Snack Balls
Crunchy, cheesy snack balls with melted Provolone and Cheddar, perfect for parties or as a flavorful appetizer that appeals to cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cooked rice and grated cheese in a bowl and mix.
- Pack a ball of the rice and cheese mixture around each cube of cheese.
- Add melted butter, salt, pepper, and French mustard to the beaten egg and mix well.
- Dip each rice and cheese ball into the egg mixture, then roll in bread crumbs.
- Deep fry the coated balls for 7 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and let drain and cool on paper towels.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding herbs like parsley or basil to the rice mixture. If you don’t have Provolone cheese, mozzarella works as a mild substitute. For a crunchier texture, you can use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect golden brown crust.
Serving Suggestions
These snack balls make a fantastic appetizer or party food. Serve them with a side of marinara or a zesty dipping sauce for extra flavor. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, like a Fruit-Nut Salad, or as a side to a hearty soup. For a complete meal, serve alongside Microwave Yankee Potato Nachos.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover snack balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snack Balls contains roughly 772 calories, with 45g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (333% of the Daily Value), calcium (93% of the Daily Value), and protein (90% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2178mg per serving (95% 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 freeze the snack balls before frying?
Yes, you can freeze the un-fried snack balls. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of crumbled bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs on hand, crushed crackers or cornmeal can be excellent substitutes. For a gluten-free option, try using ground almonds or gluten-free bread crumbs to achieve a similar texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure that the cheese used is rennet-free or suitable for vegetarians. You can also enhance the dish by adding finely chopped vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, into the rice mixture for added nutrition.
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).