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Leftover Rice Balls

If you’ve ever found yourself with extra rice after dinner, you’re in for a treat! Leftover Rice Balls are the perfect way to repurpose cold, cooked rice into a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful snack or side dish.

Main image for Leftover Rice Balls. Cooked rice balls on platter.

I really love fried foods. It might be my favorite thing. And these cheesy rice balls have everything great about them.

They use leftovers, they are a great finger food, and they have a perfect crispy texture with a flavorful inside.

Is there anything that makes you feel more like a super chef than turning leftovers into something delicious?

These rice balls make the best of cold, cooked rice, helping you avoid food waste.

You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen, making this easy recipe for rice balls from leftover rice affordable too. 

Whether as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these rice balls fit perfectly into any meal plan.

And they are so fast to make. With minimal prep time, you can have these rice balls ready and fried to perfection in just a few simple steps.

Mix in your favorite cheese or spices to make the flavor your own. These rice balls are highly adaptable!

Each bite is golden on the outside and soft on the inside, making this a great recipe for any occasion.

All ingredients laid out on counter for rice balls.

What are Leftover Rice Balls?

Leftover Rice Balls, also known as “arancini di riso” in Italian cuisine, are crispy fried balls made from cooked rice. The rice is mixed with egg, cheese, and seasonings, then rolled into balls, floured, and deep-fried until golden. 

Arancini recipes are a great way to turn day-old rice into a fun and tasty dish.

rice egg, seasoning, cheese, and bread crumbs in a bowl, unmixed.

What Ingredients Are in Leftover Rice Balls?

  • Cooked Rice: The base of the dish. Using cold, leftover white rice ensures the balls hold together better when fried.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder for the leftover fried rice balls, helping to hold the rice mixture together.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and enhances the flavor.
  • Shredded Yellow Cheese: Gives the rice balls a rich, cheesy flavor and melty texture.
  • Plain Bread Crumbs: Helps create structure and a slightly crispy texture within the rice mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the leftover rice rice balls.
  • All-Purpose Flour: A light coating that helps the leftover rice cheese balls get a crisp exterior.
  • Crisco: Used for deep-frying to give the rice balls a crispy, golden-brown crust.

Pro Tip: You can switch up the cheese based on your preference. Try mozzarella for a more stretchy, gooey texture, or Parmesan cheese for a sharp, salty flavor.

all ingredients except flour and oil mixed into rice ball.

How to Make Rice Balls with Leftover Rice?

  1. Mix cold, cooked rice with the egg until well-combined.
  2. Stir in the pepper, shredded cheese, bread crumbs, and salt to create a cohesive mixture.
  3. Roll the rice mixture into 1-inch balls in the palm of your hand, then gently coat them in flour.
  4. Heat Crisco in a pan over medium heat, making sure it’s hot enough for frying.
  5. Deep fry the breaded rice ball in the hot oil until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
  6. Place the crispy rice balls on a paper towel to cool slightly, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tip: Use slightly wet hands when rolling the balls so the sticky rice doesn’t get stuck on your hands.

Hand holding up a rolled up rice ball.

How to Store Leftover Rice Balls?

Once cooled, store any cheesy rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge.

They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool them completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

Can You Freeze Leftover Rice Balls?

Yes! This Rice Ball recipe freezes wonderfully.

Once they’re completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Cook from frozen in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheesy center is warm.

Pro Tip: Freezing makes it convenient to serve as a quick snack or backup for parties.

hand holding up a rolled up rice ball that has also been rolled in flour.

How to Reheat Leftover Rice Balls?

To reheat, place the rice balls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

This will help retain their crispy exterior. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for an extra-crispy finish.

Are Rice Balls Healthy?

While these balls are deep-fried, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

For a healthier version, consider using an air fryer or baking them instead of deep-frying.

You can also experiment with using brown rice for added fiber and nutrients to make rice balls with leftover rice even healthier.

Rice balls frying in a skillet

What to Serve with Rice Balls?

This recipe is icredibly versatile. Serve them with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even ranch dressing for dipping.

They also pair well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Honestly, treat them as you would a tater tot and you’ll be on the right track.

Try some of these great recipes:

Side Dishes to serve with Leftover Rice Balls:

side view of rice balls stacked up on platter.

Are Leftover Rice Balls an Appetizer, Snack, or Side Dish?

These rice balls can fit into almost any part of your meal.

Serve them as a perfect appetizer at parties, or alongside a main course as a tasty side dish as part of a full meal.

Their versatility makes this rice ball recipe with leftover rice a crowd-pleaser in any setting.

hand picking up a rice ball off the platter

These Leftover Rice Balls are an easy, delicious way to transform leftover rice into a crispy snack or side dish. Perfect for entertaining or a quick bite!

Yield: 25 - 30

Leftover Rice Balls

side view of rice balls stacked up on platter.

Leftover Rice Balls are crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and perfect for transforming cooked rice into a snack or side dish.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Instructions

  1. Gently cold rice and egg together.
  2. Add pepper, cheese, bread crumbs, and salt.  Mix well.
  3. Roll rice into 1 inch balls.
  4. Gently roll rice balls in a little flour.
  5. Heat Crisco in a saucepan.
  6. Deep fry rice balls in a pan until golden.
  7. Place on paper towels to cool and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

25

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 40Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 77mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 2g

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