🍘 Arancini Recipe – Crispy Italian Rice Balls
Arancini are golden, crispy Italian rice balls made from creamy risotto, stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, then breaded and deep-fried to perfection. Originating in Sicily, Arancini are a popular street food and appetizer that’s crunchy on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside.
This recipe will guide you step by step to make authentic arancini at home – perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party dish.
📝 Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked risotto (cooled, ideally from the day before)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional filling: cooked ground beef with tomato sauce or peas
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare risotto – Use leftover risotto or make fresh and cool completely.
- Shape balls – Take a small handful of risotto, flatten slightly, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and shape into a ball.
- Coat – Roll each ball in flour, dip into beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry – Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry arancini in batches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.
- Serve – Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with marinara or arrabbiata sauce for dipping
- Perfect as a party appetizer or finger food
- Pair with salad for a light meal
- Enjoy with a glass of Italian red wine
❓ FAQs about Arancini
Q1: Can I bake arancini instead of frying?
Yes. Brush with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
Q2: What’s the difference between Arancini and Supplì?
Arancini (Sicilian) are larger and often filled with meat and peas, while Supplì (Roman) are smaller and filled mainly with mozzarella.
Q3: Can I freeze arancini?
Yes. Freeze after breading, then fry or bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Q4: What type of risotto works best?
Risotto made with arborio rice is ideal because it’s starchy and binds well.
Q5: Can I make vegetarian arancini?
Definitely – fill with spinach, mushrooms, or just cheese.
🌟 Similar Recipes You May Like
- Risotto alla Milanese – Creamy saffron risotto, perfect for making arancini.
- Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy cheese-filled snack similar in texture.
- Fritto Misto – Italian-style fried seafood and vegetables.
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats – A baked alternative to stuffed snacks.
- Polenta Fries – Crispy fried polenta sticks, a fun Italian side.
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