Easy Italian Arancini Recipe: Crispy Rice Balls with Cheese
Italian Arancini are a true Italian delicacy and a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. These golden, crispy rice balls are typically stuffed with a savory filling, like gooey mozzarella cheese, and then deep-fried to perfection. Arancini is a classic comfort food from Sicily that’s enjoyed worldwide, and once you try them, you’ll understand why.
Making Arancini at home may seem intimidating, but this recipe is surprisingly simple and requires only a few key ingredients. From the creamy rice to the melty cheese inside, every bite of these crispy rice balls will transport you to Italy. Arancini are not just delicious, but they’re also highly customizable. You can experiment with different fillings, such as bolognese sauce, peas, or mushrooms, to suit your tastes.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a snack, or just craving a taste of Italy, Italian Arancini are sure to become a crowd favorite. Let’s dive into making these irresistible, crispy rice balls!
Equipment
- Large Pot: To cook the risotto or rice for the filling, you'll need a large pot.
- Shallow Bowls: For breading the Arancini, you’ll need shallow bowls for the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Large Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop: To portion the rice for shaping the Arancini into balls.
- Sharp Knife: To chop ingredients like cheese or vegetables for the filling.
- Deep Fryer or Large Skillet: For frying the Arancini, a deep fryer or large skillet works best to ensure even frying.
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs: To carefully remove the fried Arancini from the hot oil.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
- Serving Plate: To serve your crispy, golden Arancini once they’re done!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked risotto preferably cooled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs one for the rice mixture, one for breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for breading
- 2 cups breadcrumbs preferably Italian-style
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: If you don’t have leftover risotto, cook the risotto and let it cool to room temperature. You can use any type of risotto, but a Parmesan-flavored risotto works best for flavor.
- Shape the Arancini: Once the risotto has cooled, take small portions of the rice and flatten them in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and gently shape the rice into a ball, ensuring the cheese is sealed inside. Repeat until all the rice is used up.
- Bread the Arancini: In a shallow bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, place the flour, and in a third, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each rice ball into the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, ensuring each ball is well-covered.
- Fry the Arancini: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the rice balls into the oil and fry them in batches for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Once the Arancini are golden brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
To make your Italian Arancini even more delicious, try adding extra flavor to the rice by incorporating herbs like basil or thyme. You can also stuff the rice balls with a mix of cheeses, such as ricotta and Parmesan, for an extra creamy filling. For a unique twist, add a bit of spicy sausage or cooked vegetables like peas and mushrooms to the filling. Lastly, serve the Arancini with a tangy marinara or spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping.