Introduction:
Rice balls with cheese and pepperoni are a fun twist on a classic favorite. These crispy, golden rice balls are stuffed with gooey cheese and flavorful pepperoni, making them a delicious snack or appetizer. Whether you’re looking for something to serve at a party or just a tasty treat to enjoy, these rice balls are sure to impress. They’re crunchy on the outside and savory on the inside, with a perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked white rice (preferably slightly cooled)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup diced pepperoni
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup flour (for binding)
1 large egg (beaten)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions:
Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly.
Form Rice Balls: Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until evenly combined. Sprinkle in the flour and mix again until the rice mixture holds together. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour. Scoop small portions of the rice mixture (about 1–2 tablespoons each) and form them into balls using your hands.
Coat Rice Balls: Roll each rice ball in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly around each ball.
Fry Rice Balls: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the rice balls in the oil and fry them in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per batch).
Drain and Serve: Remove the rice balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Enjoy: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping or as is!
Description:
These rice balls are the perfect combination of cheesy, savory, and crispy. The melty mozzarella cheese and pepperoni chunks are the stars of the show, while the breadcrumbs on the outside give each bite a satisfying crunch. The addition of garlic powder and Parmesan enhances the flavor, making them even more irresistible. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or party dish, these rice balls are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Tips:
Rice Texture: It’s important to use slightly cooled rice for this recipe. Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky, making it difficult to form into balls.
Frying Oil: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying (around 350°F or 175°C). If the oil isn’t hot enough, the rice balls will absorb more oil and become soggy.
Cheese Variations: You can mix up the cheeses to suit your taste. Try using cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a different flavor profile.
Pepperoni Alternatives: If you prefer something less greasy, you can replace the pepperoni with diced cooked chicken, sausage, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Freezing: You can freeze these rice balls before frying them. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen when ready to eat!
Variations:
Spicy Rice Balls: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the rice mixture for a spicy kick.
Herbed Rice Balls: Mix in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to complement the pepperoni and cheese.
Vegan Version: Substitute the cheese with a plant-based cheese, and use breadcrumbs and a flax egg as a binder to make this dish vegan-friendly.
Corrections:
If you find that the rice balls are too soft to handle, add a little more flour to the mixture to help bind them together.
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs as alternatives for the coating.
Enjoy:
Now that you’ve made these delicious Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni, enjoy them hot and fresh! Whether served as a snack with some marinara sauce for dipping or as an appetizer for your next gathering, these tasty bites are sure to be a hit.