepare the Onion Rings

1. Peel and slice onions into ¼-inch rings, separating the layers carefully.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each onion ring in buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture.
4. For extra crunch, coat with breadcrumbs or panko before frying.

Fry the Onion Rings

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add onion rings, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding.
3. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Add the Cheese

1. Place fried onion rings on a baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the onion rings.
3. Optional: Sprinkle smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
4. Broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve immediately while warm, with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup. These cheesy onion ring chips are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a fun snack.

Conclusion

Cheesy onion ring chips are a crunchy, cheesy, and utterly delicious snack that combines comfort food flavors in a single bite. Perfect for parties, movie nights, or casual snacking, these chips are quick to make and highly customizable.

By following this recipe, you can create restaurant-style onion ring chips at home, packed with flavor and guaranteed to impress. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate snack experience.

FAQs

1- Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes until golden, then top with cheese and broil for a few minutes.

2- Which cheese works best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend provides the best melt and flavor.

3- Can I make them ahead of time?

Onion rings are best fried and served immediately, but you can prep the onions and breading ahead.

4- How do I make them extra crispy?

Double-dip in flour and buttermilk, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.

5- Are these suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Mild cheese and crispy onion rings make them a kid-friendly snack.

6- What dips pair well with cheesy onion ring chips?

Ranch, spicy mayo, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or aioli are all excellent options.