Description
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these cheesy Italian arancini balls are filled with melted mozzarella and rich risotto. Perfect as a comforting snack, appetizer, or party dish.
Ingredients
2 cups Arborio rice
4 cups warm chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil, for frying
Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat and cook the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
- Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains.
- Gradually add the warm chicken broth, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to absorb before adding more. Continue until the rice is tender and creamy.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Spread the rice on a tray and let it cool completely.
- Once cooled, scoop some rice into your hand, flatten it, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and shape it into a ball.
- Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain briefly and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
You can add cooked ground meat or peas to the rice for a traditional variation.
Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina for richer flavor.
For a lighter option, bake instead of fry, though texture will be less crispy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Freeze before frying for best results; fry directly from frozen with extra cooking time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini ball
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
