Pimento Cheese Rice Balls

Pimento Cheese Rice Balls

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Pimento Cheese Rice Balls are a delicious Southern appetizer perfect for game day, parties, or snacking.

This recipe stars U.S.-grown white rice and comes to us from our friend @healthdownsouth.

  • Servings
    16
  • Prep Time
    20 mins
  • Cook Time
    15 mins
  • Total Time
    35 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pimento cheese
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated 
  • 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray
  • Red pepper jelly for dipping (optional)
  • Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Scoop the pimento cheese into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20 minutes until firm.
  • In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and eggs until the mixture is slightly sticky and holds together.
  • Flatten a portion of the rice mixture into a patty in your hand. Place a pimento cheese ball in the center, then top with another rice patty. Press and shape into a sealed pimento cheese rice ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the pimento cheese balls with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and crispy.
  • Let them cool for a few minutes before serving with red pepper jelly for dipping. Garnish with chopped chives and enjoy!