There’s something utterly magical about crispy, golden Italian rice balls filled with gooey cheese, and that’s exactly what you’ll experience with this Arancini Recipe. Each bite is a delightful mix of creamy risotto, sharp Parmesan, a molten core of mozzarella, and that thinnest crunch on the outside. Imagine yourself in a bustling Sicilian market, the aroma of frying arancini in the air—it’s comfort food at its best, perfect for sharing at parties, entertaining guests, or treating yourself to a cozy night in. If you’ve never tried making arancini at home, now’s the time; the process is fun, and the payoff is huge!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Arancini Recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on just a few staple ingredients that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each component has a role to play—in the color, crunch, savoriness, and satisfaction of every bite!
- Cooked and cooled risotto or short-grain rice (2 cups): The heart of the dish! Use leftover risotto if you have it, or just cook some rice and let it chill—it needs to be cold so the balls hold their shape.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds that nuttiness and salty depth that makes every bite more savory.
- Large eggs (2, divided): One goes into the rice mixture for binding, the other helps the crumbs stick for that perfect crispy coating.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): This turns molten inside the arancini for an irresistible cheesy center.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Gives the rice balls a foundation for the breading to cling.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): For that signature golden, crunchy exterior—pre-seasoned ones are perfect!
- Marinara sauce (1 cup, for serving): The tangy, tomato-y dip that adds a fresh zing and classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and elevating all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Make sure your oil is hot and ready to create that gorgeous crust.
How to Make Arancini Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Rice Base
In a large bowl, combine your cooked and cooled risotto (or short-grain rice), grated Parmesan, one beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly—the starch from the rice and the egg will help everything stick together, while the cheesy goodness gets distributed in every bite. This is the moment where you lay the flavor foundation for those dreamy little rice balls.
Step 2: Shape and Fill the Arancini
Scoop about two tablespoons of your rice mixture into your hand and flatten it just a bit. Place a small chunk of mozzarella in the center, then gently shape the rice around the cheese, rolling it into a snug little ball. This step is where the magic happens—imagine pulling apart a finished arancini and watching that mozzarella stretch!
Step 3: Dredge and Bread
Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for the second beaten egg, and one for those crispy Italian breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour first (for an even base), then dip in the egg (so the crumbs stick well), and finally coat in the breadcrumbs. Each layer brings crispy goodness to the finished Arancini Recipe.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Working in batches, fry the arancini for 3 to 4 minutes, turning now and then until they’re deeply golden and crispy all over. Drain your precious spheres on a paper towel-lined plate. The aroma alone will have everyone crowding around the stove!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up your hot, crisp arancini alongside warm marinara sauce. Watch the reactions as everyone discovers the cheesy core inside—the perfect reward for making this Arancini Recipe from scratch.
How to Serve Arancini Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing takes these Italian rice balls from delicious to dazzling! A scatter of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top gives vibrant color and lively flavor. For a touch of elegance, add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of quality olive oil.
Side Dishes
These arancini are stars on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables for color and nutrition. If you’re planning a larger spread, consider antipasti like marinated olives, grilled zucchini, or even a platter of Italian cold cuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Arancini Recipe as Italian “tapas” on a board, nestled in lettuce cups, or skewered with toothpicks for party snacks. For a fun twist, create an “arancini bar” where guests can dip into different sauces, like pesto, roasted garlic aioli, or spicy arrabbiata.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover arancini (lucky you!), simply cool them completely before transferring to an airtight container. Pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors deepen a bit as they sit, making your next snack even tastier!
Freezing
Arancini are wonderfully freezer-friendly. Place unfried, breaded rice balls on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. You can fry straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the frying time.
Reheating
To revive leftover arancini, pop them in a hot oven (about 350°F) for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp again. If you’re in a rush, the air fryer works beautifully too. Microwaving can soften the crust, but you’ll still get that melty mozzarella delight inside.
FAQs
Can I use leftover risotto for this Arancini Recipe?
Absolutely! This dish is a classic way to give yesterday’s risotto new life, and the flavors deepen even more after hanging out in the fridge.
What if I don’t have mozzarella—can I substitute another cheese?
Definitely—try cubes of provolone, fontina, or even sharp cheddar for a different twist on the classic filling. Just pick a cheese that melts well.
Can I make the rice balls in advance?
Yes, you can form and bread the arancini up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them chilled until you’re ready to fry and serve for peak crispiness.
Do I have to deep fry, or can I bake them instead?
You can bake the breaded arancini on a rack at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, spraying them lightly with oil. They won’t be quite as crisp but will still be delicious.
How can I add more flavor variations to the Arancini Recipe?
Feel free to stir in a spoonful of cooked peas, minced herbs, or even a bit of cooked ground meat with the risotto before shaping. Make it your own—every Italian family has their special touch!
Final Thoughts
There’s pure joy in making and sharing this Arancini Recipe—crispy outside, cheesy inside, and entirely irresistible. Don’t be surprised if they vanish in minutes! Give this recipe a try soon; it might just become your new favorite Italian appetizer.
Print
Arancini Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 arancini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy and delicious arancini are Italian rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella, made from leftover risotto, and fried to perfection. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Risotto Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled risotto or short-grain rice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling and Coating:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
For Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Risotto Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked risotto, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form the Arancini: Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture, flatten it, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and shape into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Coat the Arancini: Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Arancini: Heat oil to 350°F, fry the arancini in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare the arancini ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying.
- Feel free to customize the filling with peas, ground meat, or herbs for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
