Baked Rice Balls Recipe

Baked Rice Balls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

Optional Fillings:

• Small cubes of mozzarella
• Cooked and crumbled sausage
• Sautéed mushrooms

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
   • Place the cooked rice, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
   • Blend until the mixture is well combined but still has some texture. You don’t want it to become a complete paste.
2. Form the Rice Balls:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
   • With wet hands (to prevent sticking), take a spoonful of the rice mixture and form it into a ball.
   • If using optional fillings, create a small indent in the center of the rice ball, place a bit of the filling inside, and cover it with more rice mixture.
   • Roll each ball in breadcrumbs to coat.
3. Bake the Rice Balls:
   • Place the rice balls on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help them brown and crisp up.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve:
   • Allow the rice balls to cool slightly before serving.
   • They can be served plain or with a dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli.

Tips:

• Ensure the rice is slightly sticky; freshly cooked rice works best.
• Adjust the consistency of the mixture with extra breadcrumbs if it’s too wet, or a bit more egg if it’s too dry.
• Customize the flavor by adding different herbs and spices to the rice mixture.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade baked rice balls!