If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the magic of Italian street food right in your kitchen, this Arancini Rice Balls Recipe will transport you straight to a bustling Sicilian piazza. Each golden, crispy ball bursts with gooey cheese and tangy marinara hidden inside flavorful rice, making every bite an irresistible blend of comfort, crunch, and surprise. Whether you’re impressing a crowd or treating yourself to an indulgent snack, this recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together for a show-stopping appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Arancini Rice Balls Recipe is how a handful of everyday staples are transformed into something utterly special. Each ingredient has a starring role, lending its unique character to the final flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Arborio rice (2 cups, cooked): This short-grain rice is essential for the creamy, sticky base that holds the balls together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a rich, savory bite and pairs perfectly with the gooey filling.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, cut into small cubes): Tucks into the center and melts into a gloriously stringy core.
- Large eggs (2, divided): Help bind the mixture and act as a glue during the breading process.
- Marinara sauce (1/2 cup): Sneaks a bold, tomatoey surprise into every bite.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): Infuse classic Italian herb flavors and create the first layer of the crispy coating.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Ensures the breading clings tightly for perfect frying.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Give each ball that irresistible crunch on the outside.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every note of flavor from the rice and cheese.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of warmth without overpowering.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Necessary for getting that beautiful golden and crisp finish.
How to Make Arancini Rice Balls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Mixture
Start by letting your cooked Arborio rice cool completely to room temperature. This is the secret to easy shaping and less sticky hands! Once cool, combine the rice with grated Parmesan, one beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use a sturdy spoon (or your hands!) to mix until everything is thoroughly blended and the mixture holds together easily.
Step 2: Create the Filling
Take a small scoop of the rice mixture, flatten it gently in your palm, and make a little pocket in the center. Nestle a cube of mozzarella and a tiny spoonful of marinara sauce right in the middle. Then gently fold the rice up and around the filling, rolling it between your hands to form a tight, even ball.
Step 3: Shape All the Rice Balls
Repeat the process with the rest of the rice mixture and fillings. You’ll end up with about 12 perfectly formed balls, each with its molten mozzarella center and a spoonful of marinara just waiting to surprise you.
Step 4: Set Up Your Breading Station
Set out three shallow bowls: the first with all-purpose flour, the second with a beaten egg, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. Line them up in assembly-line style to make coating the rice balls quick and mess-free.
Step 5: Bread Each Rice Ball
Take each rice ball and roll it first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Be gentle but thorough—the better the coating, the crispier the final result!
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. When it shimmers (about 350°F, if you’re checking), fry the arancini in batches. Turn them occasionally until all sides are a deep golden brown and irresistibly crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
How to Serve Arancini Rice Balls Recipe
Garnishes
True to Italian tradition, serve your arancini hot and sprinkle with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley. A pinch of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can take things to the next level for guests who like a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This Arancini Rice Balls Recipe shines as a party appetizer, but they’re also lovely beside a crisp, peppery arugula salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or a platter of roasted Mediterranean vegetables. And don’t forget an extra bowl of marinara sauce for dipping—everyone will ask for it!
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful Italian-style feast, arrange the rice balls in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper, or stack them in a pyramid on a wooden board with dipping sauces around the base. Skewer mini arancini onto cocktail sticks for bite-sized hors d’oeuvres, or serve on a bed of marinara sauce for a dramatic, restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a few arancini left (though that’s rare), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. They’ll keep their flavor and will only need a quick warm-up before enjoying again.
Freezing
To get ahead, shape the rice balls and freeze them (unbreaded and unfried) on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month. When you’re ready, simply thaw, bread, and fry for a made-fresh taste any time cravings hit.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat arancini in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until piping hot and crunchy. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that signature crunch intact!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Arborio rice is ideal because of its creamy, sticky quality, but in a pinch, any short-grain rice will do. Just avoid long-grain varieties, as they won’t stick together as well when shaping each ball.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry the Arancini Rice Balls Recipe?
Yes! While classic arancini are fried for that iconic crust, you can bake them at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning once, for a lighter (though slightly less crisp) alternative.
Can I fill the arancini with other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment—try cooked mushrooms, spinach, or even diced ham. As long as your filling isn’t too wet, the sky’s the limit for creativity.
How do I keep the rice balls from falling apart while frying?
Make sure your rice mixture is cool and well-bound with enough egg. Compress the balls tightly when shaping and ensure each has a solid breading to lock everything together while frying.
What’s the best oil for frying the Arancini Rice Balls Recipe?
Opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. This keeps the flavor pure and the outside perfectly crisp!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Italian arancini at home, this Arancini Rice Balls Recipe is your perfect invitation. It’s simple, fun, and practically guaranteed to win hearts at first bite. Roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite people, and enjoy sharing these golden treasures together!
Print
Arancini Rice Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rice balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these crispy and cheesy Arancini Rice Balls. A classic Italian appetizer made with Arborio rice, gooey mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce – fried to perfection!
Ingredients
Rice Balls:
- 2 cups cooked Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg (beaten)
Other:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Rice Mixture: Combine Arborio rice, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form Rice Balls: Flatten a portion of the mixture, add mozzarella and marinara, enclose and roll into balls.
- Breading Station: Set up flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
- Bread and Fry: Coat each rice ball in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown.
- Serve: Drain excess oil on paper towels and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone for varied flavors.
- For convenience, freeze shaped rice balls before breading and frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
