Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Ricobene's›Combo Appetizer Tray Recipe

Combo Appetizer Tray Recipe

Inspired by Ricobene's
Time1h 30m
Serves8

Small Tray | Large Tray • Includes the following: Mozzarella Sticks, Poppers, Onion Rings and Zucchini Sticks.

Jump to Recipe

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Mozzarella Sticks

Poppers

Onion Rings

Zucchini Sticks

Method

Mozzarella Sticks

  1. 1

    Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

    Cut string cheese sticks in half if desired. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Set Up Breading Stations

    In three separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and salt.

  3. 3

    Bread the Cheese

    Dip each cheese stick first in flour, then in eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.

  4. 4

    Fry the Sticks

    Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the breaded cheese sticks until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Poppers

  1. 5

    Prepare Jalapeños

    Cut jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Set aside.

  2. 6

    Make Filling

    In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and garlic powder until well combined.

  3. 7

    Stuff Jalapeños

    Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.

  4. 8

    Fry the Poppers

    Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry stuffed jalapeños until golden, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Onion Rings

  1. 9

    Slice the Onions

    Cut large onions into 1/4-inch thick rings.

  2. 10

    Soak in Buttermilk

    Place onion rings in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for at least 30 minutes.

  3. 11

    Prepare Breading

    In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, and salt.

  4. 12

    Bread the Rings

    Remove onion rings from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture.

  5. 13

    Fry the Rings

    Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry onion rings until golden, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Zucchini Sticks

  1. 14

    Prepare the Zucchini

    Cut zucchini into sticks about 1/4 inch thick.

  2. 15

    Set Up Breading Stations

    In three separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and salt.

  3. 16

    Bread the Zucchini

    Dip each zucchini stick first in flour, then in eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.

  4. 17

    Fry the Sticks

    Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry zucchini sticks until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

More from Ricobene's