Cheesy Rice Balls

Soothe the after-school appetite with these scrumptious cheesy bites as seen in the publication, Walmart Live Better. These bite-sized balls are perfect for any little hands that want to help in the kitchen – plus the cheesy centre offers a fun surprise. Such a tasty treat for the kids will also be a guilty pleasure for mom and dad.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 1 balls

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons  great value extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup  plain breadcrumbs
• 2  cups  cooked and cooled arborio rice or 2  cups long-grain white rice
• 1  egg, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 cup  finely grated parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 6  small mozzarella cheese, cubed each 3/4-inch

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and drizzle with oil. Spread bread crumbs on a plate and set aside.
2. Stir rice with egg, parmesan and salt in a medium bowl. Gather 1/3 cup of rice mixture and form into a ball using wet hands. Tuck a mozzarella cube into the centre, then reshape into a ball.
3. Roll each ball through bread crumbs, just enough to lightly coat. Place on foil-lined baking sheet and roll in oil to coat. Repeat with remaining rice, bread crumbs and oil. There will be 6 balls. Bake in centre of oven until golden, about 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
4. Additional back-to-school snack recipes can be found at www.walmart.ca/recipes.