These Fried Rice Balls combine creamy, cheesy rice with tender broccoli, all wrapped in a crispy golden shell that crunches with each bite. Inspired by Italian arancini but with a cheddar-broccoli twist, these delicious morsels make for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or unique side dish that’s as impressive to serve as it is satisfying to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, cheesy interior creates an irresistible texture contrast
• Versatile as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish when paired with a salad
• Great make-ahead option for parties or meal prep
• Kid-friendly way to incorporate vegetables in a fun, handheld format
• Customizable with different fillings to suit your taste preferences

Ingredients

• Rice: Use long grain white rice for the best texture – it maintains its structure better than short grain varieties when formed into balls
• Butter: Creates a rich foundation for sautéing the aromatics and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the rice
• Onions: Yellow onions provide a sweet, mild flavor when cooked down – dice them finely so they integrate well into the rice mixture
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth that really elevates the flavor profile of the rice balls
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory flavor when cooking the rice – vegetable broth works as a vegetarian alternative
• Chicken Bouillon Cube: Intensifies the savory flavor – can be omitted if using a high-quality, flavorful broth
• Broccoli: Adds color, nutrition, and flavor – be sure to dice it finely after cooking for even distribution
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides that delicious melty, cheesy quality – use sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami element that enhances the overall flavor profile
• Dijon Mustard: Just a touch adds tanginess and depth without overwhelming the other flavors
• Dried Herbs: The combination of oregano, basil, and parsley adds an aromatic Italian-inspired flavor profile
• Flour: Creates the first layer of the breading that helps the egg adhere
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Provides the crispy golden exterior – panko could be substituted for extra crunch
• Eggs: Act as the glue that holds the breading together during frying
• Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil

Variations

Meaty Mix-Ins

Transform these rice balls by adding cooked, finely chopped chicken, crispy bacon bits, or Italian sausage. Simply mix your chosen protein into the cooled rice mixture before forming into balls for a more substantial appetizer or main dish.

Mediterranean Style

Give these rice balls a Mediterranean twist by swapping the cheddar for feta cheese, adding chopped spinach instead of broccoli, and incorporating some chopped Kalamata olives. Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Asian-Inspired Version

Create an Asian fusion version by omitting the Italian herbs and Dijon, and instead mixing in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions. Add some finely diced carrots and peas, and serve with sweet chili sauce for dipping.

Pizza Rice Balls

For pizza lovers, mix in some pepperoni bits, mozzarella instead of cheddar, and add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the rice mixture. Serve with warm marinara sauce for a pizza-flavored appetizer experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Rice Base

Melt butter in a pot with a tight-fitting lid and sauté the finely diced onions until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth and add the bouillon cube, bringing the mixture to a boil to create a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice.

Step 2: Cook the Rice to Perfection

Add the rice to the boiling broth, ensuring it’s fully submerged, then cover tightly and reduce to a simmer. Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed. This gentle cooking method ensures each grain remains intact while absorbing all the savory flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cheese and Seasonings

Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses over the top without stirring. Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes, allowing any stuck rice to release and the cheese to melt completely. Meanwhile, cook the broccoli until tender, drain thoroughly, and dice finely.

Step 4: Complete the Mixture and Cool

Add the diced broccoli, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs to the rice and cheese mixture, stirring until fully combined. Allow the mixture to cool completely, which is crucial for proper ball formation. This cooling step can be accelerated by spreading the mixture on a baking sheet and refrigerating.

Step 5: Form and Bread the Rice Balls

With cool hands, shape the rice mixture into 2-inch balls and refrigerate them briefly while setting up your breading station. Coat each ball first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll in Italian breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage at each step for the perfect crispy shell.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep pot or fryer – proper temperature is crucial for crispy results. Fry the breaded rice balls in small batches for about 3 minutes, gently rotating for even browning, until they achieve a beautiful golden color. Drain on paper towels and season with salt while still hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Refrigerate the rice mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming balls – cold rice is much easier to shape and holds together better
• Wet your hands slightly when rolling the rice balls to prevent sticking and achieve smooth, uniform shapes
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F – too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through, too cool and they’ll absorb excess oil
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer – leave plenty of space between rice balls for even cooking and easier turning
• If you’re making a large batch, keep the first batches warm in a 200°F oven while you finish frying
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder to your breadcrumb mixture

How to Serve

These golden Fried Rice Balls are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a casual appetizer, arrange them on a platter with a bowl of ranch dressing or marinara sauce in the center for dipping. If serving as a main course, pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

For an impressive presentation, place the rice balls on a bed of marinara sauce and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A light dusting of grated Parmesan over the top adds a professional touch. They also make excellent additions to a buffet table or game day spread alongside other finger foods.

For a complete meal, consider serving with roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup. The versatility of these rice balls means they pair beautifully with both casual and more sophisticated accompaniments.

Make Ahead

These Fried Rice Balls are perfect for make-ahead preparation, which is ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights. The rice mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, which actually improves the texture for forming balls.

You can form and bread the rice balls up to 24 hours before frying. After breading, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before frying for best results.

If you want to make them even further in advance, you can freeze the breaded (unfried) rice balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.

Fully cooked rice balls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I bake these rice balls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these rice balls for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded rice balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush lightly with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, turning halfway through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

Why did my rice balls fall apart during frying?

Rice balls typically fall apart if the mixture wasn’t cooled completely, if there wasn’t enough cheese to bind the mixture, or if the oil temperature was too low. Make sure your rice mixture is thoroughly chilled, well-mixed with cheese, and that your oil maintains a steady 350°F temperature.

Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rice works wonderfully for this recipe and can actually make the process quicker. Just warm it slightly before mixing with the cheese and other ingredients so the cheese melts properly. You’ll need about 4 cups of cooked rice to replace the uncooked rice called for in this recipe.

What are some other dipping sauce options besides ranch?

These versatile rice balls pair well with many dipping sauces! Try garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, warm marinara, pesto, or even a simple lemon-herb yogurt sauce. For an Asian-inspired version, sweet chili sauce or soy-ginger dipping sauce would be delicious.

Conclusion

These Fried Rice Balls are the perfect blend of comfort food and impressive appetizer, offering crispy exteriors that give way to creamy, cheesy centers with each satisfying bite. The combination of savory rice, melty cheese, and tender broccoli wrapped in a golden crust creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to become a favorite request from family and friends. Whether you’re serving them at your next gathering, enjoying as a special dinner side, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, these versatile rice balls deliver incredible flavor in a fun, handheld package. Give this recipe a try and discover a new crowd-pleasing addition to your cooking repertoire!

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