Cheesy Rice Fritters with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

For the Cheesy Rice Fritters:

2 Tablespoons butter

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups Riceland Extra Long Grain Rice, cooked and chilled

8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped

4 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

2 teaspoons barbecue seasoning of choice

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup buttermilk

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Riceland Rice Bran Oil for frying

salt, to taste

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup mustard (Dijon and yellow are great options)

1/2 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preparation

1. Saute onion in butter over medium high heat, about 4 minutes, until soft.
2. Add garlic and cook 2 more minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic mixture to a bowl with cooked rice, bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese and seasonings.
4. Mix well to combine.
5. Preheat oil in fryer or deep sauce pan to 350 degrees.
6. Roll rice mixture into 1-inch balls and place on cookie sheet.
7. Place flour and panko breadcrumbs on separate plates.
8. Beat eggs and buttermilk together in a bowl.
9. Roll rice ball in the flour, then the egg, and finally the panko.
10. Fry 6 at a time for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
11. Place rice balls on paper towel to drain excess oil.
12. Season with salt while warm.
13. While the rice balls are cooking make the honey mustard sauce by combining all of the ingredients and whisking until smooth and creamy.
14. Refrigerate until ready to serve with the rice balls.
15. When the rice balls are finished cooking serve warm with the honey mustard sauce.

Janetta Mason
Ozark, Arkansas
3rd Place Appetizier Winner
2017 Riceland Rice Cook-Off