Have you ever craved a snack that’s not only delicious but also brings back fond memories of family gatherings? Well, let me introduce you to my favorite treat: Bolinho de Arroz com Queijo e Calabresa! These crispy and flavorful rice balls are perfect for any occasion, and they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. Plus, they’re a delightful addition to your repertoire of easy pasta recipes and quick family dinners. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for 30-minute meals.
- Deliciously crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside.
- Great for using up leftover rice, reducing food waste.
- Perfect for family gatherings or as a snack for movie night.
- Can be customized with your favorite ingredients!
Ingredients
To make these delightful Bolinho de Arroz, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (I love using mozzarella for its meltiness!)
- 1/2 cup of diced calabresa sausage (or any sausage you prefer)
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own Bolinho de Arroz:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded cheese, diced calabresa, and chopped green onions.
- Add the flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but manageable.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to submerge the balls halfway.
- Using your hands, form small balls (about the size of a golf ball) from the mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
- Fry the balls for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Bolinho de Arroz turns out perfectly every time:
- Make sure your rice is cold; leftover rice works best!
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Experiment with different cheeses or add herbs for extra flavor.
- If you want a healthier version, try baking them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Serve
These crispy rice balls are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce, like marinara or a spicy aioli.
- Serve them as a side dish with your favorite creamy garlic pasta for a delightful meal.
- They make a fantastic appetizer for parties or family gatherings.
- Enjoy them as a snack while watching your favorite movie!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these Bolinho de Arroz in advance, you can easily do so! Here are some tips:
- Form the balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag for longer storage.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, simply fry them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
So there you have it! My delightful recipe for Bolinho de Arroz com Queijo e Calabresa is not only easy to make but also a fantastic addition to your collection of weeknight dinner ideas. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick family dinner or serving them at a gathering, these crispy rice balls are sure to impress. Try them today, and I promise you’ll be smiling with every bite!

Bolinho de Arroz com Queijo e Calabresa – Crocante e Saboroso
Ingredients
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- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 eggs eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.25 cup oil
- 0.5 cup flour of wheat
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 0.5 cup calabresa sausage chopped
- to taste salt and black pepper
- as needed oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the mass: Mix cooked rice, eggs, milk, oil, flour, baking powder, cheese, calabresa, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Fry the balls in hot oil until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oil and drain excess oil on paper towel.