Description
This classic Italian Arancini recipe features crispy, golden-fried rice balls stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese and flavored with Parmesan. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack, these arancini are served warm with marinara sauce for dipping and garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, they are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked risotto or cold cooked rice
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Garnish and Serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)
- Marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked risotto or cold rice with grated Parmesan cheese and one beaten egg. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture suitable for shaping.
- Form the arancini balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture into your hand, flatten it slightly, and place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Carefully mold the rice around the cheese to form a tight ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used.
- Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the second beaten egg, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball first in the flour to coat evenly, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs for a crispy outer layer.
- Heat oil and fry: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in batches, turning occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the arancini warm, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany them with marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, brush arancini lightly with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden instead of frying.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding peas or meat sauce inside for a traditional Sicilian twist.
- Make sure the rice mixture is cold and sticky enough to hold its shape when forming balls to prevent breaking during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure even cooking and avoid greasy arancini.
