Crispy Bacon Cheese Rice Balls: A Special Treat & Hearty Meal
Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside! Delicious Bacon Cheese Rice Balls Recipe
Had a late snack but still don’t feel like a full meal? These ‘Bacon Cheese Rolled Rice Balls’ are perfect for a satisfying bite! They’re wonderfully crispy on the outside from the bacon, and inside, you’ll find chewy rice and savory cheese – a combination everyone loves. They’re also super easy to make, making them a fun cooking activity with kids. These disappear as if no snack was ever eaten – experience the magic!
Main Ingredients
- 6 strips of bacon
- 3 slices of cheese (kids’ cheese or cheddar)
- 1.5 bowls of cooked rice (warm)
- 2 Tbsp of seaweed flakes or store-bought rice ball seasoning
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 1.5 bowls of warm cooked rice. Add 2 tablespoons of seaweed flakes or rice ball seasoning. It’s best if the rice isn’t too hot, so let it cool slightly. If you don’t have seasoning, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for a delicious aroma. Use a spatula or spoon to gently mix the rice so it doesn’t clump.
Step 2
Cut the cheese into 3 equal pieces per slice. Using thin cheese like kids’ cheese will help it melt nicely inside the rice ball for a creamier texture. Cheddar cheese also works wonderfully for a rich, nutty flavor.
Step 3
Cut each of the 6 bacon strips in half, resulting in 12 pieces. Since bacon shrinks when cooked, cutting it to a size that complements the rice ball will help maintain its shape. Aim for pieces that can wrap around the rice ball nicely.
Step 4
Now, let’s form the rice balls. Take a scoop of the seasoned rice and place it on your palm. Put a piece of cheese in the center and gently shape the rice around it into a small, flattened ball. Make them a size that’s easy for children to eat.
Step 5
Place a 3-part cut piece of cheese on top of the formed rice ball. Then, wrap a halved bacon strip around it. Wrapping the bacon securely around the rice ball will help it stay in place when cooking. Overlapping the ends of the bacon slightly will ensure it sticks well.
Step 6
Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium-low heat. (The bacon’s own fat will render, but a little oil helps prevent sticking). Carefully place the bacon-wrapped rice balls onto the pan, bacon-side down first. Cook slowly until the bacon is golden brown and crispy and the rice ball is heated through. Gently press down with a spoon or spatula while cooking to help shape them, similar to making pancakes. This ensures even cooking and a nice, compact shape.
Step 7
Once the bacon is perfectly crispy and the rice balls are beautifully browned, they’re ready! While delicious immediately, they’re even better slightly cooled, as the bacon’s crispiness intensifies, and the shape holds better. Let them cool for a few minutes before plating.
Step 8
Your crispy bacon and cheesy rice balls are complete! They make a fantastic snack for kids or a quick, satisfying meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
