Cheese Stuffed Rice Balls
Cheese stuffed rice balls are a crispy, cheesy delight with tender rice and gooey mozzarella centers. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine savory Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a satisfying crunch from bread crumbs. Ideal for gatherings or a quick treat that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, lightly beat 2 eggs.
- Stir in the cooked rice, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Take about 1 1/2-inch portions of the rice mixture and roll into balls.
- Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each ball and reshape to enclose the cheese.
- Roll each ball in bread crumbs to coat thoroughly.
- Deep-fry the rice balls in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like oregano or basil into the rice mixture. If you're out of Parmesan or Romano cheese, a good substitute is Pecorino or even a sharp cheddar. To prevent the rice balls from falling apart, make sure the mixture is well chilled before shaping. For a twist, you might also try adding some cooked vegetables like spinach to the mix, reminiscent of Cheesy Vegetable Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheese stuffed rice balls as an appetizer or main dish alongside a fresh salad or marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with Italian Tomato Dip, making for a delightful flavor combination. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Little Hats Cavandele(Curl Noodles) or a light vegetable medley.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese stuffed rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Stuffed Rice Balls contains roughly 1114 calories, with 13g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 969mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice has a nuttier flavor and requires a longer cooking time. Make sure it's fully cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure the right texture for the rice balls.
What if I don't have mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella cheese, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as fontina or gouda. Just ensure that the cheese cubes are about the same size to ensure even melting and a delightful gooey center in each rice ball.
Can I bake these rice balls instead of deep-frying them?
Yes, you can bake the rice balls for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the rice balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through, turning them halfway for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).