Cheesy Pepperoni Rice Balls: A Crispy, Savory Snack!
Craving a fun, cheesy, and irresistible appetizer or snack? These Rice Balls with Cheese and Pepperoni are the perfect way to transform leftover rice into golden, crispy bites packed with mozzarella and zesty pepperoni. Great for parties, game nights, or a tasty treat, these rice balls are easy to make and sure to be a hit!
Cheesy Pepperoni Rice Balls Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12-15 rice balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 4 eggs (2 for the dough, 2 for breading)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, to taste
- 150 g grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 slice (about 50-75 g) grated pepperoni (calabrese or similar)
- 3 heaping tbsp whole wheat flour
- ½ tbsp baking powder
- Breadcrumbs, for breading
- Optional: Mozzarella cubes, for stuffing
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, 2 eggs, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Stir for about 1 minute until well mixed. - Add the Fillings
Add the grated mozzarella, grated pepperoni, whole wheat flour, and baking powder to the rice mixture. Mix with your hands until a firm, moldable dough forms. - Shape the Rice Balls
Scoop a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball.
Optional: For extra cheesiness, flatten the dough in your hand, place a small cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the dough around it to form a ball. - Bread the Balls
Set up a breading station:
- Beat the remaining 2 eggs in a shallow bowl.
- Place flour in one bowl and breadcrumbs in another.
- Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Rice Balls
Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium-high heat. Fry the rice balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. - Drain and Serve
Remove the rice balls from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy, pepperoni-packed goodness!
Tips for Success
- Rice Choice: Use sticky or short-grain rice for better binding, but any leftover rice works.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or red chili flakes to the dough for extra zing.
- Make Ahead: Form and bread the rice balls ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to fry.
- Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Why You’ll Love These Rice Balls
These Cheesy Pepperoni Rice Balls are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, with a bold pepperoni kick. They’re a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and make for a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or enjoying on their own!
Have you made these rice balls? Share your tips or favorite dipping sauces in the comments below, or tag us with your crispy creations!
