Easy Cheesy Bacon Rice Fritters

Total Time: 50 mins Preparation Time: 25 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• salt
• pepper
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 10 ounces spinach, coarsely chopped
• 1 pinch red pepper

Recipe

• 1 line a baking sheet with parchment paper. in a medium saucepan, bring the rice and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil. lower the heat and simmer until the rice is still firm, but cooked through and the water has evaporated, about 20 minutes. transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly. this is about 3 cups cooked rice.
• 2 in a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. using a slotted spoon, add the bacon to the rice, reserving the skillet with the bacon greast. stir the mozarella, parmesan, and egg into the rice mixture. season with salt and pepper.
• 3 divide the rice mixture into 12 mounds on the prepared baking sheet. flatten into 3-inch patties. sprinkle on both sides with the breadcrumbs. panko crumbs work well here also.
• 4 add the olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. add the patties and cook, turning once, until crisp, about 5 minutes. drain on paper towels.
• 5 optional. add the spinach to the skillet and cook over high heat, turning until wilted, about 2 minutes. season with the crushed red pepper. top with the fritters.