Italian Arancini (Crispy Stuffed Rice Balls)

Short Description

Arancini are crispy, golden-brown Italian rice balls stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, then coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. These Sicilian delicacies are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or meal, and pair beautifully with marinara sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside
• Authentic Sicilian street food made at home
• Great for using leftover risotto or rice
• Stuffed with gooey mozzarella for a melty center
• Perfect for parties, appetizers, or a snack

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Rice:

• Arborio rice (short-grain rice)
• Chicken or vegetable broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Butter
• Salt and black pepper

For the Filling:

• Mozzarella cheese, cubed
• Cooked ground beef or sausage (optional)
• Peas (optional)

For the Coating:

• All-purpose flour
• Eggs, beaten
• Breadcrumbs (Italian-style or panko)

For Frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil

For Serving (Optional):

• Marinara sauce
• Fresh basil

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

1. Bring broth to a boil and stir in the arborio rice.
2. Reduce heat and simmer until the rice is tender and absorbs the liquid.
3. Stir in butter, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.
4. Let the rice cool completely before handling.

Step 2: Shape the Arancini

1. Take a scoop of rice and flatten it in your palm.
2. Place a cube of mozzarella (and optional meat or peas) in the center.
3. Enclose the filling with more rice and shape into a ball.

Step 3: Coat the Rice Balls

1. Roll each rice ball in flour.
2. Dip into beaten eggs.
3. Coat with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.

Step 4: Fry the Arancini

1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the rice balls in batches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve warm with marinara sauce and fresh basil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12–15 arancini
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Sicilian Classic: Add saffron to the rice for extra flavor.
• Spinach & Ricotta: Stuff with ricotta and sautéed spinach.
• Truffle Arancini: Add truffle oil to the rice for a gourmet touch.
• Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked arancini for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or air-fry for crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use leftover risotto?

Yes! Arancini are a great way to use up leftover risotto.

What’s the best cheese for the filling?

Mozzarella is traditional, but you can also use fontina, provolone, or gouda.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the arancini from falling apart?

Make sure the rice is sticky and cold before shaping.

Can I air-fry arancini?

Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, spraying lightly with oil.

Can I make mini arancini?

Yes! Make bite-sized versions for party appetizers.

What’s the difference between arancini and suppli?

Suppli (Roman-style) are typically filled only with mozzarella, while Sicilian arancini may contain meat and peas.

Can I add tomato sauce to the rice?

Yes! Mixing a little tomato sauce into the rice adds extra flavor.

What do I serve with arancini?

Marinara sauce, pesto, or a simple salad pairs well.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.

Conclusion

Italian Arancini are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a must-try for any food lover. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these golden rice balls bring the taste of Sicily to your table. Enjoy them hot, fresh, and with your favorite dipping sauce!

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