Cheese and Rice Balls

Cheese and Rice Balls Recipe - Delicious Snack from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 3 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Cheese and Rice Balls are a delicious and savory snack that are perfect for parties or as a tasty appetizer. These crispy, cheesy balls are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The origins of Cheese and Rice Balls are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have originated in Italy. These tasty treats have since become popular all over the world and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

4 cups hot cooked rice, cooled to room temperature
1.5 cups (6 oz (170 g)) shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp worcestershire sauce
0.5 cup finely crushed crisp rice cereal
vegetable oil for frying

How to prepare

Combine rice, cheese, horseradish, salt, mustard, pepper, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and oil in a large bowl; chill.
Form the mixture into small balls about 0.75 inch in diameter; roll them in crushed cereal.
Fry the balls in hot oil (365°F (185°C)) until they turn golden brown, which takes about 3 minutes.
Drain the balls on paper towels and serve immediately.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham to the mixture for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a different taste.
Add chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for a fresh touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use hot cooked rice that has been cooled to room temperature for the best results.

- Be sure to chill the mixture before forming the balls to make it easier to work with.

- Use a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot for frying to ensure even cooking.

- Don't overcrowd the fryer or pot when frying the balls to prevent them from sticking together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese and Rice Balls with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fry the balls in hot oil to ensure a crispy exterior.

- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cooked rice for this recipe.

- If you don't have horseradish, you can substitute with Dijon mustard.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the mixture for Cheese and Rice Balls ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cheese and Rice Balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Cheese and Rice Balls with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cheese and Rice Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Balls contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Balls contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Balls contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese and Rice Balls contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese and Rice Balls are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Cheese and Rice Balls contain dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Cheese and Rice Balls are a delicious and indulgent treat that are high in fats and carbohydrates. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Cheese and Rice Balls are a tasty and indulgent snack that are perfect for parties or as a delicious appetizer. These crispy, cheesy balls are easy to make and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cheese and Rice Balls. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maria was known for her incredible cooking skills, and I always looked forward to trying out her new creations.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma. Maria was busy at work, her hands covered in flour as she expertly rolled out dough for what looked like tiny balls of cheese and rice. Intrigued, I asked her what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before revealing her secret recipe.

"It's a family recipe passed down for generations," she explained, "a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion."

I watched in awe as Maria skillfully mixed together cooked rice, grated cheese, and a variety of herbs and spices. She then shaped the mixture into small balls and coated them in breadcrumbs before frying them to golden perfection. The end result was a mouth-watering delight that melted in my mouth with every bite.

I couldn't resist asking Maria for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me. She handed me a worn piece of paper with faded handwriting, a treasure trove of culinary secrets that I couldn't wait to try out in my own kitchen.

Back home, I gathered all the ingredients I needed to make Maria's Cheese and Rice Balls. As I followed her instructions, memories of our time together in her kitchen flooded my mind. The laughter, the stories, the shared moments of joy and friendship – all of it came rushing back as I lovingly prepared the recipe that she had so generously shared with me.

The kitchen was filled with the comforting scent of cheese and herbs as the Cheese and Rice Balls sizzled in the frying pan. I couldn't help but smile as I thought about Maria and the countless meals we had enjoyed together over the years. She had been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement, always pushing me to try new things and expand my culinary horizons.

Finally, the Cheese and Rice Balls were ready, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. I took a bite and closed my eyes, savoring the familiar flavors that transported me back to Maria's kitchen by the sea. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that our time together was limited, but grateful for the memories we had created.

From that day on, Maria's Cheese and Rice Balls became a staple in my own recipe collection. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always sharing the story of how I had learned to make them from my dear friend Maria.

Years passed, and Maria's health began to decline. I would visit her whenever I could, bringing her a batch of Cheese and Rice Balls to enjoy together. Despite her frailty, her eyes would light up with joy as she tasted the familiar flavors that had brought us so much happiness over the years.

On one of my final visits, Maria took my hand in hers and squeezed it tightly. "Thank you for keeping our tradition alive," she whispered, her voice barely a whisper. Tears welled up in my eyes as I hugged her tightly, knowing that our time together was coming to an end.

After Maria passed away, I continued to make her Cheese and Rice Balls, honoring her memory with every batch I made. The recipe had become a symbol of our friendship, a reminder of the bond we shared through our love of cooking and food.

To this day, whenever I make Maria's Cheese and Rice Balls, I can't help but think of her and the countless meals we enjoyed together. Her legacy lives on in every bite, a testament to the power of friendship, love, and the joy of sharing a good meal with those we hold dear.