Onion Ring Chips Quesadillas With Cheesy Goodness (Print Version)

Crispy battered onion rings and melted cheddar-mozzarella blend folded into golden tortillas for ultimate comfort food.

# What You Need:

→ Onion Ring Chips

01 - 1 large onion, sliced into rings
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
08 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Quesadillas

09 - 4 large flour tortillas
10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream, plus extra for serving
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
14 - Salsa or guacamole for serving

# How to Prepare:

01 - Separate onion slices into individual rings. Set up three shallow bowls: mix flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt in the first; whisk eggs in the second; place panko breadcrumbs in the third.
02 - Dredge each onion ring in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Press firmly into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly on all sides.
03 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry onion rings in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
04 - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place one flour tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
05 - Arrange fried onion rings over the cheese layer. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons sour cream and sprinkle with chives if desired. Top with second tortilla.
06 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom tortilla is golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip using a spatula and cook another 2 minutes until second side is golden and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Transfer quesadilla to a cutting board. Let cool for 1 minute, then cut into 4-6 wedges. Serve immediately with salsa, guacamole, and additional sour cream on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That incredible crunch from the onion ring chips against gooey, melted cheese creates texture in every single bite
  • They come together faster than delivery but taste like something from a restaurant that takes fried food seriously
  • The combination of smoky paprika in the batter and sharp cheddar hits all the right flavor notes
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying onion rings or the oil temperature drops and they'll absorb too much grease
  • Let the fried onion rings drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels so they stay crispy on all sides
  • Medium heat is crucial for quesadillas, high heat burns the tortilla before the cheese melts
03 -
  • Warm your tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds before building, they fold without cracking
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one for the most evenly crisped tortilla exterior