With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s the perfect opportunity to up your party snack and appetizer game. Entertaining over the festive period is par for the course, so having some new recipes to showcase your culinary chops is a must. And when it comes to versatility, nothing beats rice for range and diversity. That’s why Mahatma® Rice is here to inspire you with bite-sized rice treats from all over the world, perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or simply cozy nights in with your loved ones. From cheesy rice balls to spicy seafood bites, we’ve got something for everyone.
Rice Fritters – Festive Finger Food Made Easy
Here’s a fun fact about fritters: their origins go all the way back to ancient Rome! And it’s not surprising that its popularity hasn’t waned in the slightest. Fritters are crispy and versatile snacks that you can prepare with whatever ingredients you have on hand. If you’re looking for a fritters recipe that’s both festive and fun, try these Christmas Cake Brown Rice Fritters. These sweet and savory fritters are made from brown rice, dried fruit, and warm spices. Fried until golden, you can serve them with our homemade rum simple syrup recipe. Then, for traditionalists who prefer their fritters to be just savory, these Vegetable Rice Fritters ought to do the trick. Served with a side portion of creamy tzatziki dip, these tasty bites are sure to be a holiday season hit!
Savory Seafood Snacks
Seasoned hosts will know how essential food is to the success of any gathering. Putting on a diverse spread that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences is what the occasion calls for. Don’t fret! We’ve got two low-fuss seafood recipes to inspire you.
These Spicy Salmon Rice Croquettes are made with fragrant Mahatma® Jasmine Rice tossed together with salmon, carrots, chipotles in adobo, green onions, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then sprinkled with herbs and spices. The result? A delicious and easy-to-share dish you can pass around on platters.
Likewise, these Brown Rice Tuna Patties with Avocado and Mayo are flavorful seafood bites that you can make ahead of time, freeing you up to partake in the festivities.
Italian-Style Cheesy Rice Balls
To add a gourmet touch to your spread, here’s a delicious recipe from Italy that’s sure to fly off the platter. These Arancini Air-Fryer Italian Rice Balls are crispy on the outside and filled with a creamy combo of Greek yoghurt and mozzarella cheese on the inside. And don’t be intimidated by the prep time, this recipe couldn’t be easier when you follow our step-by-step guide.
Festive Dessert in Minutes
Finally, what better way to cap off the evening than to end things on a sweet note? This Eggnog Rice Pudding recipe is as fun to make as it is festive. Blending soft and creamy Mahatma® White Rice with egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, almonds, rum, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a rich, it’s the perfect holiday dessert.
Rice Appetizers: Frequently Asked Questions
Short-grain or medium-grain rice works best for bite-sized appetizers because it’s stickier and easier to form into shapes. Long-grain rice is great for salads, stuffed vegetables, or crispy fried bites.
Yes. Many rice appetizers—like rice balls, rice salads, or stuffed mushrooms—can be prepared in advance. Keep them refrigerated and assemble or bake/fry right before serving for the best texture.
How do I keep rice from getting mushy when using it in appetizers?
Rice itself is naturally gluten-free, but always check added ingredients (such as soy sauce, bread crumbs, or marinades) to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.
Absolutely! Leftover rice is ideal for fried rice balls, rice cakes, rice salad cups, or crispy skillet rice bites because it’s drier and easier to work with.
Yes. Rice salads, sushi-style bites, and rice-stuffed vegetables can all be served chilled or at room temperature.
Embrace the Festive Spirit
Now that you’ve got plenty of recipes to get your creative juices flowing, it’s time to start prepping for holiday hosting. Remember, the best hosts make food that #feelslikehome.
For more culinary tips and festive recipe ideas, make sure to check out our blog.