Rice Croquettes
Crispy rice croquettes with savory Parmesan, fresh parsley, and aromatic basil, fried to golden perfection—an irresistible appetizer or snack suited for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoons sweet butter ⓘ
- 1 cup medium grain rice ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 and 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Soften the chopped onion in the sweet butter over medium heat.
- Add the medium grain rice and sauté until glazed.
- Stir in chopped parsley and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the egg, Parmesan cheese, dried basil leaves, and black pepper. The mixture should be very moist.
- Shape the mixture into 12 to 16 croquettes, depending on desired size.
- Roll each croquette in dry bread crumbs to coat evenly.
- Fry the croquettes in 1/4 to 1/2 inch of olive oil until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and garnish with parsley when serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using risotto rice instead of medium grain rice. If you want a lighter option, bake the croquettes instead of frying them - just spray them with cooking oil before placing them in the oven. You can also substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. For added flavor, mix in some garlic powder or fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these croquettes as an appetizer or a main dish alongside a fresh salad or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair beautifully with Chicken Breasts Primavera for a complete meal. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover croquettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Croquettes contains roughly 517 calories, with 12g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 754mg per serving (33% 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 make the rice mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you're ready to fry the croquettes, let the mixture come to room temperature before shaping and cooking to ensure even frying.
What can I serve with rice croquettes?
Rice croquettes pair well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them with a simple green salad or a side of Zouppa Firenze for a comforting meal. You can also add a dipping sauce like marinara or aioli to enhance the flavors.
Can I freeze rice croquettes?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked croquettes by laying them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).