Cheesy Rice Balls

Cheesy Rice Balls

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Cheesy rice balls AKA cheesy arancini with a Core and Rind makeover! With lots of cheesy taste and coated in a crispy coating, this snack is baked until crispy and oh so delicious. Perfect for any appetizer plate or as a side dish. 

Traditionally Italian rice balls are filled with dairy and fried. Not anymore! These cheesy rice balls are filled with the dairy-free goodness of Core and Rind Sharp & Tangy Cashew Cheesy Sauce then coated in a gluten-free crumb and baked until crispy. Perfect for little and big hands alike! 

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked rice*, COLD
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, minced
  • ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp Sharp & Tangy Cashew Cheesy Sauce
  • 2 flax eggs
  • ¾ cup gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • Pinch of salt

Directions:

  1. Oven 425F degrees. Line 9x13 baking sheet (with rim) with parchment paper.
  2. Place Panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and mix with Italian seasoning, nutritional yeast and pinch of salt.
  3. Ensure rice is COLD. Mix rice, Cashew Cheesy Sauce, parsley and flax eggs in a bowl. With wet hands, shape rice mixture into golf ball-sized balls. 
  4. Roll cheesy rice balls in breadcrumb mixture.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve with additional cheesy sauce or marinara. 

These are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat in microwave or air fry (for crispy results!)


What type of rice to use?

I used brown rice in this recipe. Traditional arancini uses arborio rice. Use what rice you have on hand, leftover rice works the best!

 

Why cold rice? 

When you use chilled rice, it is easier to roll into the cheesy balls. You may need to wet your hands to handle rice! 


How to make a flax egg?
Combine 1 Tbsp of ground flaxseed with 2.5 Tbsp of water, stir to combine and let sit for 5 minutes or more to ‘gel’. For this recipe you need two flax eggs.


Can I use other breadcrumbs?
Yes! Use what you have on hand. Panko will result in crispy baked cheesy balls.


Can I use other Core and Rice flavor variations?

Yes! Use Bold & Spicy Cashew Cheesy Sauce and swap the parsley and Italian seasoning for cilantro and cumin. 

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