Smoked Onion Rings

Today, we’re diving into the world of smoked onion rings. If you’ve never tried these crispy, smoky delights, you’re in for a treat. I’ve been on a mission to perfect this recipe and let me tell you, it’s been a journey filled with savory successes and a few crispy calamities. But hey, that’s all part of the cooking adventure, right? So, grab your apron, and let’s get smokin’!

A Sizzling Start: How to Make Smoked Onion Rings

Well, well, well. Here’s where the magic begins, my friends. You’ll need these ingredients:

• Large sweet onions (like Vidalia, but any big one will do)
• Bacon slices (as many as you’ve got onions)
• Your favorite BBQ rub (for that smoky goodness)
• Toothpicks (don’t eat these, folks)
• Hickory or applewood chips (for the smokin’ part)

Step 1: Peel, Slice, and Separate

First things first, peel those onions and slice ’em up into rings. Make ’em about half an inch thick. Gotta have those oniony layers for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Wrap It Up, Baby!

Now, here’s where the bacon comes into play. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around an onion ring. Use a toothpick to secure it all in place. Think of it as giving your onion ring a bacon jacket to stay warm in.

Step 3: Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Time to show some love to these bacon-wrapped beauties. Sprinkle your favorite BBQ rub all over those onion rings. Don’t be shy about it; the more, the merrier! This is where the smoky flavor really kicks in.

Step 4: Smoke ‘Em Up!

Fire up your grill or smoker and set it to a low heat, around 250°F. Toss those hickory or applewood chips on the coals for that smokin’ action. Place your bacon-wrapped onion rings on the grates. Close the lid and let the smoky magic happen for about an hour.

Step 5: Crispy Goodness

Check on those rings after an hour. You want the bacon to be crispy and the onions to be tender. Once they reach that golden perfection, it’s time to dig in!

Tips

Now, let’s talk about some pro tips to take your smoked onion rings from good to mind-blowingly amazing:

1. Mix It Up: Experiment with different bacon flavors. Maple, peppered, or even jalapeño bacon can add an extra kick.

2. Get Saucy: Serve these rings with a dipping sauce like chipotle mayo or homemade ranch for an extra flavor punch.

3. Grill ‘Em Right: Monitor that grill temperature. Low and slow is the name of the game for tender, smoky rings.

What to Serve

Alright, you’ve got your mouthwatering smoked onion rings ready. But what’s the perfect pairing? Here are a few ideas:

1. Burgers Galore: Stack that onion rings high on a juicy burger for an epic flavor explosion.

2. BBQ Extravaganza: Add ’em to your BBQ spread alongside ribs, pulled pork, and all the fixings.

3. Game Day Delights: These rings are a touchdown at any sports gathering. Pair ’em with some cold brews, and you’re in snack heaven.

So there you have it, the tantalizing tale of smoked onion rings. A bit of smoke, a lot of bacon, and a whole bunch of flavor. It’s the kind of snack your friends will beg for the recipe. So, get grillin’, and remember, the secret ingredient is always a dash of fun and a sprinkle of adventure.

Thanks a million for hangin’ out with me today, and until next time, keep the grill smokin’, the onions ringin’, and the good times rollin’!

Catch ya on the flavor flip side!

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Smoked Onion Rings

Discover the irresistible taste of our smoked onion rings. Made with love and infused with smoky flavors, these crispy delights will leave you craving for more.

Course Side Dish

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Onion Rings:

• 2 large sweet onions Vidalia or other variety
• 12-16 slices of bacon depending on the size of the onions
• 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ rub
• Toothpicks
• Hickory or applewood chips for smoking

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Onion Rings

1. Begin by peeling the onions and slicing them into approximately 1/2-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and set them aside.
2. Wrap a slice of bacon around each onion ring, securing it in place with a toothpick. Repeat this process for all the onion rings.
3. Sprinkle your favorite BBQ rub evenly over all the bacon-wrapped onion rings. Make sure they're nicely coated, as this is where that smoky flavor will come from. Set the rings aside while you prepare your grill or smoker.

Smoking the Onion Rings

1. Preheat your grill or smoker to a low heat, aiming for around 250°F (120°C). If using charcoal, set up an indirect heat zone by placing the coals on one side of the grill.
2. While the grill is heating up, soak your hickory or applewood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Drain them and then add them to the coals or smoker box, creating a smoky atmosphere.
3. Place the bacon-wrapped onion rings on the grill grates on the indirect heat side. Close the lid and let them smoke for approximately 1 hour. Keep an eye on the temperature to maintain that low and slow heat.

Preparing the Dipping Sauce

1. While the onion rings are smoking, it's time to whip up a delicious dipping sauce. Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until it's well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serving and Enjoying

1. After about an hour, check the bacon-wrapped onion rings. They should be crispy, and the onions tender. Remove them from the grill when they reach this golden perfection.