Let’s talk about the ultimate mash-up of BBQ greatness—Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings. That’s right. We’re stuffing sweet, spicy, smoky goodness into a crispy onion ring, wrapping it in bacon, tossing it on the smoker, and serving it up with a smoky chipotle aioli that might just change your life. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “What if a Texas Twinkie and a jalapeño popper had a baby and it wore an onion ring as a halo?”—this is the recipe for you.
Loaded with Italian sausage, candied jalapeños (aka cowboy candy), and glazed with your favorite spicy BBQ sauce, these bad boys are rich, meaty, tangy, and addictive. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable side dish, an epic appetizer, or something bold to serve up at your next cookout, this one brings the heat.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings
- Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings Ingredients
- How to Make Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings
- What to Serve with Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings
- Leftovers & Reheating Instructions
- More with Cowboy candy
- FAQs
- This sauce is FYR!
- Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings Recipe
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings
These stuffed onion rings aren’t just food—they’re an event. Inspired by the mouthwatering combo of heat, sweet, and smoke you find in Texas BBQ, this recipe brings the same flavor energy you’d get from a jalapeño popper, but in a bigger, badder package. Imagine your classic crispy onion ring, only instead of a light little bite, it’s stuffed with spicy pork, loaded with sweet jalapeños, wrapped in bacon, and kissed by smoke until it’s golden brown and irresistible.
The mix of flavors here is what makes this dish stand out. You’ve got the juicy ground Italian sausage blending with cowboy candy (which adds just the right touch of sugar and spice), and it’s all seasoned with your favorite burger rub or Derek Wolf’s Cowboy Candy Rub for that extra kick of BBQ magic. Then comes the bacon—because if you’re gonna go bold, you might as well wrap bacon around it—and that final brush of BBQ sauce ties it all together like a smoked-up mic drop.
And while the prep can take a little time (grab a cold drink, throw on a speaker, and enjoy the vibe), the result is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re throwing down on the grill for game day or just flexing your backyard BBQ muscles, these onion rings are guaranteed to make you the hero of the patio.
Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this perfect combination to life:
For the Stuffed Onion Rings:
- Whole Onions (yellow or white) – The backbone of the ring. Go for big, round ones for the perfect shape.
- Ground Italian Sausage – Juicy and savory with a little spice to stand up to the sweetness.
- Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy) – Brings the sweet heat that makes this recipe pop.
- Sliced Bacon – For wrapping, crisping, and flavor-punching.
- Cowboy Candy Rub – Adds that signature BBQ flavor; use any of your favorite BBQ rubs if you’re in a pinch.
- Spicy BBQ Sauce – Glaze it up in the final minutes for a sticky, sweet, spicy finish.
For the Smoky Chipotle Aioli:
- Mayonnaise – Rich and creamy base for the dip.
- Chipotle in Adobo – Smoky heat that balances out the richness.
- Lime Juice – Adds brightness and cuts through the fat.
- Garlic – Because garlic makes everything better.
- Kosher Salt, to taste – Just a pinch to round it out.
Stock Up on Derek’s Newest Spice Blend
How to Make Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings
The Prep Work
First, in a large bowl, combine your ground Italian sausage and chopped cowboy candy. Pro tip: keep that sausage cold. If it gets warm, it becomes tough to handle and won’t hold its shape. The chill makes for cleaner work.
Next, let’s work on the onions. Start by peeling your onions and then slicing them into thick 1” rings. You’re gonna want the biggest outside and inside rings to make the structure for your stuffed onion “donuts.” Think like an engineer—this is architecture for your taste buds.
Stuff It Up
Take an outer onion ring and pack in a handful of the sausage mix. Press it all the way around the inside of the ring, forming a solid donut shape. Then, slide a smaller ring into the center so it all stays intact. You’ll end up with a solid, meaty loop of glory.
Now it’s time to wrap bacon around the outside of each stuffed ring. Overlap each strip slightly to ensure coverage, but don’t overdo it—you want that bacon to crisp up, not turn rubbery. Set the rings on a tray and give them a good dusting with your Cowboy Candy Rub or favorite burger rub.
Chill and Fire Up
Place the rings in the fridge for 30 minutes to set. During this time, fire up your smoker for indirect cooking at 275 degrees F. Toss in a few wood chunks if you like a good smoky blast.
Now it’s time to smoke ’em low and slow. Set your onion rings on the smoker in a single layer and let ‘em cook for about 45–60 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165F. Keep an eye on things—flare ups with the bacon can sneak up on you. In the final 10 minutes, brush on that spicy BBQ sauce and let it caramelize into a beautiful, tacky glaze.
While your rings are cooling, whip up the smoky chipotle aioli by mixing all the ingredients together in a bowl. Serve that creamy dip on the side and get ready to make some friends.
What to Serve with Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings
You’ve got a bold, meaty centerpiece—now you need some sides to match. These rings go great with homemade ranch, buffalo chicken sliders, or even grilled hot dogs if you’re going full BBQ spread. Add in a crisp coleslaw or some charred street corn and you’ve got a lineup worthy of any backyard bash.
And if you’re in the mood for quick sweet snacks after all that savory goodness, try throwing some candied bacon or grilled pineapple into the mix.
Leftovers & Reheating Instructions
If by some miracle you have leftovers (we’re impressed), stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, toss them in the air fryer at 375F for 6–8 minutes until they’re sizzling and crispy again. Avoid the microwave unless you like soggy bacon—we don’t judge, but we also don’t recommend it.
More with Cowboy candy
FAQs
Absolutely. While the smoker adds that unmatched flavor, an air fryer at 375F for 15–20 minutes (flipping halfway) can do the job in a pinch. Just be sure the internal temp hits 165F.
You can sub in chopped candied jalapeños or make a quick version by simmering sliced jalapeños in sugar and vinegar for 15–20 minutes. It won’t be exact, but it’ll get the job done.
Yes—freeze the stuffed onion rings (before cooking) on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. Cook from frozen by adding extra time on the smoker or in the oven.
Get stoked for life
This sauce is FYR!
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Cowboy Candy Stuffed Onion Rings
Ingredients
Onion Ring
- 1.5 lbs Ground Italian Sausage
- 2-3 Whole Onions ideally yellow or white
- 2 lbs Sliced Bacon
- ½ cup Candied Jalapenos chopped
- ¾ cup Cowboy Candy Rub
- 1.5 cups Favorite Spicy BBQ Sauce for glaze
Smoky Chipotle Aioli
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Chipotle in Adobo
- 1 medium Lime juiced
- 1 Garlic Clove pressed
- Kosher Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by peeling the outside layer of your onions and slicing into 1” thick onion rings. Grab 6-8 of the largest “rings” and inside “rings” to make the outside shape for our burger stuffed onion rings.
- In a bowl, mix together the ground italian sausage and the chopped candied jalapeños.
- Take an outside ring and grab a handful of sausage mixture and place it in the center. Shape the ground sausage to the outside of the onion then place the smaller inside ring into the ground beef to make a “donut” shape.
- Next, wrap bacon around the outside and set on a tray. Repeat these steps until you have all the burger stuffed onion rings you like.
- Season all the onion rings with my Cowboy Candy Rub and set in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
- Preheat your smoker for indirect cooking at 275F. Add some wood chunks or chips for added smoke flavor if you like.
- Add the stuffed onion rings to the smoker to cook for 45-60 minutes or until they are 165F internal. In the last 10 minutes, drizzle your favorite spicy bbq sauce over the top and glaze the onion rings.
- Once the BBQ sauce is “tacky” and the rings are done, pull off and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix together the smoked chipotle aioli and set to the side.
- Serve with aioli for dipping and enjoy!
What would be the best alternative cooking instructions if *not* using a smoker?
I think the oven is great. Id even bump up the temp to 400F in the over for less time (maybe 30 mins but you might need to watch it as I havent tested it). It will get the bacon even more crispy!