Delicious Baked Rice Dumplings: A Simple Recipe with Leftover Rice

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to repurpose leftover rice, these baked rice dumplings are a perfect choice. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. This recipe is ideal for using up ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge, such as leftover rice, eggs, milk, and spices. Plus, with no deep frying involved, these dumplings are a healthier option that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

The addition of Parmesan cheese gives these rice dumplings a deliciously rich, savory taste, while the herbs and garlic enhance the flavor. And because they’re baked rather than fried, they’re less greasy, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fried dumplings or fritters.

Whether you’re preparing these for a family dinner, a potluck, or just as a snack, these rice dumplings are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients for Baked Rice Dumplings

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cooked rice (leftover rice works great)

1/2 cup wheat flour
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon baking powder
Parsley and chives to taste

Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for greasing the baking sheet

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Rice Dumplings

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Before diving into the recipe, make sure your rice is cooked and cooled. You can use fresh rice or leftover rice from a previous meal. If the rice is cold, let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients to ensure it mixes well with the rest of the dough.

Tip: It’s best to use slightly dry or day-old rice as it helps create a better texture for the dumplings.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients: eggs, milk, cooked rice, wheat flour, chopped garlic, onion, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.

Tip: You can adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more garlic or onions if you prefer a stronger flavor, or reducing them for a milder taste.

Step 3: Blend the Mixture

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to create the dough.

In a blender, combine the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, eggs, milk, wheat flour, onion, garlic, baking powder, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper.
Blend all the ingredients together until you have a smooth mixture. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when forming the dumplings, but smooth enough to allow for easy blending.

Tip: If the mixture is too thick to blend, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Form the Dumplings

With the dough ready, it’s time to shape the dumplings.

Use a spoon or your hands to form small dumplings from the mixture. You can shape them into balls or slightly flatten them, depending on your preference.
Grease a baking sheet with a little oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the dumplings on the sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced to allow them to cook uniformly.

Tip: If you want to avoid using your hands, you can use a small ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to portion the dough.

Step 5: Bake the Dumplings

Once your dumplings are ready to go, it’s time to bake them!

Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the dumplings for approximately 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tip: Keep an eye on the dumplings in the final 5 minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overbrown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dumplings are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven. Serve them hot and enjoy!

These baked rice dumplings are versatile and can be served with a variety of dips or sauces. Try pairing them with a spicy tomato salsa, garlic aioli, or even a creamy yogurt-based dip.

Tips for Perfect Rice Dumplings

Use Leftover Rice: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice, as slightly dry rice works best. Freshly cooked rice that’s a bit too moist can make the dumplings too sticky.
Don’t Overblend: When mixing the ingredients in the blender, avoid over-blending. You want a smooth consistency but over-blending may make the dough too liquidy.
Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more herbs or even spice it up with chili flakes or paprika if you like a bit of heat.
Make Them Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, simply replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The result will be just as delicious!
Grease the Baking Sheet: Make sure to grease the baking sheet well to prevent the dumplings from sticking. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper for an even easier cleanup.
Alternative Cheese Options: If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any type of rice?

Yes, you can use any type of rice for this recipe, though medium or long-grain white rice works best. Brown rice or wild rice will give a nuttier flavor but might change the texture slightly.

2. Can I make these dumplings ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’d like to freeze the dumplings, shape them and freeze them raw. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven directly from the freezer and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. What dipping sauces pair well with these dumplings?

These dumplings pair well with a wide variety of sauces. Try a garlic aioli, spicy tomato sauce, marinara, ranch dip, or even a creamy cheese sauce. For a lighter option, serve them with a yogurt-based dip or a tangy vinaigrette.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but the dumplings will still be delicious.

5. How do I store leftover dumplings?

Store leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to maintain their crispiness. You can also freeze the baked dumplings for up to 3 months and reheat them directly from the freezer.

6. Can I fry these dumplings instead of baking them?

While this recipe is for baked dumplings, you can certainly fry them if you prefer a crispier texture. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the dumplings until golden brown on both sides.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the dumplings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped or grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach to the dough for extra nutrients and flavor.

8. Can I make these dairy-free?

To make the recipe dairy-free, simply replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese substitute instead of Parmesan.

Conclusion

These baked rice dumplings are a tasty, easy, and creative way to make use of leftover rice. With their savory, cheesy flavor and perfect texture, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable, so you can make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or packed with extra veggies to suit your preferences. Serve these crispy golden dumplings as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and enjoy the satisfaction of turning humble ingredients into something delicious!