Delicious Leftover Rice Recipes for Every Occasion
Stuck with leftover rice and need fresh ideas to use it up? Don’t let your rice leftovers go to waste! This listicle is dedicated to transforming your leftover rice into delectable dishes that are perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a hearty dinner, these recipes will help you use up your leftover rice in the most delicious ways.
From crispy delights to comforting casseroles, get ready to explore a variety of flavors and cuisines through these creative and tasty rice recipes.
Crispy Rice
These crispy rice squares made from seasoned sushi rice offer a delightful crunch and are perfect for topping with your favorite sushi ingredients. Serve them as an elegant appetizer at your next party or enjoy them as a light snack.
Leftover Rice Balls
Transform your leftover rice into these trendy Rice Balls, a hit recipe from TikTok that’s simple to make and delicious to eat. Fry them until golden and serve with soy sauce for a savory treat that everyone will love.
Cold Rice Salad (Italian Style)
Experience the flavors of Italy with this cold rice salad, packed with fresh ingredients that make it a nourishing and refreshing meal. It’s perfect for hot days or as a light side dish at any gathering.
Easy Savory Rice Pancakes
These savory pancakes are a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice and vegetables. They are easy to whip up, making a filling breakfast or a fun dinner option that’s sure to be a hit with all ages.
Gochujang Fried Rice
Kick up your fried rice game with this Gochujang Fried Rice recipe, where Korean chili paste brings a unique umami flavor to your leftover rice and vegetables. It’s a spicy, savory dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
Chicken Burrito
Pack leftover rice into these hearty chicken burritos for a perfect meal on the go. Filled with flavorsome ingredients like Mexican rice, refried beans, and cheddar cheese, they are ideal for freezing and reheating whenever you need a quick meal.
Broccoli Rice Casserole from Scratch
Create a comforting meal with this broccoli rice casserole that combines your leftover rice with broccoli, cheese, and optional chicken or ham. It’s a wholesome dish that’s easy to make and loved by families.
Iraqi Kubba Or Kibbeh – Rice and Potato Balls
These Iraqi Kubba or Kibbeh balls are a delicious way to use leftover rice and mince meat, offering a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine. They are filling, flavorful, and perfect for any meal or as a snack.
Baked Rice Cups
Perfect for kids and adults alike, these baked rice cups incorporate leftover rice with healthy veggies. They are great for lunch boxes or as an after-school snack, providing a nutritious and tasty option.
Jumeokbap (Korean Rice Balls)
These Korean rice balls, known as Jumeokbap, are not only fun to make but also incredibly versatile. Customize them with your favorite ingredients for a delicious, portable meal or snack that utilizes leftover rice creatively.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This decadent casserole combines creamy rice, chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, topped with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. It’s a fantastic dish that can be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad
Enjoy a vibrant Mexican Chicken and Rice Salad, packed with black beans, corn, and chicken. It’s a refreshing and filling meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner or as a substantial lunch.
Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, wholesome veggies, and rice in a rich, creamy broth. It’s a nourishing soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a comforting meal.
Spanish Rice And Beans
This vegetarian-friendly dish features Spanish rice and beans in a one-pot recipe that’s simple, tasty, and perfect as a main or a side. It’s a hearty and healthy option that appeals to everyone.
Shrimp Fried Rice Recipe
Shrimp Fried Rice is a quick and satisfying way to transform leftover rice into a delicious meal, packed with protein from shrimp and vibrant veggies. Its easy preparation and savory flavors make it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Rice Fritters
These Rice Fritters are a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice into a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer. Lightly spiced and served hot, they’re an ideal finger food for gatherings or as a fun addition to any meal.
Easy Arancini
Easy Arancini, or Italian Rice Balls, bring a gourmet twist to leftover rice, with a creamy risotto filling and a crispy, golden crust. Serve them with marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that feels like a restaurant treat.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole turns leftover rice into a comforting and hearty side dish, combining the richness of cheese with wholesome broccoli. It’s an easy, homemade casserole perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Egg Drop Soup with Rice
Egg Drop Soup with Rice is a quick and nourishing soup that’s ready in minutes, making it an ideal choice for lunch or a light dinner. This recipe is an effortless way to use up rice while enjoying the warm, comforting flavors of classic egg drop soup.
Taco Rice Bowl
The Taco Rice Bowl combines chipotle-flavored ground meat, veggies, and rice for a flavorful, customizable dish. It’s a fun and easy meal that turns leftover rice into a satisfying base for a taco-inspired dinner.
Banh Mi Rice Bowl
The Banh Mi Rice Bowl brings together all the delicious flavors of a classic Banh Mi sandwich without the bread. This unique take on leftover rice features pickled veggies, savory meat, and fresh herbs, making it a refreshing and exciting option.
Rice Salad With Tuna (Ensalada de Arroz)
Rice Salad with Tuna, or Ensalada de Arroz, is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines rice with tuna, veggies, and tangy dressing. It’s a light, refreshing way to enjoy leftover rice as a nutritious salad for lunch or dinner.
Tuna Rice Cake
Tuna Rice Cake is a simple and tasty way to use leftover rice by forming it into cakes with tuna for an easy, protein-packed snack or meal. Lightly pan-fried, these cakes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Chicken Burrito Bowl
The Chicken Burrito Bowl is a flavorful, Chipotle-inspired dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. With juicy chicken, beans, rice, and fresh veggies, it’s a complete and customizable meal made easy with leftover rice.
Easy Stuffed Peppers
These Easy Stuffed Peppers use leftover rice to create a filling with ground sausage, roasted tomatoes, and cheese. With only five ingredients, they’re quick to make and full of flavor, making them a great choice for weeknight dinners.
Crispy Fried Rice Waffles
Reinvent your leftover rice with this unique recipe that turns it into crispy rice waffles. Using a waffle maker, you can create a fun and crunchy meal that’s perfect for experimenting with various toppings.
Old Fashioned Rice Pudding
Go back to basics with this classic old-fashioned rice pudding. It’s a creamy, comforting dessert made with simple ingredients like milk, rice, and cinnamon, offering a sweet end to any meal.
Grandma Beulah’s Rice Pancakes Recipe Using Leftover Rice
Revive your grandmother’s kitchen magic with these delicious rice pancakes made from leftover rice. They are a delightful breakfast or dessert, bringing a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your table.
Dulce de Leche Rice Pudding
For a quick and irresistible dessert, try this Dulce de Leche Rice Pudding. It’s easy to make and offers a rich, caramel flavor that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Biko (Filipino Sticky Rice Cake)
Dive into the world of Filipino desserts with Biko, a sticky rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. It’s a simple, sweet treat that’s perfect for sharing.
A huge thank you to all the innovative recipe developers who have contributed their culinary talents, making it possible to transform leftover rice into these delightful dishes!
