Rice Balls (with Veggies)
With a super quick method, nutritious ingredients, and maximum versatility, these Rice Balls are a toddler food favorite. Plus, they are so much easier for kids to eat than regular rice!
Servings: 3 - 4
Calories: 296kcal
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 214IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 1mg