18 Leftover Rice Recipes That Taste Delicious

As one of the popular leftover rice recipes, this tasty dish is made with leftover rice, bacon, eggs, and green onions. To prepare, cook the bacon until crispy, set it aside, scramble eggs in the same pan with some butter, and then add the rice and green onions, cooking until heated through.

You can customize this dish by adding ingredients like bell peppers, spinach, peas, carrots, or even cauliflower rice to enhance flavor and nutrition.

For the best results, use dry rice and fry it in a large skillet, using rendered bacon fat to scramble the eggs for a rich taste. This dish is high in carbohydrates and protein, especially when made with whole-grain rice and various vegetables.

Rice pudding is a tasty leftover rice recipe and easy-to-make dessert using leftover rice, milk, sugar, and flavorings like cinnamon and vanilla. The rice is cooked with milk and sugar until it becomes creamy and thick, and it can be served warm or chilled, often garnished with raisins or nuts.

You can customize rice pudding by using different types of milk, such as coconut or almond milk, and adding various flavorings and mix-ins like dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips.

For more flavor, use high-quality ingredients, cook the rice until tender, and stir frequently to prevent sticking. This dessert is relatively low in calories and a good source of carbohydrates.

They can be made with nori sheets and various fillings like vegetables, fish, or avocado. First, prepare your rice with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, and let it rest to melt the flavors. Next, prepare your fillings, such as cucumber, avocado, carrot, salmon, tuna, cooked chicken, or tofu.

To assemble, lay a nori sheet on a cutting board, spread a thin layer of rice, add the fillings, and roll it up, applying gentle pressure. Chill the roll for at least 30 minutes, then slice it into pieces.

For the best sushi, use fresh ingredients, experiment with different fillings, and enhance the flavor with sauces like soy sauce or spicy mayo.

These are a versatile and delicious dish made with leftover rice, eggs, and various flavorings like cheese, herbs, or spices. First, mix the rice with eggs and cook on a griddle for crispy, fluffy pancakes. It will be more appetizing if you add fresh herbs and cheese for a savory version, jalapenos for a spicy kick, or sweeteners like honey for a sweeter twist.

They can also be made hearties with bacon or sausage. Likewise, fresh ingredients and experimenting with different fillings and shapes, like squares or triangles, can enhance the dish.

This is a fantastic dish for using leftover rice, which offers a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. Its rich, savory profiles come from ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices, complemented by tomatoes, salsa, and cheese.

Similarly, the dish is highly customizable, which allows for adjustments in spiciness, cheese, vegetables, or protein like chicken or beans. It is designed to repurpose leftover rice efficiently, simply by adding it to the pan with other ingredients and simmering.

This family-friendly casserole is also budget-friendly and ideal for large gatherings, often enjoyed with toppings like sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese.

Chicken and rice soup can be made from leftover rice because it's an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish. This straightforward recipe requires no special techniques and repurposes leftover rice effortlessly.

The combination of savory chicken, rice, herbs, and spices creates a delicious and hearty meal. Also, it is customizable with different seasonings and ingredients, which suit various tastes and dietary needs, including gluten-free options.

Additionally, it's cost-effective, reducing food waste and saving money. Perfect for any meal, it offers a taste of classic comfort that can be enjoyed anytime.

You should definitely try to make Rice Stuffed Tomatoes with leftover rice because it's a simple yet delicious dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice into a delightful meal.

The combination of sweet, juicy tomatoes with savory rice, herbs, and spices creates a mouthwatering experience. Plus, it’s customizable, which allows you to experiment with different herbs, spices, and even cheese to suit your taste.

Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this dish is perfect for those with dietary restrictions. You can be served as a side dish, light meal, or main course, these are versatile and perfect for any time of day.

Mango Sticky Rice is a delightful Thai dessert that cleverly repurposes leftover rice. To make it, soak and steam 1 cup of glutinous rice. Meanwhile, cook ⅔ cup of coconut milk with ½ cup of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt to create a syrup.

Once the rice is done, pour the hot syrup over it, stir to break up lumps, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Serve by placing a scoop of the coconut-flavored sticky rice on a plate, adding sliced ripe mango on the side, and topping with crispy mung beans or toasted sesame seeds.

This easy and tasty dessert is perfect for reducing food waste while satisfying your sweet tooth.

Rice Balls, or Onigiri, are a simple and delicious way to use leftover rice. To prepare, mix 2 cups of cooked rice with 1/2 cup of water to achieve a sticky consistency, adjusting the water or rice as needed.

Divide the mixture into small portions, shaping each into a triangle or oval. Optionally, add fillings like salmon, tuna, pickled plum, or boiled egg by placing a small amount in the center and pressing the edges to seal.

Finally, shape the balls into a neat form and serve with soy sauce, wasabi, or other dipping sauces for a quick and tasty snack or meal.

The dish features chicken seasoned with taco seasoning, which can be adjusted to taste, and sauteed vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic. It’s simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and the ingredients are easy to find.

The tacos can be customized with toppings like salsa, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro, allowing for personal flavor combinations. This meal is balanced, offering protein, carbohydrates, and fiber, and can be made healthier with brown rice and lean chicken.

Moreover, for variations you can include different types of rice and seasonings. Plus, leftover cooked chicken can also be used.

Stuffed peppers are another recipe from leftover rice. They are straightforward to make by filling bell peppers with a mixture of rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese, then you have to bake until tender.

This dish is nutritious, high in fiber and vitamins, and can be changed to suit various tastes and dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options. They offer a variety of filling options, which ensures they remain interesting and satisfying.

Additionally, they reheat easily, making them a convenient meal for busy days.

The rice and lentil bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that utilizes leftover rice, combining it with lentils for a flavorful and nutritious meal. The lentils add protein and fiber, making the dish filling and healthy.

Interestingly, it’s quick to prepare as it takes less than 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, and you can customize it with different lentils, vegetables, and spices to suit your taste.

This dish is also budget-friendly, using affordable ingredients and helping to reduce food waste by repurposing leftover rice and vegetables.

To make this delicious dish using leftover rice, start by blanching a cabbage head in boiling water and separating the leaves. Prepare a filling by mixing leftover rice with ground beef, onions, garlic, and seasonings.

Likewise, place a portion of the filling on each cabbage leaf, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Cover with tomato sauce and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked.

Lastly, serve with extra tomato sauce and garnish with fresh parsley for a delicious and comforting meal.

Simple Seoul Bibimbap is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that uses leftover rice. It includes a variety of sauteed vegetables like zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and spinach, which are cooked with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Thinly sliced beef marinated in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil adds a savory touch. Fried eggs are placed on top, adding richness. The dish is finished with a Bibimbap sauce made from gochujang paste, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

All the ingredients are arranged in a bowl and served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld. Bibimbap is versatile and can be customized with different vegetables, meats, or sauces.

This dish is a flavorful way to use leftover rice for a satisfying meal. To make it, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and mix cooked rice, mozzarella, Parmesan, beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

After that, press this mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish to form a crust. Saute diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, add fresh spinach, and cook until wilted.

You can season with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then layer the spinach mixture over the rice crust and pour the egg mixture on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden. Let it cool before serving, and enjoy a dish that's perfect for any meal.

Kimchi fried rice combines the spicy tang of kimchi with the comfort of fried rice. This dish is easy to make in under 30 minutes, it's perfect for quick meals. Likewise, it is packed with bold flavors from kimchi, gochujang, and soy sauce, which adds excitement to leftover rice.

Plus, kimchi's probiotics make it a nutritious choice. Customizable with various veggies, proteins, and toppings, it suits all tastes. Its cultural significance in Korean cuisine adds to its appeal, offering a taste of Korean tradition.

Overall, Kimchi fried rice transforms leftovers into a delicious and satisfying meal.

The chicken casserole is a simple and comforting dish perfect for using leftover rice and chicken. It combines cooked rice and shredded or cubed chicken with a can of cream of chicken soup to create a creamy and flavorful base.

Spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are added for extra taste, and cheddar cheese is melted on top. The mixture is spread into a 9x13-inch dish and baked until the cheese is bubbly.

You can also customize the casserole by adding vegetables like peas or broccoli and using different cheeses or spices.

This is another tasty and creative way to use leftover rice. To make it, mix cooked rice with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add grapeseed oil and stir until the rice is well-coated.

Then, serve as a side dish or a base for salads and bowls. You can customize it with colorful additions like bell peppers and carrots, or experiment with different spices like cumin or paprika.

In addition, try variations like adding parsley and bell peppers for a festive look or mixing with marshmallows and sprinkles for a fun dessert.