Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings are a delicious and indulgent twist on a classic snack! These crispy, cheesy, bacon-filled onion rings are stuffed with all the flavors of a cheeseburger in one bite. Here’s how to make them:

Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large onions (sweet onions like Vidalia work well)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
• Vegetable oil for frying (enough for deep frying)

For the Loaded Cheeseburger Filling:

• 1/2 lb ground beef (80/20 ratio for juiciness)
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 3-4 slices)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings (optional but highly recommended):

• Lettuce (shredded)
• Pickles (sliced)
• Additional shredded cheese (cheddar or American cheese)
• Diced tomatoes
• Special sauce (ketchup + mayo + mustard mixed together)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onion Rings:
   • Peel the onions and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings, setting aside the larger ones for stuffing and saving the smaller rings for coating and frying.
2. Prepare the Cheeseburger Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper.
   • Take small portions of the beef mixture and stuff them into the larger onion rings. Press the meat mixture gently into the onion ring to ensure it holds together when frying. Repeat until all larger onion rings are stuffed.
3. Set Up the Dredging Station:
   • In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the Onion Rings:
   • Dip each stuffed onion ring into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
   • Next, dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture.
   • Finally, coat the onion ring in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
5. Fry the Onion Rings:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to fully submerge the onion rings.
   • Fry the coated onion rings in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them for even cooking.
   • Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
6. Assemble the Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings:
   • Once fried, top each onion ring with more shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of special sauce, if desired.
   • You can also place the rings in the oven for a minute or two to melt the cheese before serving.
7. Serve:
   • Serve your Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings hot and fresh as an appetizer, side dish, or indulgent snack!

These Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Onion Rings are sure to be a hit at any gathering. They combine the crispy crunch of onion rings with the delicious, savory flavors of a cheeseburger, making them perfect for satisfying your cravings! Enjoy!