Baked Cauliflower Rice and Bacon Arancini

Where should I begin? The arancini part, the cauliflower rice part or the fact that this recipe serves four but I ate most of it by myself for dinner last night?

OK, we all love arancini, yes? Those Italian rice balls filled with cheese and sometimes little bits of ham and peas. There's a gourmet store in my neighborhood that makes them really well. Much, much too well.

And have you made cauliflower rice yet? Yes, good. No? Hmm. Start with this recipe which I have on dinner repeat and you'll start to wonder what else you can do with the cauli rice. Lots. You can do lots. For example, you can make arancini! As good as the deep fried rice kind? No. Not gonna lie. But still good. Really good. Crispy on the outside and cheesy in the middle good. I ate most of the four servings myself good. Enjoy!

Yield: 4 Servings

Author: Anita Schecter

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Baked Cauliflower Rice and Bacon Arancini

Prep time: 20 MCook time: 25 MTotal time: 45 M

Recipe for baked rice balls made with cauliflower rice, bacon and a cheesy cheddar center.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups cauliflower florets
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Egg
• 4 Slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 Cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
• 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 12 cheddar cheese cubes
• 1/2 Cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse a few times, checking every couple of pulses, until it resembles pieces of rice. Do not over process.
2. Add the olive oil and cauliflower rice to a large skillet or cast iron pan and saute, stirring often, for a few minutes, just until the cauliflower begins to soften. Lightly season with salt and pepper (remember that the cheese and bacon will make it saltier) and remove from the heat to cool.
3. Add the cooled cauliflower to a bowl and stir in the egg, crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and flour. The mixture should be able to hold together. If it doesn't, add another teaspoon or two of flour.
4. Place the breadcrumbs into a shallow bowl. Using a 1 oz. scoop, scoop the mixture and push a cheddar cheese cube into the center. Form into a ball in your hand and gently roll around in the breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lightly spray with the olive oil spray and bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.

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