Alright, flavor adventurers, buckle up because I’m about to drop a recipe that’s pure Cuba Queen magic! Get ready for the ultimate comfort food collision: Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings! Yes, you heard right – crispy, golden onion rings packed with creamy, cheesy goodness.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many batches of these I’ve made. I needed them PERFECT. There were soggy onion rings, mac and cheese oozing out everywhere and a whole lot of tears, but I was determined to create this ultimate cheesy, crunchy bite. I finally nailed the right balance of crispy coating, perfectly cooked onions, and ooey-gooey mac and cheese, and now I can’t wait to share this recipe for Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings with you.
This isn’t your grandma’s onion ring recipe. This is a culinary explosion that represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unapologetic indulgence, and turning ordinary moments into celebrations. These Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings are total rockstars, and they will be in your kitchen as well.
I’m talking about taking the absolute BEST of childhood favorites, and cramming them together into one, perfect bite. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!
What You Need for This Flavor Bomb:
This ingredient list is short, but don’t let that fool you – each component plays a vital role in creating the ultimate cheesy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings experience! Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.
- 2 large sweet onions: These are crucial for getting those perfect rings. Opt for sweet onions as their mildness complements the cheesy filling without overpowering it.
- 2 cups cooked macaroni: Elbow macaroni is a classic, but feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes! Just make sure it’s cooked al dente to prevent a mushy filling.
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: The quality of your cheese matters! Go for a sharp cheddar for that classic mac and cheese tang.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk will make your mac and cheese extra creamy.
- 1/4 cup butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your homemade Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key! Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go.
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs: The secret to extra crispy onion rings! Panko breadcrumbs provide a light and airy coating that’s far superior to regular breadcrumbs.
- 2 eggs, beaten: These will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the onion rings.
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
- A little splash of your favorite hot sauce: Use a little dash for the mac and cheese. You can thank me later.

The secret to epic Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings is using a combination of sharp cheddar and a touch of Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Trust me, this cheese combo is pure magic! And I know it might seem crazy, but you are going to want to splurge on high quality panko.
You’ll find the best onions for this recipe at your local farmers market, but if you can’t make it there, the produce section of your grocery store will work as well. These cheesy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings are going to be the talk of the town!
Let’s Create This Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings Magic:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s dive into the process of creating these culinary masterpieces! Don’t be intimidated – with a little patience and my expert guidance, you’ll be sinking your teeth into a great recipe for Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings in no time.
- Prep the Onions: Slice the onions into 1/2-inch thick rings. Carefully separate the rings and set aside the largest ones for stuffing.
Don’t stress – your golden Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings are going to be incredible! The key here is to get the thickness right. Too thin, and they’ll fall apart; too thick, and they won’t cook through.
- Make the Mac and Cheese: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and hot sauce until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked macaroni and set aside to cool slightly.
Here’s where most people mess up their Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings – but not you! The key is to not overcook the mac and cheese at this stage. You want it to be thick and creamy, but not dry.
- Stuff the Onion Rings: Place a generous spoonful of the mac and cheese mixture into the center of each large onion ring.
This is where your homemade Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings transforms into pure magic! Make sure to pack the mac and cheese in tightly so it doesn’t fall out during frying.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the beaten eggs. In the second, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Pro tip for Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings perfection: add a pinch of garlic powder and paprika to the panko breadcrumbs for extra flavor!
- Bread the Onion Rings: Dip each stuffed onion ring into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
While your Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Double-dipping in the egg and panko will create an extra crispy crust.
- Fry the Onion Rings: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the breaded onion rings into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
In my kitchen, these fantastic Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings take exactly 2 minutes and 45 seconds per side. Don’t overcrowd the pot – fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried onion rings from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain. Serve immediately and prepare for flavor paradise!
Your Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings should look golden brown and crispy, and the mac and cheese filling should be melted and gooey. Get ready for a bite of pure comfort food bliss.
How to Serve This Show-Stopper:
Presentation is everything, flavor adventurers! This isn’t just about making amazing Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings – it’s about creating an experience. Here’s how to serve these showstoppers for maximum impact:
Serve immediately while the onion rings are hot and crispy, and the mac and cheese filling is melted and gooey. Arrange them on a platter and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve these amazing Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings at parties. They’re always the first thing to disappear! This recipe for Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings absolutely slays at dinner parties!
For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair these golden Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings with classic dipping sauces like ranch dressing, ketchup, or honey mustard. I also love serving them with a side of crispy fried chicken or a juicy burger.
These unforgettable Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings would be perfect for your next barbecue, game day gathering, or even just a fun weeknight dinner! For a seasonal variation, try adding pumpkin puree to the mac and cheese filling in the fall or serving with cranberry sauce during the holidays.
And if you happen to have any leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until crispy and heated through. You could even chop them up and add them to a salad for a fun and unexpected twist. These Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings remind me of another flavor explosion, my Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe.
Your Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings Questions, Answered:
Got questions? Don’t worry, flavor adventurers, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common challenges people face when making Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings, along with my expert solutions:
- “Can I make this cheesy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings spicier?”
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mac and cheese filling for a kick. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for even more heat.
- “What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs for my golden Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings?”
Regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, but they won’t be as crispy. You can also try using crushed crackers or even cornflakes for a different texture.
- “How do I keep the mac and cheese from leaking out while frying my delicious Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings?”
Make sure to pack the mac and cheese in tightly and double-bread the onion rings. Also, don’t overcrowd the pot while frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the filling to leak.
- “What if my onion rings are soggy?”
Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) and don’t overcrowd the pot. Also, be sure to drain the onion rings on a wire rack lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- “How do I know when my crispy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings is perfectly done?”
The onion rings should be golden brown and crispy, and the mac and cheese filling should be melted and gooey. Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature and cook for 2-3 minutes per side.
- “Can I make these yummy Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings ahead of time?”
You can prepare the mac and cheese filling and stuff the onion rings ahead of time, but I recommend frying them just before serving for the best results.
- “What kind of cheese works best for incredible Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings?”
A mix of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of Gruyere will give you the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness.
These great Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings questions are super common, don’t worry. I have made my fair share of mac and cheese recipes and onion rings, so I am totally prepared to help you out.
If you are looking for more ways to cook mac and cheese, check out Affordable meal ideas with hot dogs and mac and cheese. These Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings will be better than ever!
Why This Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings Will Rock Your World:
These Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings aren’t just a recipe; they’re a flavor experience, a culinary adventure, and a testament to the power of comfort food. This recipe embodies everything that Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, unapologetic indulgence, and turning ordinary moments into celebrations.
My Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings Power Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the cheese! The more cheese, the better the mac and cheese filling will be.
- Double-bread for extra crispiness! Dipping the onion rings in the egg and panko breadcrumbs twice will create an extra crispy coating that will hold up perfectly during frying.
- Fry in small batches! Overcrowding the pot will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy onion rings.
I’ve created a few variations of this incredible Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings recipe that I absolutely love. Try adding bacon bits to the mac and cheese filling for a smoky twist, or use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for a kick. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces, like a tangy barbecue sauce or a creamy sriracha mayo. The version that always gets the biggest reaction is the one with bacon.
I am so confident that you can make these delicious Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings and make them your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! Let’s turn your kitchen into a culinary playground.
So go ahead, flavor adventurers, and make these fantastic Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings your signature dish. Share them with your friends and family, and watch their faces light up with delight. This is about creating memories, one delicious bite at a time.

Now go make some classic Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings and tell me what you think!
Mac And Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings
These Mac and Cheese Stuffed Onion Rings are the ultimate comfort food mashup! Crispy, golden onion rings are loaded with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a fun and delicious appetizer or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
- 2 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Carefully separate the onion rings, discarding the smallest inner rings.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Place a spoonful of the mac and cheese mixture into each onion ring, pressing down gently to fill.
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs into separate shallow dishes.
- Dredge each stuffed onion ring in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the stuffed onion rings to the hot oil in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the onion rings with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or sriracha mayo.

