Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe
If you love snacks that are crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside, then the Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe is going to be your new favorite treat. These delightful little bites combine perfectly cooked rice with melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a crispy golden crust that’s pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just want an easy homemade snack, this recipe delivers a satisfying balance of flavor and texture every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful combination of ingredients that each bring their own magic. From creamy cheeses to perfectly seasoned rice, every element plays a crucial role in creating those delectable Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe.
- Three cups cooked and cooled white rice: Using cooled rice helps the balls hold their shape better when forming and frying.
- One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts wonderfully, giving each bite a gooey, creamy texture.
- One half cup finely diced pepperoni: Adds a spicy, meaty punch that balances the cheese.
- One half cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the taste.
- Two large eggs beaten: Acts as the binding agent to hold everything together perfectly.
- One teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant mix of herbs that complement the pepperoni.
- One half teaspoon garlic powder: Just a hint of garlic makes the flavor richer without overpowering.
- One half teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- One quarter teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick to round out the seasoning.
- One cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Gives the rice balls their irresistible, crispy coating.
- Oil for frying: Essential for achieving that golden, crunchy exterior everyone loves.
How to Make Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Mixture
Start by placing your cooked and cooled white rice into a large bowl, breaking up any clumps to create a loose texture. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella, finely diced pepperoni, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture holds together when gently pressed, which is the key to forming perfect balls later on.
Step 2: Shape Your Rice Balls
With your hands clean and slightly wet to prevent sticking, scoop about two tablespoons of the rice mixture and roll it between your palms into compact, smooth balls. Don’t rush this part—a well-formed ball is less likely to fall apart during frying and ensures a perfect bite every time.
Step 3: Coat the Balls
Place the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumbs evenly, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. This crispy outer shell will give your Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe that crave-worthy texture contrast against the creamy interior.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat one to two inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rice balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn them gently as needed to achieve an even, golden brown crust on all sides. Once done, transfer the rice balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
How to Serve Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe
Garnishes
Serve warm rice balls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a fresh pop of color and fragrance. A dusting of extra grated Parmesan on top also never fails to impress and enhances the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
These rice balls pair wonderfully with a tangy marinara or spicy arrabbiata dipping sauce, balancing their richness perfectly. For a heartier meal, try serving alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider threading the rice balls onto skewers along with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a delicious and eye-catching appetizer. Or arrange them in a beautiful pyramid on a serving platter and place bowls of various dips nearby for a fun communal snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra rice balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while allowing you to enjoy a quick snack anytime.
Freezing
Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper so they don’t touch and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 1 month frozen without losing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, bake frozen or refrigerated rice balls in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving when possible to preserve that crunchy exterior.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rice for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked rice is perfect because it’s drier and holds together better, making your Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe easier to shape and crisp up nicely.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to pepperoni?
Yes, you can swap the pepperoni for vegetarian sausage or plant-based pepperoni slices without sacrificing the savory flavor profile of the dish.
Can I bake the rice balls instead of frying?
Definitely. For a lighter version, bake them at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil to achieve crispiness without imparting unwanted flavors.
Are these rice balls gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and satisfying about homemade Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe. Each crispy, cheesy bite is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way. I promise once you try making these, they’ll become a staple in your snack and appetizer rotation. So grab your ingredients, get rolling, and enjoy every flavorful moment of this delightful recipe!
Print
Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 rice balls 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and crispy Rice Balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni, coated with Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or party snack, these rice balls combine creamy cheese, zesty pepperoni, and aromatic Italian spices for a satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cooled white rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup finely diced pepperoni
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: Place the cooked rice in a large bowl and break up any clumps to ensure an even texture. Stir in the shredded mozzarella, diced pepperoni, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture binds together well when pressed.
- Form the Rice Balls: Scoop about two tablespoons of the rice mixture and roll it firmly into compact balls using your hands. This helps keep them intact during frying.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Spread the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated, creating a crispy outer layer when fried.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 1 to 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to quickly crisp the rice balls without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Rice Balls: Carefully add the rice balls in batches to the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them as needed to achieve an even golden-brown, crispy crust on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried rice balls with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them warm alongside marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- To bake instead of fry, place the coated rice balls on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through for even crispness.
- You can substitute cooked sausage in place of pepperoni for a different flavor variation.
- Using cold leftover rice gives the best texture for forming the balls and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
