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Cheesy Fried Rice Balls with Broccoli Recipe

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3.9 from 36 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: About 15-18 rice balls (2-inch diameter each)

Description

These Cheesy Fried Rice Balls are a delicious appetizer or snack featuring savory white rice cooked in chicken broth, combined with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, tender bites of broccoli, and seasoned with herbs. The rice mixture is shaped into crispy golden-fried balls with a crunchy breadcrumb coating, delivering a warm, cheesy center with a satisfying crunch on the outside.

Ingredients

Rice and Broccoli Mixture

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ¾ cup finely diced yellow onions
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
  • 2 cups broccoli, fresh or frozen
  • 2 ¼ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¾ teaspoon dried parsley

Breading

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (approximately 40 oz.)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rice and Broccoli: Heat butter in a soup pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release the aroma.
  2. Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon cube. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the rice, ensuring it is submerged, then return to a boil. Cover tightly with the lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes.
  3. Check Rice Doneness: After 15 minutes, check if the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. If needed, cover and simmer an additional 5 minutes until cooked through. Remove from heat.
  4. Melt Cheese in Rice: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the hot rice without stirring. Cover and let sit for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and rice stuck to the pot to loosen.
  5. Cook the Broccoli: While cheese melts, boil the broccoli for 3-5 minutes or steam for 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm. Drain well, then finely dice the broccoli.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Fold the diced broccoli, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, basil, and parsley into the cheesy rice mixture. Stir well and allow to cool completely.
  7. Form the Rice Balls: Once cooled, shape the mixture into 2-inch diameter balls. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to firm up while preparing the breading stations.
  8. Prepare Breading: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and Italian breadcrumbs each into separate shallow bowls or trays for breading.
  9. Bread the Rice Balls: One at a time, coat each rice ball with flour, gently tapping off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Complete breading all balls before frying.
  10. Fry the Rice Balls: Heat enough vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to cover the rice balls, bringing the oil temperature to 350°F (175°C). Fry rice balls in batches, cooking each for about 3 minutes until golden brown, gently turning occasionally to ensure even frying.
  11. Drain and Season: Remove fried rice balls with a slotted spoon and place on paper towel-lined plates to drain excess oil. While hot, sprinkle lightly with salt.
  12. Serve: Serve the crispy fried rice balls warm with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Use long grain white rice for best texture; avoid short grain rice which may be too sticky.
  • Ensure rice is completely cooled before forming balls to prevent them from falling apart.
  • If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain excess water to avoid soggy rice balls.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crisp coating without absorbing excess oil.
  • Leftover rice balls can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/cheesy-fried-rice-balls-with-broccoli-recipe/