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
Scale
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
