Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe

Oh, if you’re on the lookout for a snack or appetizer that’s crispy, cheesy, and just a little bit comforting, you’ve got to try this Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe. I absolutely love how these golden bites come together — they’re perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or whenever you want something a little special but without fuss. The combination of sharp cheddar and tender broccoli nestled inside makes each bite rewarding and satisfying.

When I first tried making Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to transform simple ingredients into something so crave-worthy. Plus, it uses everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies you probably already have. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these fried rice balls freeze and reheat beautifully — that’s what makes this recipe such a keeper in my kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe brings together the creaminess of cheese, the freshness of broccoli, and comforting rice all wrapped in a crispy fried crust. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before getting started.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful base.
• Yellow Onions: Finely diced to bring a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds a punch of savory aroma and flavor.
• Chicken Broth and Bouillon Cube: For cooking the rice with extra flavor — you can swap for vegetable broth if preferred.
• Long Grain White Rice: Use uncooked or leftover cooked rice; both work well here.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, steamed or boiled then diced super fine to blend smoothly into the rice mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and shredded from a block gives the best melt and punch of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a touch of nuttiness that complements the cheddar.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon lifts the whole mixture with gentle tang.
• Dried Oregano, Basil, Parsley: Classic Italian herbs to bring warmth and earthiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the breading stick and creates a base coat.
• Italian Breadcrumbs: For that crispy golden exterior—feel free to use panko for extra crunch.
• Eggs: Beaten, used to bind the breadcrumbs to the rice balls.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: For frying — a neutral oil with a high smoke point works best to keep the breading crisp.

Variations

I love experimenting with Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe — you can easily make it your own by swapping cheeses, adding proteins, or changing up the spices. Here’s some ideas I’ve found work really well.

• Add Ham or Bacon: Finely diced ham or crispy bacon bits folded in add smoky richness that my family goes crazy for.
• Mix in Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella for gooey stretch, or pepper jack for a little spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit bouillon and use vegetable broth; add peas or finely chopped spinach for extra veggie power.
• Seasoning Twists: Swap Italian herbs for curry powder or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavored Rice Base

Start by melting butter in a pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them soften gently — this usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t rush; stirring occasionally helps develop their sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant but not browned. This step builds the flavor foundation for your rice balls.

Then pour in the chicken broth and drop in the bouillon cube. Bring this to a boil so the flavors mix. Stir in the rice, making sure it’s submerged under the liquid, and bring it back to a boil. Cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check if most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender; if not, cover and cook for a few more minutes.

Step 2: Melt the Cheese and Add Broccoli

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top — don’t stir yet! Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes to let the cheese melt gently and for any stuck rice on the bottom to loosen. Meanwhile, boil or steam your broccoli until just tender then drain and dice finely. This finely chopped broccoli blends beautifully without overpowering the texture.

When the cheese is nicely melted, stir in the broccoli, Dijon mustard, and dried herbs. Mix everything until well combined. Let this mixture cool completely before moving on — this step is crucial to forming good shaped balls without the mixture sticking and falling apart.

Step 3: Form and Bread Your Rice Balls

Once cooled, scoop out portions and roll into 2-inch balls with your hands. I like using lightly damp hands to keep the rice from sticking to my fingers. Place the balls on a tray and pop them into the fridge for a bit while setting up your breading station. You’ll want three separate bowls or trays for the flour, whisked eggs, and Italian breadcrumbs.

Coat each rice ball lightly with flour, shaking off any excess — this acts as a base for the egg to stick. Next, dip them in the beaten eggs; let any extra drip off so your coating doesn’t get soggy. Lastly, roll each ball in the breadcrumbs evenly. Finish breading them all first before frying to keep things efficient.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat enough oil in a deep pot or fryer to fully submerge the rice balls (about 350°F). It’s important the oil is hot enough before frying — too cool and the breading will soak up oil instead of crisping. Fry in batches, gently turning the rice balls every minute or so, for about 3 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown all over.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried rice balls to paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a little salt immediately while still hot — it really brings out the flavor. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. You’ll find these are insanely addictive!

How to Serve Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor when I serve these. Sometimes I drizzle a little Parmesan on them, too—it really amps up the cheesy goodness and looks beautiful. If you want a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes works wonders.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a light mixed green salad or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. At times, I also serve it alongside a bowl of tomato soup or a fresh cucumber yogurt dip for some refreshing contrast. These sides keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the fried rice balls on a platter lined with lettuce leaves, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Serving them with small dipping bowls of different sauces—ranch, aioli, or spicy mayo—makes it feel festive and interactive. You can even skewer them for grab-and-go finger food style, which always delights guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge and they typically keep great for up to 3 days. To avoid sogginess, I let them cool completely before refrigerating. The next day, they reheat beautifully if you follow my reheating tips below.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead in bulk, freezing is a lifesaver. After breading the rice balls, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and fry straight from frozen — no need to thaw, just add a minute or two to cooking time.

Reheating

To get that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispiness back, I reheat leftover rice balls in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes on a baking sheet, turning halfway through. If you have an air fryer, 4-6 minutes at 350°F works wonders too. Avoid microwaving to keep the breading crisp and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Fried Rice Balls with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It strikes that perfect balance between comfort food and something a little fancy, and the crispy exterior with melty center is always a hit. I’m so glad to share this with you because I know you’ll enjoy how easy and versatile it is—whether for a cozy family meal or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Give it a try, and I promise snacks or dinners will never be the same!

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