Onion Ring Chips Quesadillas (Printable version)

Crispy fried onion rings nestled between layers of melted cheddar and mozzarella in golden toasted tortillas

# What You'll 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
14 - Salsa or guacamole, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Separate onion slices into individual rings. Set up three shallow bowls: combine 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 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry onion rings in batches without overcrowding, turning once, until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes total. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain.
04 - Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese.
05 - Arrange fried onion rings over the cheese layer. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons sour cream and sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon chives if using. Place second tortilla on top.
06 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until bottom tortilla is golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip with spatula and cook additional 2 minutes until second side is golden and cheese is completely melted. Transfer to cutting board.
07 - Let quesadilla rest for 1 minute, then cut into 6 wedges. Serve immediately with salsa, guacamole, and additional sour cream on the side. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make 4 quesadillas total.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The satisfying crunch of crispy onion rings inside gooey cheese creates the most incredible texture contrast
  • These come together faster than you would think, especially if you fry the onions while the skillet heats up
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying onion rings or the oil temperature will drop and you will end up with soggy greasy messes
  • Let the fried onions drain really well on paper towels, or your quesadillas will get soggy spots
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the crispest tortilla exterior, it creates restaurant-quality browning
  • Keep your fried onion rings on a wire rack instead of paper towels for maximum crunch retention

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