Fried Mozzarella Rice Balls
This great appetizer is a nice change from the usual mozzarella sticks. Prepped ahead of time these cook in a flash. Fun finger food.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked short-grain rice
2 eggs
1⁄3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
1 1⁄2 cups dried bread crumbs
2 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
Spicy marinara sauce
Steps
1. In medium bowl, combine rice, eggs, Parmesan cheese, seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste; mix well. Refrigerate at least 1 hr.
2. Measure bread crumbs onto work surface. Dampen hands and form rice mixture into 1-in. balls around mozzarella cubes. Coat each ball with bread crumbs.
3. Heat oil to 375°F. Deep fry rice balls until golden-brown and crisp; cheese will melt in center. Drain on absorbent paper.
4. Serve immediately, with marinara sauce for dipping.