Arancini Italian Rice Balls

Crispy on the outside and irresistibly creamy on the inside, these Arancini (Italian rice balls) are the perfect snack or appetizer! Filled with cheese, herbs, and flavorful rice, each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by warm, gooey goodness. Serve with marinara sauce for the ultimate Italian comfort food experience.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

• Golden Crispiness: A crunchy, fried coating that’s totally satisfying.
• Cheesy, Savory Filling: Melted mozzarella in the center for that oozy bite.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great as a party appetizer or family dinner side.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Rice Mixture:

• Arborio Rice (1 ½ cups): Perfect for that creamy texture.
• Chicken Broth (3 cups): Adds depth of flavor to the rice.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): A rich, nutty kick.
• Egg (1 large): Helps bind the mixture together.
• Mozzarella (cubed, 1-inch pieces): The gooey center surprise.
• Butter (2 tbsp): For extra creaminess.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

For Coating:

• Flour (½ cup): To coat the rice balls before frying.
• Eggs (2, beaten): Helps the breadcrumbs stick.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For a golden, crispy coating.
• Olive Oil (for frying): Enough to deep-fry or pan-fry.

For Serving:

• Marinara Sauce (1 cup, warm): For dipping or drizzling.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Optional but recommended!

Let’s Make Arancini Italian Rice Balls

1. Cook the Arborio Rice
   • In a pot, cook the Arborio rice with chicken broth until tender and creamy (about 15-20 minutes). Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Let the rice cool.
2. Form the Rice Balls
   • Once the rice has cooled, mix in a beaten egg. Take a handful of rice, press a cube of mozzarella into the center, and form a ball around it. Repeat with the remaining rice and mozzarella.
3. Coat the Rice Balls
   • Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat in breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully covered for that crispy shell.
4. Fry Until Golden
   • Heat olive oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the rice balls in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve with Marinara Sauce
   • Plate the rice balls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

What to Serve with Arancini

• A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables

Tips for Perfect Arancini

• Chill the Rice: Let the rice cool before forming the balls. It helps them hold their shape.
• Don’t Skimp on the Coating: A thorough coating of breadcrumbs ensures they fry up perfectly crispy.
• Make Ahead: Prep the rice balls, coat them, and store in the fridge until ready to fry.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze uncooked rice balls and fry them straight from frozen when needed.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Can I use a different cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! Try provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for a fun twist.

Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Italian rice balls will steal the show at any meal or gathering. Crispy, cheesy, and totally addictive, they’re a surefire hit every time! Don’t forget to serve them with extra marinara sauce and share your creations online—your friends will thank you.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 430mg

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