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Pizza Rice Balls – A Fun, Tasty Way to Use Leftover Rice (9 Months & Up) 🍕🍚
These Pizza Rice Balls are cheesy, saucy, and absolutely irresistible. Made with just cooked white rice, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese, they come together in minutes and bake into the perfect crispy, melty snack. A fun, budget-friendly way to turn leftover rice into something brand new and exciting for babies 9 months and up, toddlers, and big kids too.
My kids love anything with marinara and melted cheese, so the first time I made these, they were gone before they even had a chance to cool down. I also love how this recipe saves me from tossing out perfectly good rice, turning what could have been wasted into a snack everyone fights over. If you have leftover rice sitting in your fridge, you have to give these a try!
Why You’ll Love Pizza Rice Balls
- Minimal ingredients: Just rice, sauce, and cheese.
- Perfect for kids: Soft, cheesy, and bite-sized for little hands.
- No food waste: The tastiest way to use up leftover rice.
- Quick to make: Ready in less than 15 minutes of bake time.
Ingredients
Adjust Servings: 1
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2–3 tablespoons marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- Oil for spraying
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are using leftover rice, make sure it is warmed up; room temperature rice works best.
- Add the marinara sauce and shredded cheese to the rice and combine everything together.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop some of the mixture, mash it together in your hand, then roll into a ball shape. You can also form more flat disc shapes if preferred. If the rice mixture isn’t sticking together after mashing, add another tablespoon of marinara sauce or lightly wet your hands while forming the balls.
- Place the rice balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spray with oil to help them crisp up while baking.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping, with fruit on the side, and enjoy.
Notes & Storage Tips
If using freshly cooked rice, allow it to cool before making the rice balls. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If using leftover rice, it’s best to make the rice balls and eat them within 24 hours. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want them to stay crisp.
