Name: Arancini Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and cooled risotto (or leftover risotto); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; Salt and black pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying; Small cubes of ham; Cooked peas; More cheese

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If you’re craving a taste of true Italian comfort food, this Arancini Recipe is pure magic. Each rice ball is crispy on the outside, perfectly tender within, and oozing with melted mozzarella at its heart. Whether you’re relying on leftover risotto or roasting up a fresh batch, arancini bring restaurant-worthy flavor right to your kitchen. The golden exterior hides a creamy, cheesy center that practically demands to be dipped into zesty marinara sauce. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again, sharing with friends or sneaking directly from the plate—no judgment here!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Arancini Recipe is in its humble, accessible ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature crisp shell and gooey center. Don’t overlook any single component, as together they set the stage for authentic Italian bliss.

Cooked and cooled risotto (2 cups): Cold risotto makes shaping the arancini a breeze and gives the balls the perfect texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): This is the star of the show, delivering irresistible melty goodness in every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, savory kick and helps the rice stick together beautifully.
Large eggs (2, divided): One helps bind the mixture; the other is essential for the breading process.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Coats each ball for that essential first layer before breading.
Italian-style breadcrumbs (1 cup): Delivers that signature crunch and golden color after frying.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Seasons everything to perfection, amplifying each flavor.
Vegetable oil for frying: Makes sure each arancini fries up crisp and evenly golden.
Optional filling: small cubes of ham, cooked peas, or more cheese: Get creative and customize the centers to surprise your guests or please picky eaters.

How to Make Arancini Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Risotto Base

Combine your cooked, cold risotto in a large bowl with the grated Parmesan and one beaten egg. Stir thoroughly until everything’s well mixed—this step is key to making the mixture hold together. Give it a quick taste and add salt and pepper if needed, making sure that your rice mixture is as flavorful as possible before rolling.

Step 2: Shape Your Arancini

Take about two tablespoons of the risotto mixture in your hands and flatten it gently. Drop a piece of mozzarella (or any optional filling you like) right in the center. Carefully mold the rice around the filling and roll it into a tight ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used—you should get about twelve beautiful rice balls.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

For classic Italian breading, you’ll need three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the second beaten egg, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Roll each shaped rice ball first in the flour (dust off any excess), then in the beaten egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. This triple-dip ensures a crispy, golden coating that shatters deliciously with every bite.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in small batches, turning occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re evenly golden and crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pot—this helps them brown evenly. Once done, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve While Hot

Arancini are at their absolute best straight from the fryer, when the cheese inside is perfectly melty. Serve hot with a generous side of marinara sauce for dipping and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Arancini Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate your arancini platter from tasty snack to irresistible appetizer. Try a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous zest. A flurry of extra grated Parmesan adds even more savory depth. And don’t forget a squeeze of lemon for a subtle, refreshing finish that brings every flavor to life.

Side Dishes

While arancini can totally steal the show on their own, they’re fantastic paired with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a medley of marinated olives. For heartier appetites, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup—think tomato basil or minestrone—to create the ultimate Italian small-plate spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For party-perfect presentation, serve arancini on a rustic wooden board with little ramekins of marinara and pesto for dipping. Stack them in a pyramid for a dramatic centerpiece, or skewer smaller arancini with cocktail sticks for easy, portable bites. You can even try making mini versions for a chic, bite-sized appetizer platter that guarantees compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover arancini (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, separated by parchment paper to maintain their crispness. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days.

Freezing

This Arancini Recipe freezes beautifully before frying. Arrange the shaped, breaded balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw slightly in the fridge before frying for best results, or bake straight from frozen if you’re in a hurry.

Reheating

To bring leftover arancini back to their former glory, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about ten minutes, or until the exterior is crisp and the inside is warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought risotto for this Arancini Recipe?

Absolutely! If you have access to ready-made risotto, it works just as well and saves time—just be sure it’s cooled before shaping the arancini.

What fillings can I use besides mozzarella?

Alongside mozzarella, classic fillings include small cubes of ham, cooked peas, or extra cheese. Feel free to experiment with what you love or have on hand.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Yes! For a lighter twist on the Arancini Recipe, simply arrange the breaded balls on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

Can this Arancini Recipe be made gluten free?

Definitely—just swap the all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. The result will still be deliciously crispy!

What oil is best for frying arancini?

Neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil, work best for deep frying and ensure an even, golden finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made arancini at home, this Arancini Recipe is the perfect place to start. With every bite, you’ll be transported to an Italian trattoria, no passport required. Gather your ingredients and give these golden rice balls a try—you might just find yourself making them for every celebration (and craving) to come!

Arancini Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 arancini 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious arancini, Italian rice balls filled with gooey mozzarella and crispy on the outside. These fried risotto balls are perfect as appetizers or snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups cooked and cooled risotto (or leftover risotto)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Optional Filling:

Small cubes of ham
Cooked peas
More cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Risotto Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the risotto, Parmesan cheese, and one beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper.
Shape the Arancini: Take 2 tablespoons of the mixture, flatten it, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, and shape into a ball. Repeat for remaining mixture.
Bread the Arancini: Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Fry the Arancini: Heat oil, fry the arancini until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.