Chili Spiced Onion Rings with Mexican Cheese Fondue

Prep Time: 40

Cook Time: 25

Serves: Serves: 8

4 large Spanish onions, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices and separated into rings
3 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon guajillo chili powder or cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons salt, divided
2 tablespoons butter
4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups milk
2 cups (8 oz.) Sargento® Artisan Blends® Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese
1 teaspoon pepper
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Place onion rings in buttermilk in large bowl; let stand 30 minutes. Meanwhile, combine sugar, chili powder, paprika, cumin and 4 teaspoons salt in jar with shaker top; set aside.
Prepare fondue by melting butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook , stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. When mixture begins to bubble, stir in cheese and remove from heat. Cover to keep warm.
Preheat oil to 365°F. Drain onion rings in colander. Combine remaining flour with remaining salt and pepper. Dredge onion rings in flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels. Repeat until all onion rings are cooked. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar mixture and serve with Mexican Cheese Fondue.