A Delicious Twist On Classic Nachos – Crispy Onion Rings Topped With All Your Favorite Nacho Toppings Like Melted Cheese, Jalapeños, And A Creamy Drizzle Of Ranch. Perfect For Game Day Or A Fun Appetizer!
These Crispy Onion Ring Nachos are the ultimate comfort food! I decided to make them because I wanted to combine the crunch of onion rings with the indulgence of nachos, and it turned out to be an amazing combination. The crispy, golden onion rings provide the perfect base, while the melty cheese, zesty jalapeños, and creamy ranch sauce create the perfect topping.
My family loves them because they’re a fun, shareable snack that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a cozy night in, or just craving something indulgent, these nachos are always a hit!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use store-bought onion rings?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen store-bought onion rings work just fine. Just bake or fry them according to the package instructions and top them with the nacho fixings.
Q: Can I make these nachos spicier?
A: Yes! If you like extra heat, add more sliced jalapeños or drizzle some hot sauce on top. You can also use spicy nacho cheese or add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Q: Can I make these nachos vegetarian?
A: Yes! These nachos are already vegetarian, but you can add some black beans, corn, or avocado to make them even heartier.
Q: How can I make these nachos ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the onion rings and toppings ahead of time. When ready to serve, bake the onion rings, add the toppings, and melt the cheese. This way, you won’t have to assemble everything at the last minute.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can use gluten-free onion rings or make your own from scratch with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just make sure to check all the other ingredients for gluten if you are following a gluten-free diet.
What You Need to Make Crispy Onion Ring Nachos
For the Onion Rings:
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Nachos:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (for drizzling)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
- Guacamole (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Onion Ring Nachos
1. Prepare the onion rings:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each onion ring first in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the onion rings are evenly coated.
2. Fry the onion rings:
Carefully drop the onion rings into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
3. Assemble the nachos:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the crispy onion rings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the onion rings.
Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Add the toppings:
Once the cheese has melted, remove the onion rings from the oven and top with sliced jalapeños. Drizzle sour cream and ranch dressing over the top. Optionally, serve with salsa and guacamole for added flavor.
5. Serve:
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. Enjoy your Crispy Onion Ring Nachos with extra dipping sauces on the side if desired!
Tips
- For extra crunch: Use a mix of regular breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs to achieve a crunchier coating for the onion rings.
- Customize the toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like diced tomatoes, black olives, or even some shredded lettuce for a Tex-Mex vibe.
- Make it a meal: Add some grilled chicken or beef on top of the nachos to turn this snack into a full meal.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “These Crispy Onion Ring Nachos are so delicious! The combination of crispy onion rings and melted cheese is unbeatable. My family loves them, and they’re always a hit at parties!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “What a fun twist on nachos! The onion rings add such a great crunch, and the cheesy topping is perfect. A new favorite snack for sure!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “These nachos are incredible! I love the combination of crispy onion rings, melted cheese, and the spicy kick from the jalapeños. They’re the perfect comfort food!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “These Crispy Onion Ring Nachos are so flavorful and fun to eat! The onion rings are crispy and delicious, and the ranch dressing really ties everything together. Definitely making these again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “These nachos are the ultimate snack! The crispy onion rings are the perfect base, and the melted cheese and jalapeños make them irresistible. I’ll be making these for every game day from now on!”
Printable Recipe
Crispy Onion Ring Nachos
These Crispy Onion Ring Nachos feature golden, crispy onion rings topped with melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing – the perfect indulgent snack or appetizer!
Ingredients
- For the Onion Rings:
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Nachos:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (for drizzling)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
- Guacamole (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the onion rings:
- Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, soak the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each onion ring first in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the onion rings are evenly coated.
2. Fry the onion rings:
- Carefully drop the onion rings into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
3. Assemble the nachos:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the crispy onion rings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the onion rings.
Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Add the toppings:
- Once the cheese has melted, remove the onion rings from the oven and top with sliced jalapeños. Drizzle sour cream and ranch dressing over the top. Optionally, serve with salsa and guacamole for added flavor.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately. Enjoy your Crispy Onion Ring Nachos with extra dipping sauces on the side if desired!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Crispy Onion Ring Nachos, please share them with your friends and family! They’re the perfect snack for any occasion – crispy, cheesy, and so flavorful. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your nachos turn out!
