With a super quick method, nutritious ingredients, and maximum versatility, these Rice Balls are a toddler favorite. Plus, they are so much easier for kids to eat than regular rice!
It can be challenging for toddlers to eat grains like rice, quinoa, and more, but turning them into rice balls is such a win! This is a fun meal for any age, but it makes eating rice much easier for little kids, so it’s in my list of top easy toddler meals.
You can make these Rice Balls in minutes and add veggies or proteins as you like.
They work with broccoli or spinach and proteins including cheese, cooked chicken or cooked salmon, and flavors from herbs, spices, and more.
This is a great vegetarian meal for kids, an easy side dish for kids, or easy meal component.
Why This Recipe Works
These rice balls are an easier, less messy way for toddlers to eat rice. They are also a great use for leftover rice and rely on an easy method to make a kid-friendly food.
(You might like my Cheesy Rice and Broccoli Tots, too, for more easy ways to serve rice.)
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Easy Rice Balls so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Fully cooked rice (any type): I prefer to make this recipe with short grain brown rice or jasmine rice, but it can work with any variety of cooked white rice, brown rice, or sushi rice that you prefer or have on hand.
- Shredded cheese: I like to add shredded cheddar cheese to this recipe to help the rice balls hold together nicely and to add flavor.
- Fully cooked and minced broccoli or chopped spinach: Both of these work as easy veggies to add to rice balls.
- Cooked chicken or salmon (optional): You can shred or mince either of these proteins and add to the mixture for more nutrition. (You can also add cooked tuna, preferably a low mercury option like the brand Safe Catch.)
- Garlic powder, cumin, and salt, are all optional as desired for more flavor.
TIP: The cooked rice and cheese helps this recipe adhere, so you don’t need egg or another binder.
Featured Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I have been meal prepping all weekend and these are the best thing I have made yet. Yum! So good. Thank you!” —Kate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make these Easy Rice Balls so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Prepare the rice according to package directions. (If using leftover or cooked rice, warm through.)
Step 2. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well to combine.
Step 3. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Step 4. Use a mini ice cream scoop or a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon to form into little balls. Serve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sure, you can pack them in a kids lunch box or a thermos as you like.
For little kids, you can break up sheets of seaweed and stir right into the rice ball mixture.
Onigiri are Japanese-style rice balls that typically are made from sushi rice and seaweed. This recipe is a more American take.
How to Store
Store leftover Rice Balls in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm through very briefly to serve.
Best Tips for Success
- I typically serve this as a finger food and let my son pick up clumps with his fingers. It will also work to serve off of a spoon.
- Use another cooked grain such as quinoa if desired.
- Add finely shredded chicken or cooked salmon if you’d like.
- Vary the flavor by adding a little salsa or marinara sauce to the mixture.
- You can cook the rice for this ahead of time (learn how to freeze rice) or use a package of cooked rice from the store if that’s easier.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Rice Balls (with Veggies)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fully cooked rice (any type)
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- ¼ cup minced cooked broccoli (or fresh greens cut into thin strips with scissors)
- ¼ cup shredded cooked chicken or salmon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- Garlic powder or cumin (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the rice in a heat-safe bowl for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well to melt the cheese and bind the mixture together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired.
- Serve on a plate (this is easy to eat with little fingers), or use a mini ice cream scoop or a 1-tablespoon measuring spoon to form into little balls.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or in a freezer container for up to 6 months. Warm through on a heat safe plate for 15-30 seconds in the microwave or 2-3 minutes in a 325 degree F air fryer to serve.
- I typically serve this as a finger food and let my son pick up clumps with his fingers. It will also work to serve off of a spoon.
- Use another cooked grain such as quinoa if desired.
- Add finely shredded cooked chicken or salmon if you’d like.
- Vary the flavor by adding a little salsa or marinara sauce to the mixture.
- You can cook the rice for this ahead of time or use a package of cooked rice from the store if that’s easier.
I made beef stew, rice and cabbage for dinner. My 3.5 yr old refuses to eat all of those things, so I put it all into rice balls (yes an extra step, but super easy!) and he went back for seconds! That’s a big win, so thank you!
I am so glad that worked for him!
We loved it!!! it will be a regular dish on my menu
I am glad you enjoyed them!
I have been meal prepping all weekend and these are the best thing I have made yet. Yum! So good. Thank you!
I’m excited to try this! Any suggestions for making this dairy free?
You could try dairy-free cheese