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Classic Cheesy Arancini: Crispy Italian Rice Balls

Two golden brown, deep-fried rice balls on a white plate, one cut open revealing a cheesy interior.
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Make these classic Italian rice balls, known as Arancini. They are crispy on the outside, filled with melted cheese, and perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked risotto (leftover is fine)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped cooked ham or ground beef (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten for dredging
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked risotto, 1 beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. If using fillings, gently fold in the thawed peas and ham or meat.
  3. Place the mozzarella cheese in the refrigerator to keep it very cold.
  4. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture into your palm. Flatten it slightly. Place a small cube of cold mozzarella cheese in the center.
  5. Carefully mold the rice around the cheese to form a tight ball, ensuring the cheese is completely sealed inside. Repeat with the remaining rice mixture.
  6. Set up a standard breading station: one shallow dish with flour, one with the 2 beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
  7. Dredge each rice ball first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  8. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Carefully place 3-4 rice balls into the hot oil, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove the arancini with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  11. Serve immediately while the cheese is melted. These are great for party appetizer ideas or as a satisfying comfort food rice balls option.

Notes

  • For a lighter option, you can bake these rice balls at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
  • If you are planning for meal prep rice balls, you can form them and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
  • These fried rice balls work well with a simple marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/cheesy-fried-rice-balls-arancini-recipe/