Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the crunch and molten cheese of homemade Arancini Rice Balls—golden, crispy on the outside, and irresistible with every warm, gooey bite. These Italian rice balls are my go-to comfort food and an unforgettable way to turn simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make unforgettable Arancini Rice Balls, you’ll need just a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays a special role, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these irresistible little treats so much more than the sum of their parts.

• Olive oil & unsalted butter: The pairing gives a rich base for sautéing onions and ham, building flavor from your very first stir.
• Onion: Sweet and aromatic, finely diced for that essential Italian foundation.
• Ham: Adds smoky depth and savory pops throughout each rice ball—don’t skip it!
• Jasmine rice (un-rinsed): Its starchiness is key for sticky, scoopable rice balls with that perfect, tender texture.
• Chardonnay (dry white wine): A splash lends subtle acidity and brightness, elevating the entire dish.
• Chicken broth or stock (hot): Hot liquid infuses the rice with deep, savory flavor as it cooks.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer—remember to sprinkle a little extra on the fried arancini, too!
• Peas (frozen, thawed): For pops of color, sweetness, and a little Italian tradition in each bite.
• Parsley (chopped): Brings brightness, freshness, and that beautiful vibrant look.
• Parmesan cheese (shredded): Infuses the rice with nutty, salty flavor and helps hold the balls together.
• Mozzarella cheese (cubed): The melty, stretchy heart of every Arancini Rice Ball you’ll crave!
• All-purpose flour, eggs, and Italian breadcrumbs: The holy trinity for breading that creates the shatteringly crisp exterior.
• Oil for frying: Vegetable, canola, or grapeseed—enough to make your Arancini golden and mouthwatering.

Variations

The beauty of Arancini Rice Balls is in their adaptability! Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients, tweak the filling, or accommodate dietary preferences—the possibilities are endlessly delicious and so fun to play around with.

• Vegetarian Arancini: Simply skip the ham and use vegetable broth for a totally meat-free crowd-pleaser. Add extra peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
• Classic Ragu-Filled: Tradition meets indulgence—swap the ham for a little spoonful of rich meat ragu at the center with your mozzarella cube!
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in fontina, provolone, or gouda for a totally different cheesy center with loads of character.

How to Make Arancini Rice Balls

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or a large heavy-bottomed pot. Toss in your finely diced onion, sautéing until it’s soft, fragrant, and beautifully golden—about 4-5 minutes. Add the ham, letting it brown slightly for irresistible savoriness. Once it’s all glistening and aromatic, stir in the rice so every grain gets coated with flavorful fats—this step sets the foundation for the best-ever Arancini Rice Balls.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Pour in the Chardonnay and let it bubble until almost evaporated, then add the hot chicken broth and salt. Stir, then cover and let the rice gently simmer until the liquid is absorbed—about 15-17 minutes. Fold in those sweet peas, cover once more, and cook an additional 2 minutes. Spread this creamy, flavorful mixture onto a large baking sheet to cool to room temperature. Cooling is non-negotiable here, or your rice balls will fall apart!

Step 3: Mix, Shape & Stuff

When the rice is cool, stir in fresh parsley and shredded Parmesan until evenly combined. With damp hands (trust me, this trick saves you!), scoop up hefty portions and gently flatten in your palm. Tuck a mozzarella cube into the center of each, then mold the rice around the cheese, rolling firmly to create tight, round balls.

Step 4: Bread the Balls

Set up a simple breading station with three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each rice ball in flour first, dip into the egg (let excess drip off), then roll it in breadcrumbs, patting gently so every bit is coated in golden crunch. Bread all your balls before frying—this way, the process is quick and mess-free.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Pour about an inch of your preferred oil into a deep, heavy pot and heat to 350°F. Carefully add a few breaded balls at a time—don’t crowd the pot! Fry for about 3 minutes, gently turning so each side becomes evenly golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and serve these Arancini Rice Balls fresh and hot, preferably with marinara on the side!

How to Serve Arancini Rice Balls

Garnishes

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, shower your Arancini Rice Balls with a little extra chopped parsley and a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving. Sometimes a few basil leaves or a drizzle of good olive oil make them feel extra special, too!

Side Dishes

These little spheres are super versatile—serve them as a party appetizer with bowls of warm marinara or arrabbiata, or pair them with a crisp green salad and some roasted veggies for a fun, hearty meal. They’re the star of any Italian-inspired spread!

Creative Ways to Present

I love stacking Arancini Rice Balls in a towering pyramid on a rustic wooden board for a striking party centerpiece. For appetizers, serve in mini cups with a spoonful of sauce at the bottom, or skewer them for an irresistible “tasting flight.” You can even make them bite-sized for the ultimate cocktail snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled, leftover Arancini Rice Balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their shape beautifully and are just as tasty the next day, especially when warmed up!

Freezing

To freeze, place breaded but uncooked arancini on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or freezer container. You can fry them straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the cooking time, and you’ll always have a delicious snack ready to go.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat arancini in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes, until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can—it makes the outside a bit soft, and we all know the crunch is half the fun!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bit of Italian love and lots of comfort, these golden, cheesy Arancini Rice Balls are just the thing. I hope you’ll give them a try—your kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas, and you’ll have a plate of pure happiness to share with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!

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