Appetizer > Side

Cheesy Rice and Bacon Balls Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or cookie scoop
- Plate lined with paper towels

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium-high heat.
4. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the rice and bacon balls into the oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
5. Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve the cheesy rice and bacon balls hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Oil temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20-24 balls

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 28mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cooked rice, such as brown rice or wild rice.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be used, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used instead of regular bacon.
- Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free version.

Variations:
- Add chopped green onions or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
- Use different types of cheese for a different flavor, such as blue cheese or feta.
- Make the balls larger and serve them as a main dish with a side salad.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the balls to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Use a cookie scoop to make the balls uniform in size.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or flour to help bind it together.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover cheesy rice and bacon balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

Presentation ideas:
Serve the cheesy rice and bacon balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairings:
Serve with a dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the balls are falling apart while frying, add more breadcrumbs or flour to help bind the mixture together.
- If the balls are not crispy enough, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is not too hot to avoid splattering and burns.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
- Use caution when frying to avoid oil splatters and burns.

Food history:
The combination of rice and cheese is a popular dish in many cultures, including Italian and Mexican cuisine. Bacon is often added for extra flavor and texture.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly salty with a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack for a party or game day gathering.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Salty, Bacon, Crunchy, Bacon-Y