Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe
Introduction
Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings are a delicious twist on classic onion rings, filled with a creamy cheese and chorizo mixture and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. These crispy, flavorful snacks are perfect for sharing or serving as a fun appetizer at your next gathering.

Ingredients
- 3 Vidalia onions
- 1 package of light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 red chorizos, crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup flour
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the Vidalia onions into thick slices and carefully separate them into individual rings.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled chorizo. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Place the onion rings on a metal tray lined with waxed paper.
- Step 4: Fill each onion ring with the cheese and chorizo mixture, then place one or two jalapeño slices into the filling.
- Step 5: Freeze the filled onion rings on the tray for about two hours, until frozen solid.
- Step 6: Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko bread crumbs.
- Step 7: Dip each frozen stuffed onion ring first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the panko crumbs, coating well at each step.
- Step 8: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and deep fry the breaded onion rings for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 9: Remove the onion rings from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- Step 10: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked cheddar for a richer flavor that complements the chorizo well.
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before slicing.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for an extra smoky or spicy kick.
- Make sure to freeze the stuffed rings thoroughly to help them hold their shape during frying.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. For best results, it’s recommended to eat them fresh, as frying loses some texture upon reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions instead of Vidalia?
Yes, you can use sweet onions like Walla Walla or any large mild onion. Vidalia onions are preferred for their sweetness, which balances the heat of the jalapeños.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While frying gives the crispiest texture, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be a bit lighter but still tasty.
PrintJalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe
Deliciously crispy Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Onion Rings featuring sweet Vidalia onions filled with a spicy and savory blend of cream cheese, cheddar, chorizo, and jalapeños. These golden fried rings make a perfect appetizer or snack, garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 stuffed onion rings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Onion Rings
- 3 Vidalia onions
Filling
- 1 package of light cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 red chorizos, crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, sliced
Breading and Frying
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
Garnish
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Onion Rings: Cut the Vidalia onions into thick slices and carefully separate each slice into individual rings to use as the base for stuffing.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, mix the softened light cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled red chorizos. Season with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor.
- Assemble Rings: Place the onion rings on a metal tray lined with waxed paper. Fill each ring generously with the cheese and chorizo mixture.
- Add Jalapeños: Insert one or two slices of jalapeño into each filled onion ring to add heat and a fresh spicy kick.
- Freeze: Transfer the filled onion rings to the freezer and let them freeze for two hours or until they are solid. This step helps maintain the shape during frying.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Arrange the flour, beaten eggs, and panko bread crumbs each in separate shallow bowls for a classic breading procedure.
- Bread the Onion Rings: Dip each frozen stuffed onion ring first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko bread crumbs to create a crisp exterior.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry the breaded onion rings for about 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove the fried onion rings using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy jalapeño popper stuffed onion rings hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Using Vidalia onions adds a natural sweetness that balances the spicy jalapeños.
- Freezing the stuffed onion rings before breading and frying helps keep the filling intact.
- You can adjust the number of jalapeño slices depending on preferred spice level.
- Use light cream cheese for a slightly lower-fat option without compromising creaminess.
- Serve immediately after frying for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: Jalapeño popper, stuffed onion rings, fried appetizer, chorizo, cream cheese, jalapeños, party snack

