Seafood Dirty Rice & Cheddar Jalapeño Balls – A Flavor Explosion!

If you’re craving bold flavors, crispy textures, and a cheesy, spicy kick, these Seafood Dirty Rice & Cheddar Jalapeño Balls are calling your name! This Southern-inspired recipe combines hearty seafood dirty rice with gooey cheddar and spicy jalapeños, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a unique side dish, these deep-fried bites of heaven will leave you reaching for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Savory & Spicy – The perfect balance of Cajun-seasoned seafood dirty rice with a pop of heat from jalapeños.
✔️ Cheesy Goodness – Melted cheddar adds a rich, creamy center.
✔️ Crispy Perfection – A golden breadcrumb coating gives the ultimate crunch.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple steps with maximum flavor payoff.

Seafood Dirty Rice & Cheddar Jalapeño Balls

Ingredients

For the Seafood Dirty Rice:

• 1 cup cooked white rice
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled & chopped
• ½ lb crab meat (or crawfish)
• ½ lb ground sausage
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ bell pepper (red or green), finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Cheddar Jalapeño Balls:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 fresh jalapeño, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (for mixture)
• 1 cup flour (for dredging)
• 2 eggs, beaten (for coating)
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
• Oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Seafood Dirty Rice

1. Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic in butter until soft.
3. Add the chopped shrimp and crab, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turns pink.
4. Stir in the rice, sausage, and seasonings, mixing well.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Form the Balls

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled dirty rice, shredded cheddar, and chopped jalapeños.
2. Mix in 1 beaten egg and breadcrumbs to bind everything together.
3. Shape into golf ball-sized rounds and place on a lined tray.
4. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Coat & Fry

1. Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
2. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
3. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain on paper towels and serve hot!

Serving Suggestions

🔥 Dipping Sauce – Serve with Cajun ranch, remoulade, or spicy mayo.
🌿 Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra shredded cheese.
🍽️ Pair It With – These go great with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh salad.

These Seafood Dirty Rice & Cheddar Jalapeño Balls bring serious Southern soul food energy with a crispy, cheesy, and spicy twist! Whether you’re hosting a game night, a family gathering, or just want a next-level snack, this recipe will have everyone hooked!

Would you try these? Drop a ❤️ if you’re a seafood lover!

#SouthernEats #SeafoodLovers #CajunCooking #CheesyGoodness #CrispyPerfection