Onion Ring Chips Quesadillas (Print Version)

Golden tortillas filled with crispy onion rings and melted cheddar-mozzarella blend

# 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

# How-To Steps:

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 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 per batch. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
04 - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle evenly with 1/2 cup cheddar and 1/4 cup mozzarella. Arrange fried onion rings over the cheese, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons sour cream and sprinkle with chives if using.
05 - Top with a second tortilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip and cook an additional 2 minutes until the second side is golden and cheese is completely melted.
06 - Transfer quesadilla to a cutting board and let cool for 1 minute. Cut into 6 wedges. Serve immediately with salsa, guacamole, and additional sour cream on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between shatteringly crisp onion rings and gooey melted cheese is absolutely addictive
  • These come together faster than you would think, especially if you fry the onions ahead of time
  • Something magical happens when fair food meets comfort food in a single handheld package
02 -
  • Let your fried onion rings cool completely before assembling or the steam will make your tortillas soggy
  • A cast iron skillet gives you the most even heating and beautiful golden spots on the tortillas
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the onions or the oil temperature will drop too much
03 -
  • Use a candy thermometer to keep your oil around 350 degrees for the crispiest onion rings
  • Place the second tortilla on top off-center for easier flipping without losing the filling