Here’s a totally over-the-top and delicious appetizer (or party snack): Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings — crispy, golden rings stuffed with a cheesy, beefy, bacon-loaded filling. These are perfect for game day, gatherings, or just impressing friends and family.
🧅🍔 Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings
🕐 Prep Time: 25–30 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
❄️ Chill Time (for best results): 30 minutes
🍽️ Makes: 10–12 stuffed rings
📝 Ingredients:
For the Filling:
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1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or chopped American cheese)
For the Onion Rings:
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2 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings (use the larger outer rings)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (panko or Italian-style)
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Oil, for frying
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the onion rings:
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Slice onions into thick rings and separate them.
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Choose large, sturdy rings (you can stack smaller rings inside to create space to fill).
2. Make the filling:
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In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until fully cooked.
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Remove from heat and stir in crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. Let cool slightly.
3. Stuff the rings:
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Lay onion rings flat on a tray lined with parchment.
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Press the cheeseburger mixture into the center of each ring, packing it tightly and level with the onion edges.
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For best results, freeze or refrigerate for 30 minutes to help them hold shape.
4. Bread the stuffed rings:
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Dredge each filled ring in flour, then dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb steps (double breading).
5. Fry:
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Heat oil (about 350°F / 175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer.
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Fry rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.
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Drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
6. Serve:
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Serve hot with dipping sauces like burger sauce, ranch, spicy ketchup, or BBQ sauce.
💡 Tips:
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Want to bake instead? Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with oil to crisp up.
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Add a pickle slice or jalapeño inside for a spicy or tangy twist.
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Make ahead: You can freeze stuffed, breaded rings for up to a week before frying.