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
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.
Notes
- Using cold risotto makes shaping easier.
- Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes as a lighter alternative.
- Arancini freeze well before frying—thaw slightly and fry from chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
