Pizza Rice Balls

Pizza Rice Balls- A Fun, Tasty Way to Use Leftover Rice for 9 months old baby and up

Okay guys, 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! These pizza rice balls are cheesy, saucy, and absolutely irresistible. Made with just three simple ingredients, cooked white rice, marinara sauce, and shredded cheese. They come together in minutes and bake into the perfect crispy, melty snack. It’s an easy recipe that’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and a great way to turn last night’s rice into something brand new and exciting.

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.

What Kind of Rice Can You Use?

The great thing about pizza rice balls is that they’re flexible with the type of rice you use:

• White rice (long-grain, short-grain, or jasmine) – Mild flavor, classic texture.

• Basmati or jasmine rice – Works great, but you might have to use a little extra marinara sauce to hold the balls together.

• Sushi rice or sticky rice – Holds together well, great for compact, sturdy balls.

Tips for Success:

• If your rice balls aren’t holding together well, try adding 3 tablespoons marinara sauce instead of 2. You can also wet your hands a little when forming the balls to help keep them together.

• Always scoop with a tablespoon, press the mixture together in your hand, and then roll into balls—this helps them stay firm.

• You can easily double the recipe: use 2 cups rice → 4 cups, 2–3 tbsp sauce → 6 tbsp, ½ cup cheese → 1 cup.

• Always bake on parchment paper so they don’t stick.

• Spray with oil before baking for a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Serving Ideas:

Pizza rice balls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is melty and the edges are slightly crisp. Serve them as:

• A fun after-school snack for kids

• A lunchbox addition (pack with a little container of sauce)

• A party appetizer everyone will love

• A creative side dish with soup or salad

Substitutions:

You can easily switch things up based on what you have:

• Use brown rice for extra fiber.

• Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or vegan cheese.

• Add diced pepperoni, ham, or cooked chopped broccoli into the mixture for more flavor.

What You Need:

Mixing Bowl

Baking Tray 

Parchment Paper

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are some more easy recipes for kids you should check out:

Vegetable Rice Balls

Broccoli Cheddar Rice Fritters

Carrot Cheesy Rice Balls

How to Make White Rice