Zesty Pepperoni & Cheese Rice Balls Recipe That Kids Adore

Crafting delectable rice balls with cheese and pepperoni brings pure culinary joy to your kitchen adventure.

Crispy exteriors hide molten centers bursting with savory flavors that dance across taste buds.

Comfort meets creativity in these bite-sized delights that promise to surprise and satisfy.

Perfectly golden-brown spheres emerge from hot oil, revealing melted cheese and spicy pepperoni within their tender embrace.

Home cooks can master this simple yet impressive appetizer with just a few basic ingredients and some playful technique.

Mediterranean and Italian influences merge seamlessly in these irresistible morsels that spark conversation and delight.

You’ll want to gather friends around and watch their faces light up as they bite into these crispy, cheesy treasures.

Everything You Need For Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni

• Rice: A foundational ingredient that provides the primary structure for the rice balls.
• Mozzarella: A creamy cheese that adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Pepperoni: A flavorful meat that introduces a zesty and savory element to the rice balls.

• Eggs: A crucial ingredient that helps hold the rice mixture together and provides structure.
• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that contribute to the crispy exterior and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that elevate the taste and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying to create a golden-brown and crispy exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic dipping sauce that complements the rice balls with its tangy and rich taste.

How To Make Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni

Step 1: Prepare Cooled Rice Base

Cook rice following package directions. Spread rice on a large tray, allowing it to reach room temperature. Gently separate grains to prevent clumping.

Step 2: Mix Rice With Savory Elements

• Cooled rice
• Shredded mozzarella
• Finely diced pepperoni

Fold ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Create Binding Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to form a cohesive binding mixture.

Step 4: Blend Rice and Egg Mixtures

Pour egg mixture into rice combination. Blend completely until ingredients stick together and can be easily shaped.

Step 5: Form Rice Balls

Use damp hands to create compact, golf ball-sized spheres. Press firmly to maintain structural integrity.

Step 6: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour olive oil into a deep skillet. Heat over medium-high temperature, targeting around 350°F for optimal frying.

Step 7: Fry Rice Balls

Carefully lower rice balls into hot oil. Rotate periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown coloration. Cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Remove rice balls using a slotted spoon. Place on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Present rice balls immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Perfect as an appetizer or delightful snack.

Tips For Cooking Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni

• Prevent Rice Clumping: Spread freshly cooked rice on a large tray, allowing it to cool completely and ensuring each grain remains separate for perfect texture.
• Create Binding Magic: Whisk eggs with breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, and pepper to develop a smooth mixture that helps rice balls hold together seamlessly.
• Master Shaping Technique: Use slightly damp hands when forming rice balls, applying gentle but firm pressure to create compact, uniform spheres that won't fall apart during frying.
• Achieve Golden Perfection: Maintain oil temperature around 350°F and rotate rice balls carefully while frying to develop an evenly crispy, golden-brown exterior that's irresistibly crunchy.
• Drain for Extra Crispiness: Place freshly fried rice balls on paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving their delightful crunch and preventing sogginess.

Tasty Variations For Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni

• Vegetarian Arancini: Replace pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a meat-free version packed with vegetable goodness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed rice crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Arancini: Mix in diced jalapeños and cream cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired flavor profile that brings extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley, then add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired taste experience.

What Goes Well With Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni

• Sip Zesty Tomato Sangria: Complement the savory pepperoni rice balls with a chilled red wine sangria infused with fresh tomato juice and herbs, creating a vibrant flavor match.
• Pair with Crisp Arugula Salad: Balance the richness of fried rice balls with a light, peppery arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness.
• Select Bold Italian Red Wine: Enhance the pepperoni's spiciness with a robust Chianti or Barbera that echoes the appetizer's Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Serve Tangy Marinara Dipping Sauce: Amplify the rice balls' flavor with a homemade marinara featuring roasted garlic and fresh basil, providing a bright acidic counterpoint.

How To Keep Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni Fresh

• Store cooled rice balls in an airtight container, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual rice balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange rice balls on a baking sheet, spreading them evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway to restore crispiness and even heating.
• Set air fryer to 350°F. Place rice balls in basket without overcrowding.

Common Questions About Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni

• Are these rice balls difficult to make?

No, they’re straightforward with basic cooking skills. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll create delicious rice balls easily.

• Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Mozzarella works great, but you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or fontina for unique flavor profiles.

• What if my rice balls fall apart during frying?

Ensure rice is cooled completely and mixture is well-combined. Press balls firmly when shaping and use cold rice to maintain structure.

• How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to check 350°F, or drop a breadcrumb into oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready for frying.

Why Rice Balls with Cheese & Pepperoni Are So Fun

• Craft Simple Comfort: Easily transform leftover rice into crispy, cheesy bites that everyone will love, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for game nights, parties, or family gatherings, these pepperoni rice balls offer irresistible flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Snacking Solution: Customize with different cheeses, meats, or herbs to match your taste preferences, turning a basic recipe into a personalized culinary adventure.
• No-Fuss Cooking Method: Requires minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients, allowing even novice cooks to create restaurant-quality appetizers with confidence.

Rice Balls With Cheese & Pepperoni Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory rice balls with cheese & pepperoni bring Italian street food magic straight to your kitchen. Classic comfort meets portable pleasure, offering crispy exterior and melty interior that hungry crowds will absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni, chopped

Binding Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese

Seasoning & Coating:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

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Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions, then spread on a large tray to cool and reach room temperature, ensuring grains are separated and not clumpy.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled rice, shredded mozzarella, and finely diced pepperoni, gently folding ingredients to create an even distribution.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl, then incorporate breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, creating a cohesive binding mixture.
4. Pour egg mixture into rice combination, thoroughly blending until ingredients adhere and can be easily shaped.
5. Using damp hands, form compact golf ball-sized spheres, pressing firmly to ensure they maintain structural integrity.
6. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (approximately 350°F), preparing for frying.
7. Carefully lower rice balls into hot oil, rotating periodically to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
8. Remove rice balls with a slotted spoon, placing on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
9. Serve immediately alongside warm marinara sauce for dipping, presenting as a delectable appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Use short-grain rice for better binding and a more cohesive texture that holds together perfectly when forming balls.
• Ensure rice is completely cooled to room temperature before mixing to prevent soggy or mushy rice balls.
• Pat hands with water while shaping to prevent rice from sticking and create smooth, uniform spheres that won’t fall apart during frying.
• Experiment with alternative cheese options like sharp cheddar or provolone to customize flavor profiles and suit different taste preferences.
• For a lighter version, bake rice balls in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
• Create a gluten-free variation by substituting breadcrumbs with ground almonds or gluten-free panko for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg