Appetizers & Side Dishes
Mozzarella Rice Balls
Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 2 min | Servings: 24 apps | Calories: 95
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Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
2 min
Servings
24 apps
Calories
95
These cheesy rice balls are a staple of Italian cuisine and are filled with rustic flavors from a melted core of Sargento® Natural String Cheese Snacks to an exterior of Italian breadcrumbs, long grain rice, tomato sauce and seasonings. The bite-size appetizers are great with a ranch or marinara dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 onion, chopped small
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 2 tsps. garlic powder
- 1/2 cup (2 oz.) Sargento® Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, divided
- 4 Sargento® Natural String Cheese Snacks, each cut into 6 pieces (24 total pieces)
- Marinara sauce or Ranch salad dressing for dipping, optional
Directions
- Cook rice according to package directions; cool. Combine with eggs, onion, tomato sauce, parsley, garlic powder, Parmesan and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.
- Spoon about 1-1/2 Tbsp. rice mixture into the palm of your hand and flatten out slightly. Place 1 String cheese piece into the center and wrap the rice mixture around it to enclose it completely. Roll into a ball and into seasoned breadcrumbs to coat. Continue until all rice mixture/cheese pieces are used.
- Heat deep fryer or large pot filled with oil to 350°F. Fry rice balls, a few at a time, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towel-lined plate.
- Serve immediately with a side of marinara sauce or Ranch dressing for dipping.
