Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll adore these Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe—because they bring a truly cozy, comforting twist to everyday ingredients. I absolutely love how the sharp cheddar melts inside each golden ball, and how the broccoli adds just the right pop of freshness. This recipe is perfect for a fun appetizer, a satisfying snack, or even a playful side dish when you want something special but still fuss-free.

What makes this Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe stand out is that crispy breading that holds everything together while locking in all those layers of flavor. When I first tried making these, I discovered that resting the rice mixture really helps it come together, which means less hassle shaping those perfect balls. You’ll find that these fry up beautifully every time, delivering that crunch and gooeyness that makes my family go crazy for them.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to build flavor, texture, and ease in this Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe – nothing too fancy, just the good stuff. Using quality cheese and fresh (or frozen) broccoli really makes a difference!

• Butter: Adds richness and toasts the onions beautifully for a savory base.
• Yellow onions: Finely diced for a subtle sweetness that complements the cheese perfectly.
• Fresh garlic: Minced to give a fragrant punch without overpowering the dish.
• Chicken broth & bouillon cube: Cooking the rice in broth boosts the flavor; the bouillon adds an extra umami kick.
• Long grain white rice: The best texture for shaping these rice balls; leftover rice works great too!
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, finely chopped to add that bright, slightly crunchy bite inside each ball.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts wonderfully, making these ooey-gooey and irresistible.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth that balances the cheddar.
• Dijon mustard: Just a hint to lift the flavor profile without overwhelming the cheesy center.
• Dried oregano, basil, parsley: Classic Italian herbs for a familiar, comforting note.
• All-purpose flour, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs: The breading trio that gives you that satisfying crunch.
• Vegetable or canola oil: For frying – neutral oils with a high smoke point work best.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe is—you can easily tweak the fillings and seasonings to suit your mood or pantry. Sometimes, I even sneak in some finely diced ham or swap cheeses to mix things up.

• Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor and melt.
• Vegetarian Options: Use vegetable broth and skip any meat add-ins; the broccoli and cheese combo stands strong on its own.
• Adding Veggies: Finely diced peas, carrots, or mushrooms make great additional veggies if you want a heartier filling.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the rice mixture if you like a little heat.

How to Make Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Rice and Prepare the Broccoli

Start by melting butter in a pot and softening the diced onions over medium heat—this takes about 5 minutes and lets their sweetness develop slowly. Then, add minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant (but don’t burn it!). Pour in the chicken broth along with the bouillon cube and bring everything to a boil. Add your rice, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Peek to check that the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed; if it needs more time, cover and simmer another 5 minutes.

While the rice finishes cooking, boil or steam the broccoli just until fork-tender—around 3-7 minutes depending on your preference. Drain it well and dice it finely so it blends nicely into the rice balls. Learning from experience, letting the broccoli drain properly keeps your filling from getting soggy!

Step 2: Melt the Cheese and Combine Ingredients

After you remove the pot from heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan on top of the rice but don’t stir it in yet—cover and let it sit for about 10 minutes so the cheese melts gently and the rice can release a little from the bottom of the pot. This trick helps avoid a sticky mess later when shaping the balls. Once rested, stir in the broccoli, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs until everything is evenly mixed. Then, let the whole mixture cool completely—this step is key to making the rice balls shape well and hold their form.

Step 3: Shape and Bread the Rice Balls

Once the rice mixture is cool, scoop about 2 tablespoons and roll it into tightly packed balls roughly 2 inches in diameter—don’t be shy about pressing firmly so they don’t fall apart during frying. Place them on a tray and cover with plastic wrap, then pop them into the fridge. This chilling step solidifies the mix for easier breading.

Set up your breading station with separate bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and Italian breadcrumbs. I learned to coat every rice ball first in flour, tapping off excess, then dip in egg (letting the drips fall off), and finally press into the breadcrumbs. It’s important to bread all your balls first before frying—if you fry as you bread, the coating can get uneven and soggy.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat enough vegetable or canola oil in a deep pot or fryer to fully submerge the rice balls. I aim for 350°F, which is hot enough to crisp the breading quickly without absorbing too much oil. Fry the rice balls in batches—usually about 3 minutes per batch works well—turning gently to achieve even browning. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with salt immediately while they’re hot. This step really elevates the flavor and keeps the coating crisp.

How to Serve Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a splash of color and freshness—it brightens the plate and compliments the cheesy richness. A little extra Parmesan dusted on right before serving amps up the cheesy goodness even more.

Side Dishes

For a full meal, I often pair these rice balls with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out all that fried goodness. They also go wonderfully with creamy dips like ranch, garlic aioli, or a tangy Parmesan peppercorn dressing—which my family can’t get enough of!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe on a wooden board with small dipping bowls scattered around—add colorful toothpicks and a few edible flowers for a charming rustic look that always sparks compliments. They also make fun bite-sized appetizers when you use mini molds or shape them smaller!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s important to cool them completely before storing to keep the breading from sogging. When ready to enjoy again, reheating in the oven or air fryer restores their crispiness nicely.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this recipe! After frying and cooling, I arrange the rice balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out just a few at a time for a quick snack or meal addition within three months.

Reheating

To reheat and keep that crispy coating, pop the rice balls in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or use an air fryer at the same temp for 4-6 minutes. I usually check halfway and add a minute or two if needed—this way you get perfectly warm, crunchy bites just like fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoy making this Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar, Broccoli, and Crispy Breading Recipe whenever I want something that feels indulgent but homemade. It’s one of those recipes where you feel proud of how simple ingredients come together into something surprisingly special. I hope you enjoy the process and end up with delicious, crispy rice balls that bring smiles around your table—let me know how yours turn out!

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