Rice Cheese Croquettes

Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
Crispy golden rice balls with a molten mozzarella center
Rice Cheese Croquettes recipe image

Rice Cheese Croquettes

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 239.1

Description

These classic Italian-style rice cheese croquettes, known as Suppl&# 195;¬ al Telefono, are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. The name derives from the long, stretchy thread of melted mozzarella that connects the croquette to your mouth, resembling an old-fashioned telephone cord. Made with short-grain rice, savory tomatoes, and herbs, the exterior becomes delightfully crisp and golden when fried, while the inside remains creamy and hot. They are perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or as a hearty snack. While slightly labor-intensive to shape, the effort is rewarded with a delicious, comforting bite that disappears quickly. Serve them piping hot for the best texture and cheese pull.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Place rice, minced onion, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 2-quart saucepan. Sauté over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add salt and 3 1/2 cups hot water to the rice mixture.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to minimum. Cover and cook without stirring for 15 minutes.
  4. Add the peeled tomatoes and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes longer, stirring frequently until the rice is quite dry.
  5. Remove the pan from heat and let the rice mixture cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in the beaten eggs and mix well to combine.
  7. With damp hands, take heaping tablespoons of the rice mixture and shape into croquettes the size of a large egg.
  8. Insert one piece of mozzarella cheese into the center of each croquette, ensuring the cheese is completely sealed inside the rice.
  9. Roll the filled croquettes in fine bread crumbs, coating them evenly.
  10. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350ðF (175ðC). Fry the croquettes a few at a time until golden brown on all sides.
  11. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately while piping hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 239.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.0g13%
Saturated Fat 1.2g6%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 4879.8mg204%
Total Carbohydrate 37.3g13%
Dietary Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugars 2.2g
Protein 3.9g8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

**Name Origin:** The name "Supplì al Telefono" comes from the long, stretchy thread of melted cheese that forms when biting into the hot croquette, resembling the cord of an old-fashioned telephone.

**Serving Tip:** These should be served piping hot for the best cheese pull. Tell guests they are best eaten with fingers!

**Variations:** You can serve these as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a light meal for lunch or brunch.

**Ingredient Note:** Ensure the rice is cool enough to handle but still warm enough to help seal the cheese inside. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to the coating station.

**Safety:** Be careful when frying hot oil splatter. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature.

Keywords: appetizer, italian, croquettes, rice, cheese, mozzarella, fried, suppli, snack, party, vegetarian, tomato, crispy, melty, comfort food, homemade, deep fried, breaded, hot, finger food
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