Crispy Cheesy Potato Rice Balls
Transform your leftovers into delightful Crispy Cheesy Potato Rice Balls! This ingenious recipe is perfect for using up any well-seasoned mashed potatoes and rice you have lingering in your fridge. With the addition of vibrant green peas and rich cheddar cheese, these treats are not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Baked to a golden perfection with a light spray of olive oil, they offer a healthier alternative to frying without sacrificing taste. Enjoy them as a satisfying side dish, or make smaller versions for a fun appetizer that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you use russet, sweet, or red potatoes, and any rice variety from arborio to jasmine, this versatile dish is bound to become a new household favorite!
N/A
Servings
30
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Leftover mashed potatoes
2 cups (well seasoned)
Leftover rice
2 cups (any variety)
Peas
1 cup (frozen or fresh)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (any type)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup (for coating)
Olive oil
to spray (for baking)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, leftover rice, peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and the beaten egg. Use clean hands to mix everything together until well combined.
3
Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each ball in the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are well coated.
4
Arrange the coated balls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with olive oil. Make sure to space them out evenly to allow for even cooking.
5
Lightly spray the tops of the balls with additional olive oil to promote crisping.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each ball over and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7
Remove from the oven and serve warm. Drizzle with olive oil or serve with your favorite tomato sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
1
Fat
4.25
Carbs
1.25
Protein
0.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concept of the Crispy Cheesy Potato Rice Balls recipe?
This recipe is designed to transform leftover mashed potatoes and rice into a crispy, flavorful snack or side dish with added cheese and peas.
What types of potatoes can I use for this recipe?
You can use any mashed potatoes you have on hand, including russet, sweet, or red potatoes, provided they are well-seasoned.
Can I use any variety of rice?
Yes, any variety of rice will work, from arborio and jasmine to standard long-grain white rice.
Are these rice balls fried or baked?
These rice balls are baked in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for optimal baking results.
How long do the potato rice balls need to bake?
They bake for a total of 20 minutes: 10 minutes on one side, then another 10 minutes after flipping.
Why is an egg used in the mixture?
One beaten egg is used as a binding agent to help the rice and potato mixture hold its shape when formed into balls.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, but you can use any variety you prefer.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use either frozen or fresh peas for this dish.
How do I get the exterior to be crispy?
Rolling the balls in seasoned bread crumbs and lightly spraying them with olive oil before baking ensures a crispy exterior.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 30 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is about 1 gram of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each rice ball?
Each serving provides approximately 1.25 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 4.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains about 0.5 grams of fiber.
How large should I make the rice balls?
The mixture should be formed into small balls roughly the size of a golf ball.
What should I use to prevent sticking on the baking sheet?
You should line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray it with olive oil.
Can I serve these as an appetizer?
Yes, they make a fun appetizer, especially if formed into smaller, bite-sized versions.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
They are delicious when served with tomato sauce or a simple drizzle of olive oil.
How many cups of leftover rice are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of leftover rice.
How many cups of mashed potatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of well-seasoned leftover mashed potatoes.
Do I need to spray the balls with oil during baking?
Yes, lightly spray the tops of the balls with olive oil before baking to promote crisping.
Can I use jasmine rice specifically?
Yes, jasmine rice is mentioned as a suitable variety for this recipe.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: mashed potatoes, rice, peas, cheese, egg, bread crumbs, and olive oil.
Is this a good recipe for using up leftovers?
Absolutely, it is an ingenious way to use up well-seasoned leftovers lingering in your fridge.
Should I flip the balls while they are in the oven?
Yes, carefully flip each ball over after the first 10 minutes of baking.
What makes these rice balls visually appealing?
The addition of vibrant green peas and golden-melted cheddar cheese makes them visually striking.
Are the bread crumbs seasoned?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for seasoned bread crumbs for the coating.
Can I use sweet potatoes for this?
Yes, mashed sweet potatoes are a great alternative mentioned in the description.