These Cheesy Bacon Onion Rings are the ultimate savory snack—crispy, smoky, and melty all in one bite, perfect for dipping and serving at parties, game days, or as a bold side to your favorite meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving bold flavor and satisfying crunch, these Cheesy Bacon Onion Rings deliver on all fronts. The combination of sweet onions, gooey cheese, and smoky bacon creates a flavor-packed bite that’s both indulgent and irresistible. Baked rather than fried, they’re easier to prepare and less messy, making them perfect for entertaining. Whether served as a party appetizer, game day snack, or savory side, these rings offer a unique twist on a comfort food favorite. Plus, they’re low-carb and keto-friendly, ideal for those cutting back on carbs without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 large red or yellow onions, cut into thick rings
- 8–10 strips of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks (to secure, optional)
- Ranch or preferred dipping sauce
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice onions into thick rings and separate them carefully.
- In a small bowl, mix cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Pair similar-sized onion rings together and press a small amount of the cheese mixture between them to form a sandwich.
- Wrap each onion ring with a strip of bacon, overlapping slightly to secure the cheese inside. Use toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the prepared rings on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with ranch or your dipping sauce of choice.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Swap in pepper jack, gouda, or provolone for a unique flavor profile.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use a breadcrumb coating instead for a crunchy, meatless option.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried oregano or thyme to the cheese blend for an herby finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the bacon soggy. Freezing is not recommended due to the delicate texture of the melted cheese.
FAQs
Can I make these onion rings ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake them fresh for best results.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
Red or yellow onions both work well, but yellow onions tend to be sweeter and more traditional for onion rings.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Yes, but baking is less messy and still yields crispy results. If frying, monitor carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you’re avoiding pork, try turkey bacon or even thinly sliced prosciutto for a similar wrap effect.
Do I have to use both types of cheese?
No, you can use only cheddar or only mozzarella, but the mix offers better melt and flavor balance.
How do I keep the cheese from oozing out while baking?
Ensure the onion rings are tightly wrapped in bacon and consider using toothpicks to secure the ends.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in fats, making it suitable for ketogenic diets.
Can I add other fillings?
Yes, finely chopped herbs, crumbled cooked sausage, or diced jalapeños can be mixed with the cheese.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Ranch, chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or barbecue sauce all pair well with the savory, cheesy bacon flavors.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just use multiple baking sheets or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
Cheesy Bacon Onion Rings are a crave-worthy snack that brings together the irresistible flavors of melty cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet onion in a perfectly crispy form. Ideal for gatherings, casual meals, or simply treating yourself, these rings offer a bold and satisfying twist on classic appetizers. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they’re a surefire hit wherever they’re served.
PrintCheesy Bacon Onion Rings
These Cheesy Bacon Onion Rings are the ultimate savory snack—crispy, smoky, and melty all in one bite, perfect for dipping and serving at parties, game days, or as a bold side to your favorite meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 large red or yellow onions, cut into thick rings
- 8–10 strips of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks (to secure, optional)
- Ranch or preferred dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate onion slices into thick rings.
- In a small bowl, mix cheddar and mozzarella cheese with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Press a small amount of cheese mixture between two onion rings of similar size, forming a sandwich.
- Wrap each cheese-stuffed onion ring tightly with a strip of bacon. Use toothpicks if needed to secure.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve with ranch or your favorite dip.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked bacon for faster prep time.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in an air fryer or oven.
- Try with different cheeses for variety—like pepper jack or gouda.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg