Ham And Cheese Arancini (Italian Fried Rice Balls) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 eggs
2 1/2 cups cooked rice
1/4 - 1/2 cup ham, finely diced
1/3 cup butter, melted, plus
1 tablespoon butter (for sauteing onions)
2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated or 2/3 cup romano cheese
1/4 cup onion, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped or 1 -2 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1/2 - 1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese (cut into small cubes)
oil, for deep-frying
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup flour, for coating
1 cup dry breadcrumbs or 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Preparation

Saute onion in 1 T butter over medium heat until translucent and beginning to brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
In a bowl lightly beat 2 eggs. Stir in cooked rice, ham, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, sauteed onion, seasoned salt, garlic salt, parsley and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Roll into 1-1/2-inch balls.and press a cheese cube into each ball, reshaping around the cheese.(I have used havarti and swiss in place of the cheddar with fantastic results!).
Place the flour into a small bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in a second small bowl. Place the dry breadcrumbs in a third small bowl.
Dip each ball into flour, then into the egg and then into the breadcrumbs.
Heat oil to 375 degrees, then fry rice balls until golden brown (about 4 minutes). You can also shallow fry them in oil, turning to brown.
Drain on paper towels and enjoy! They are nice dipped in french onion dip, ranch dip or all on their own.