"Corny" Baked Onion Rings

Who doesn't love a little deep-fried, golden-battered onion ring once in a while? They can be so delicious, dipped in horseradish or ketchup (or by themselves). But who wants to ruin their morning workout by eating 400 calories in JUST onion rings? These BAKED onion rings, made with corn flakes are a much healthier option when you want that crunchy, golden snack! Baking them, instead of frying, helps you stay away from nasty oils and allows you feel better about adding these as a side to your dinner. AND chances are you have everything you need to make these at home already!

P.S. This is a perfect time to use your Mini-Food Processor. Less than $30 and it makes life so easy!

Ingredients & Recipe:
Printable Recipe

• 1 1/2 cups plain cornflakes
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (no need to buy it, make your own)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• S & P
• 1 medium-large Vidalia onion, cut into 1/2"- 1" slices
• Cooking spray

Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Use your food processor to pulse the cornflakes & breadcrumbs into small crumbs, transfer to a med-large bowl. (Don't have a food processor? Dump cornflakes & breadcrumbs in a zip top bag and smash up with the bottom of a pan, or roll with a rolling pin).

Next, whisk together egg, buttermilk, flour, cayenne, S & P, in another bowl. Dip onion rings into egg mixture (use a fork to keep your hands clean), let the excess drip off and then "dredge" the onion into the flake-crumb mixture to coat. Place on the baking sheet. Repeat until your baking sheet is full of battered onion rings, bake about 15 minutes, gently turning once half way through. Lightly season with salt, & enjoy!

You Could Also Try...

• Use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a little added fiber! Fiber is our friend:)
• Make this recipe totally Gluten-Free! Use 1 1/2 cup of white rice flour + 1/2 cup of cornmeal instead of regular flour and breadcrumbs. The crunch you get from the cornmeal may be even better!