Description
These Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls are crispy, golden-fried delights made with creamy Arborio rice, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a blend of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Perfectly breaded and fried to perfection, these appetizer-sized balls offer a deliciously cheesy center wrapped in flavorful rice, ideal for serving as a savory Italian starter or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked Arborio rice, cooled
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading and Frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten (for breading)
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (for breading)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked Arborio rice, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully integrated to create a cohesive rice mixture.
- Form the balls: Take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully wrap the rice around it, shaping it into a compact ball. Repeat this step with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
- Bread the arancini: Roll each rice ball first in the flour to coat evenly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the 1 1/2 cups of breadcrumbs ensuring a thorough and even coating. Place the breaded balls on a tray and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to help them firm up before frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C), preparing it for frying the arancini.
- Fry the balls: Carefully fry the arancini balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown and crispy exterior. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the arancini balls hot, optionally accompanied by marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the Italian flavors.
Notes
- Using leftover risotto works great for added flavor and texture.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the arancini instead of frying: place on a baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to achieve the perfect crispy texture without absorbing excess oil.
- Refrigerating the balls before frying helps them hold their shape during cooking.
