Lemon Rice Cheese Balls

Ah, where do I even start with this deliciousness? Lemon rice with cheese balls is like a bowl of sunshine—so bright and fresh! The zingy lemon, the creamy cheese, it’s just a match made in culinary heaven. You know, every bite kinda dances on your tongue, and it’s just a little burst of joy mixed with comfort. Perfect for when you want something light yet filling, and honestly, it’s pretty easy to whip up, so you won’t feel like you’re drowning in pots and pans afterward.

Why You’ll Crave It

• The freshness of lemon brings life to the dish.
• Cheese balls—who doesn’t love crispy, ooey-gooey balls of cheese?
• It’s colorful and pretty, making it a showstopper for any table.
• Great for leftovers—if there are any, I doubt it!
• It pairs well with salads or veggies, making it versatile.

The first time I made this, my whole family practically dove in—there were no leftovers, and I’m pretty sure my dog was eyeing those cheese balls too!

What You’ll Need

• Rice: 300g, preferably jasmine or basmati since they are fragrant and fluffy
• Lemon: 1 large, both zested and juiced—this is really key to that zing!
• Vegetable broth: 750ml, adds so much flavor
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for a touch of richness
• Salt: just a pinch, but taste as you go!
• Pepper: to taste, I like it a bit peppery, but you do you
• Parmesan cheese: 100g, finely grated, because it’s Parmesan!
• Cream cheese: 100g, gives the cheese balls that lovely creaminess
• Egg: 1, to bind everything together
• Breadcrumbs: 100g, get the ones that are seasoned for extra flavor
• Fresh parsley: a handful, chopped, just for a pop of freshness at the end

Easy How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Okay, to start, rinse about 250g of the rice under cold water until it’s nice and clear—gotta get rid of that extra starch, you know? Then in a pot, toss in the rice with 500ml of water, the lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring that bad boy to a boil, then simmer it gently for about 15 minutes. Once it’s fluffy and cooked, take it off the heat and let it sit with the lid on for about 5 minutes so the flavors can chill together.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Balls

Now, in a mixing bowl—grab that large one!—combine 200g of fresh cheese (like ricotta or any mild cheese you like) with 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, some salt, and pepper. What I like to do is just mix it with my hands, it’s often the easiest way to get it all combined. Then form little walnut-sized balls, and set them aside!

Step 3: Fry the Cheese Balls

Alright, heat up a skillet over medium heat and add some oil. Once it’s hot, gently place those cheese balls in. Fry them—oh, watch them—about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re that perfect golden-brown. When they look divine, take them out and pop them on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Sauce

In another saucepan, melt 50g of butter over low heat. Add the juice from that same zesty lemon you used before and a finely chopped garlic clove. Just stir this together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Oh, the smell—just wait!

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Now, fluff that rice with a fork, and transfer it to a serving dish. Drizzle the lemon sauce over the rice, and then place those gorgeous cheese balls on top. I like to sprinkle some fresh parsley over everything—it just makes it look so tempting. Serve it right away so that the cheese balls stay warm!

Good to Know

• If you feel adventurous, try using different rices like basmati or even wild rice!
• If you’re not a fan of one particular cheese, swap it out for something else you love; it’s all about personal taste.
• Adjust how much lemon juice you use in the sauce based on your love for tanginess—some like it more, some less!

Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a perfect meal combo.

Top Tricks

• Keep an eye on those cheese balls while frying—a minute too long and they could turn from golden delicious to burnt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Oh, absolutely, but, you know, brown rice cooks longer and has a chewier texture, so just keep that in mind when timing it!

What type of cheese is best for the cheese balls?

Fresh cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese are fantastic, but it really opens up to whatever you’re in the mood for, and your taste will guide you!

How can I make this dish vegan?

Totally can! Just swap the cheese with a plant-based version and use veggie broth for the rice. It’s really flexible!

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! Just store the rice and cheese balls separately in the fridge. They’ll be good until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Conclusion

This lemon rice with cheese balls recipe really does bring such a wonderful and fresh flavor combo to the table. Every mouthful is bright and creamy, making it perfect for those light meals or even as a side for something more meaty. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but elegant enough to impress your guests at a gathering.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Cilantro Lime Rice

Serve your lemon rice with some cilantro lime rice for an extra zesty kick—so fresh and vibrant!

Spicy Chickpea Balls

If you’re looking for a twist, swap in spicy chickpea balls instead of the cheese—amazing contrast and loaded with flavor!

Grilled Vegetables

Pair it with a side of grilled veggies. The smoky flavor totally balances with the light rice.

Avocado Salad

An avocado salad with some ripe tomatoes and cucumbers is just the perfect cool contrast to this dish. So refreshing!

Herb-Infused Olive Oil

And hey, drizzle some herb-infused olive oil over the finished plate—it adds depth and aroma, elevating the whole dining experience.