Super Bowl Appetizer Baked Onion Rings

Name: Super Bowl Appetizer Baked Onion Rings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 2 large onions, sliced into rings; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Highlighted under: Festive Recipes

I absolutely love serving baked onion rings as a Super Bowl appetizer. They’re crispy on the outside, sweet on the inside, and simply irresistible! Preparing them in the oven means I can enjoy the same great taste without the guilt of deep frying. Plus, it’s a straightforward recipe that brings everyone together! The tangy dipping sauce perfectly complements the warm, crunchy rings, making them a hit every time. Trust me, these baked onion rings will elevate any game day gathering and keep your guests coming back for more!

Created by

Rosalyn Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-01-11T19:12:38.211Z

When I first decided to make these baked onion rings, I wanted something that had the crunch of fried food but wouldn't leave me feeling heavy afterwards. The trick lies in the panko breadcrumbs, which give a super crisp texture once baked. I also experimented with a bit of paprika and garlic powder for added flavor, and I’m so glad I did!

This recipe perfects the art of baking onion rings. With a quick soak in buttermilk for extra tenderness and flavor, these rings turn out impossibly delicious. Serve them with the homemade dipping sauce for an appetizer that’s sure to impress during any Super Bowl party. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crispy texture without the guilt of frying
Flavor-packed with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice
An easy-to-make crowd favorite for any occasion

Perfecting the Onion Ring Technique

The key to achieving perfectly baked onion rings lies in the soaking process. By submerging the onion rings in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes, you not only infuse them with moisture but also help the flour coating adhere better. If you're short on time, consider soaking them for just a few minutes, but for the best results, a full soak enhances flavor and tenderness, ensuring a delightful bite once baked.

When it comes to the coating, panko breadcrumbs are essential for that crunchy exterior. Unlike regular breadcrumbs, panko is larger and airier, providing a much lighter, crispier outcome. If you don't have panko, you can substitute it with crushed cornflakes or even seasoned breadcrumbs, but expect a slightly different texture. Just remember to adjust any additional seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor balance.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These baked onion rings are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a tangy dipping sauce elevates the snacking experience. Create a zesty dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, ketchup, a dash of hot sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This brightens the flavor profile and enhances the sweetness of the onion rings, making every bite more enjoyable. Don't hesitate to get creative; ranch dressing or a garlic aioli are also tasty alternatives that complement the onion's sweetness well.

For those looking to turn these rings into a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a burger or on a salad for extra crunch. You can scale up this recipe easily; just ensure that the onion rings are arranged in a single layer on your baking tray for even cooking. If you're preparing for a larger gathering, you might want to bake multiple trays simultaneously, rotating them halfway for even browning.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these fantastic baked onion rings:

Ingredients

2 large onions, sliced into rings
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Combine all these ingredients, and you're ready to create delicious onion rings!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your baked onion rings:

Prepare the Onions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Soak the onion rings in buttermilk for about 10 minutes to ensure they are flavorful and tender.

Coat the Rings

In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the onion rings from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and then dredge them in the flour mixture.

Bread the Rings

Next, dip the coated rings back into the buttermilk and then into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well-coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.

Bake the Rings

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The baking time may vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on them!

Once they are baked to perfection, serve these onion rings warm with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider mixing grated Parmesan cheese into the panko before coating the onion rings.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftover onion rings, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or refrigerate for 3-4 days. When reheating, a light spritz of oil can reintroduce some moisture and prevent them from drying out. To revive their crunch, pop them in an air fryer or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.

For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked, breaded onion rings. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to your baking time to ensure they are heated all the way through.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your onion rings aren't turning out as crispy as you'd like, there are a couple of factors to consider. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the baking sheet inside. A hot oven is crucial for that crispiness. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; keeping the rings spaced apart allows hot air to circulate, leading to better browning and crunch.

Another common issue is bands of onion layers sticking together during baking. To prevent this, when dredging the rings in flour, be sure to coat each ring individually and shake off any excess before moving to the panko stage. This guarantees that each ring gets an even coating and bakes up beautifully without clumping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko provides a lighter and crispier texture.

→ What can I serve as a dipping sauce?

A tangy ranch or spicy ketchup works wonderfully!

→ How do I store leftover onion rings?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat them in the oven to crisp them up again.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the onion rings and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.