Craving a tasty snack that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further than these delightful Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni. With a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center, these savory treats are perfect for snacking, party appetizers, or even a fun twist on dinner. Follow along with this easy recipe to whip up a batch of these irresistible rice balls in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
Directions:
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, grated mozzarella cheese, chopped pepperoni slices, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add Egg: Add the beaten egg to the mixture and mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Shape Into Balls: Take a portion of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball, approximately the size of a golf ball.
- Coat With Breadcrumbs: Roll the rice ball in breadcrumbs until it is evenly coated on all sides.
- Fry Rice Balls: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the rice balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the rice balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the rice balls warm with marinara sauce for dipping if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 12 rice balls
- Calories: (per serving) *Caloric information may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Dipping Delight: Serve the crispy rice balls with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor and excitement.
- Garnish Galore: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese over the rice balls before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Appetizer Array: Arrange the rice balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
- Sidekick Snack: Pair the rice balls with a side salad or vegetable sticks for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
- Party Pleaser: These rice balls make a great appetizer for game day parties, potlucks, or movie nights with friends and family.
- Kid-Friendly Fare: Get kids involved in the kitchen by letting them help shape the rice balls before frying, making mealtime fun and interactive.
- Custom Creations: Experiment with different fillings such as cooked ground sausage, diced ham, or chopped vegetables to create your own unique variations.
- Brunch Bites: Serve these rice balls alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a tasty breakfast or brunch option.
- Picnic Perfect: Pack the rice balls in a container for a portable snack or lunch option for picnics, hikes, or road trips.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a large batch of rice balls and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for convenient grab-and-go snacks. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated rice balls, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked rice balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Meal Prep: Prepare the rice ball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to shape and fry for a quick and easy snack or meal option.
- Crunchy Cravings: For maximum crispiness, reheat leftover rice balls in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Double Duty: Use leftover rice balls as a topping for salads or soups for added texture and flavor.
- Party Planning: Fry the rice balls in advance and reheat them in the oven just before serving to save time during parties or gatherings.
- Sauce Savvy: Serve the rice balls with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for a fun and customizable snack experience.
- Toothpick Trick: Insert toothpicks into the rice balls before serving to make them easier to pick up and enjoy, especially at parties or events.
- Creative Cooking: Transform leftover rice balls into a delicious sandwich filling by slicing them in half and placing them between two slices of bread with your favorite toppings for a unique and satisfying meal.
These Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoying them as a snack, their crispy exterior and gooey center make them irresistible. So why wait? Try out this easy recipe today and treat yourself to a deliciously cheesy and flavorful snack!