Oh yes 😋 **Cheesy Pepperoni Rice Balls**—crispy outside, gooey cheesy inside, perfect as a snack or party finger food. Here’s a simple way to make them:
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## 🍚🧀 Cheesy Pepperoni Rice Balls
**Ingredients (makes ~12 balls):**
* 2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or short-grain work best)
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* ½ cup diced pepperoni
* 2 eggs, beaten
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* ½–1 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
* 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
* Salt & pepper to taste
* Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
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### Instructions
1. **Mix filling:**
* In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, mozzarella, pepperoni, 1 beaten egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. **Form balls:**
* Take a small handful of mixture and shape into balls (~2 inches).
3. **Coat:**
* Beat the remaining egg in a bowl.
* Place breadcrumbs in another bowl.
* Dip each rice ball in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
4. **Fry:**
* Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
* Fry rice balls in batches for **3–5 minutes**, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
* Drain on paper towels.
5. **Serve:**
* Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
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### Tips & Variations:
* **Bake instead of fry:** Spray with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway.
* **Extra cheesy:** Add small cubes of mozzarella inside each ball for a molten center.
* **Meaty twist:** Mix in cooked sausage or ham with the pepperoni.
* **Make ahead:** Assemble balls, freeze on a tray, then fry or bake from frozen.
These are **crispy, cheesy, and utterly addictive**—perfect for game day, snacks, or party appetizers 😏.
If you want, I can give a **mini bite-size version** that’s ideal for kids or party platters.
Do you want me to do that?
