Cheese Recipe 41: Cheesy Rice Balls

This will make about 4-6 servings.


Ingredients:

4 ounces ham, diced finely


2 garlic cloves finely chopped


¼ chives


2 tablespoons butter


4 ounces cream cheese warmed to room temperature


½ cup shredded mozzarella


½ cup shredded provolone


2 cups long grain rice cooked to package directions


½ cup flour


3 eggs beaten


2 cups breadcrumbs


Salt, pepper and parsley to taste


Oil for frying

Method:

Preheat fryer to 375 degrees. Sauté garlic and chives in butter over medium heat. Add the ham, cooking until lightly crisp, and then stir in the rice. Mix the ham mixture, cream cheese, and cheeses, add some parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste and then begin rolling them into balls that are a little smaller than golf balls. Place on baking sheet. In three separate bowls, place flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season breadcrumbs to taste. Roll the balls through the flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. Gently add to deep fryer and fry until golden brown and crisp, about three minutes. Serve warm.

Alternative Cheeses:

Provolone, Cheddar