The Ultimate Cheesy Arancini Balls Recipe: Golden Crispy Goodness

Crispy golden spheres of risotto, packed with melted mozzarella cheesy arancini balls, capture the heart of Italian street food magic.

These delectable rice fritters originate from Sicily’s rich culinary traditions.

Each bite delivers a crunchy exterior that gives way to a creamy, cheese-filled center.

Restaurants across Italy celebrate this beloved snack with passion and pride.

The combination of soft rice, sharp parmesan, and gooey mozzarella creates an irresistible texture that dances on your palate.

These bite-sized treats work perfectly as appetizers or party snacks that spark conversation.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet impressive dish that brings a taste of Naples right to your kitchen.

Why Italian Rice Balls Are Worth the Effort

• Tackle Complex Cooking: Transform basic ingredients into stunning Italian rice balls that look professionally crafted, challenging home cooks to elevate their culinary skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver irresistible cheesy, crispy bites packed with rich ham and melted mozzarella that guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike.
• Perfect Party Showstopper: Create impressive appetizers that wow guests with golden-brown exteriors and deliciously surprising center, making any gathering feel extra special.
• Flexible Meal Option: Adaptable recipe allowing creative modifications with different meats, cheeses, or vegetarian fillings to suit various dietary preferences and taste buds.

Ingredients Needed for Authentic Italian Rice Balls

• Rice: The core grain that forms the base of these delightful Italian rice balls.
• Ham: A savory protein that adds depth and richness to the rice mixture.
• Mozzarella: A creamy cheese that creates a delicious molten center in the rice balls.

• Onion, Parsley: Provide a fresh and aromatic flavor to the rice mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty taste that complements the other ingredients.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden exterior when the rice balls are fried.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying to achieve a perfect golden-brown color and crunchy texture.

• Peas: Add a pop of color and a slight sweetness to the rice mixture.
• White Wine: Provides a subtle depth of flavor during the rice cooking process.
• Hot Broth, Salt: Essential for cooking and seasoning the rice.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the dish.

How to Craft Italian Rice Balls Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sizzle The Aromatics

Grab a skillet and warm some oil with butter.

Toss in finely chopped onions and let them dance until they turn a beautiful golden brown, releasing their sweet, fragrant essence.

Step 2: Introduce Savory Ham

Sprinkle diced ham into the skillet, letting it sizzle and crisp up to a lovely golden color that adds depth and richness to your dish.

Step 3: Embrace The Rice

Pour in your rice, gently stirring to ensure each grain gets a luxurious coating of the flavorful oil and butter mixture.

Step 4: Splash Of Wine

Pour in a splash of white wine, allowing it to simmer and evaporate, leaving behind a subtle, sophisticated flavor.

Step 5: Create Creamy Risotto Base

Gradually add hot broth and a pinch of salt.

Let the rice simmer gently, absorbing the liquid and becoming wonderfully creamy and tender.

Step 6: Add Green Freshness

Fold in sweet green peas, letting them cook briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.

Step 7: Rapid Cooling

Spread the risotto mixture onto a baking sheet, allowing it to cool quickly and reach room temperature.

Step 8: Herbaceous Finish

Sprinkle in fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan, mixing thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 9: Shape With Care

Using slightly dampened hands, form the cooled mixture into perfect round balls.

Step 10: Cheesy Surprise

Create a small pocket in each rice ball and tuck a cube of mozzarella inside for a molten, cheesy center.

Step 11: Create A Crispy Coating

Roll each ball first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch.

Step 12: Prepare For Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 13: Golden Transformation

Carefully lower the rice balls into the hot oil, frying in small batches until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 14: Serve With Flair

Transfer the arancini to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Sprinkle with a touch of salt and serve piping hot, ready to delight your guests.

Top Tips for Golden, Crispy Rice Balls

• Expert Tips
• Refrigerate mixture for 1 hour to help rice balls hold shape perfectly.
• Keep hands slightly damp while forming balls to prevent sticky mess and create smooth surface.
• Use a wooden spoon to test oil heat – bubbles should gently form around the stick when ready for frying.
• Push mozzarella cube deep into rice ball's center to prevent cheese leakage during frying.
• Mix Italian seasoning or grated parmesan into breadcrumbs for extra flavor boost.

Italian Rice Ball Recipe Ideas and Add-Ons

• Vegetarian Rice Balls: Replace ham with chopped mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a meat-free version that's packed with umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free rice crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Mediterranean Variation: Add red pepper flakes, diced sundried tomatoes, and swap mozzarella with feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired rice ball.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Use riced cauliflower instead of traditional rice, keeping the same cooking method and cheese filling for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version.

Serving Italian Rice Balls Like a Pro

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange rice balls on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Dipping Delight: Serve alongside marinara sauce, pesto, or garlic aioli for extra flavor that guests will love.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a casual dinner experience by placing rice balls on a large platter with mixed green salad and crusty Italian bread.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match these crispy rice balls with a chilled Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the meal's Mediterranean charm.

Storing Italian Rice Balls After Cooking

• Store leftover rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual uncooked rice balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated rice balls in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture and maintain the crispy exterior of the rice balls.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for arancini?

The key ingredients are rice, ham, peas, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, eggs, breadcrumbs, and broth.

• Are these rice balls difficult to make?

While they require multiple steps, home cooks can easily master arancini with practice and patience.

• What type of rice works best?

Arborio or carnaroli rice are ideal because they have high starch content that helps rice balls hold together.

• Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture in advance and refrigerate before forming and frying the balls.

Cheesy Arancini Balls Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sicilian comfort meets culinary artistry in these golden cheesy arancini balls, crispy outside and creamy inside. Packed with rich risotto and melted mozzarella, these irresistible bites invite you to savor a taste of Italian tradition.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 2 cups Jasmine rice
• 5 cups hot chicken broth
• 1 cup Chardonnay (dry white wine)

Protein and Cheese Components:

• 1 cup ham, finely diced (3 ounces)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces mozzarella, cut into 24 cubes
• 3 large eggs, beaten

Supporting Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Gently caramelize diced onions in a blend of oil and butter until they turn a soft, translucent golden hue.
2. Introduce diced ham to the pan, sautéing until edges crisp and turn a rich, appetizing brown.
3. Incorporate rice, carefully stirring to ensure each grain gets evenly coated with the fragrant oil.
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing the liquid to completely evaporate and infuse the rice with subtle flavor.
5. Pour in hot broth, seasoning with salt, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-17 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid absorbs.
6. Fold in sweet green peas, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
7. Spread the rice mixture onto a baking sheet, allowing it to cool and set completely at room temperature.
8. Fold chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese into the cooled rice, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
9. Using moistened hands, carefully shape the rice mixture into uniform, compact balls.
10. Create a small pocket in each rice ball and nestle a cube of mozzarella at its center.
11. Create a three-stage coating: dust each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, then roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
12. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan, ensuring consistent temperature.
13. Carefully lower rice balls into hot oil, frying in small batches until they achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
14. Transfer fried rice balls to paper towels to drain excess oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Prevent sticky hands by keeping fingers wet when forming rice balls, ensuring smooth and even shaping.
• Chill the rice mixture thoroughly before forming balls to help them maintain structure and prevent falling apart during frying.
• Use high-quality breadcrumbs for extra crispy exterior, considering panko for ultimate crunchiness.
• Try alternative fillings like sun-dried tomatoes or different cheeses to customize the rice balls for various dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg