Arancini rice balls are a delicious Italian treat that everyone will love. These crispy, golden balls of rice are stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese and bursting with flavor. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even as a main dish, these arancini rice balls are a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of savory ham, creamy cheese, and fragrant parsley make these arancini rice balls irresistible.
- Easy to make: While they may seem fancy, these rice balls are actually quite simple to prepare and require only a few basic ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch of these arancini rice balls and freeze them for later. They make a convenient and tasty snack or meal.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Arancini Rice Balls::
- Olive oil and unsalted butter: These provide the base for sautéing the onions and ham, adding richness and flavor.
- Onion and ham: These add depth and savory notes to the rice balls.
- Jasmine rice: The key ingredient for the rice balls, providing a sticky texture that holds everything together.
- Chardonnay and chicken broth: These liquids help cook the rice and infuse it with flavor.
- Frozen peas, parsley, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese: These add color, freshness, and cheesy goodness to the rice balls.
For Breading/ Frying::
- All-purpose flour, eggs, Italian bread crumbs, and oil for frying: These ingredients are used to coat the rice balls before frying, creating a crispy exterior.
Step-by-Step Instructions based on Ingredients:
- In a Dutch oven, sauté the onions and ham in olive oil and butter until golden.
- Add the rice and cook with white wine and chicken broth until tender.
- Stir in peas, parsley, and parmesan cheese, then form the rice balls with mozzarella centers.
- Dredge the rice balls in flour, eggs, and bread crumbs before frying until golden brown.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce.
Helpful Tips:
- Use wet hands to prevent the rice from sticking when forming the balls.
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use Arborio rice for a creamier texture.
- Experiment with different fillings like sundried tomatoes or prosciutto for variety.
- Serve with a side of arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
Serving Suggestions:
These arancini rice balls pair perfectly with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside a fresh green salad for a light meal. For drinks, try a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the rice balls in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these rice balls ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rice balls up to the breading stage and refrigerate them until ready to fry.
- Can I freeze the rice balls? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked rice balls for up to 3 months. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or fontina for a unique twist on this recipe.
Conclusion:
These arancini rice balls are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re looking for a tasty appetizer or a satisfying meal, these crispy, cheesy rice balls are a must-try. Give this recipe a go and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of these homemade arancini rice balls. Share your experience with us in the comments below!
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Arancini Rice Balls Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious Arancini Rice Balls are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Arancini Rice Balls:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup ham, finely diced (about 3 oz)
- 2 cups Jasmine rice, un-rinsed
- 1 cup Chardonnay (dry white wine)
- 5 cups chicken broth or stock (hot)
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to sprinkle fried arancini)
- 1 cup frozen peas, fully thawed
- 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes
For Breading/ Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten with a fork
- 1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs
- Oil for frying, vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil
Instructions
- Saute Onion and Ham: Heat olive oil and butter in a pot, saute onion and ham until golden.
- Cook Rice: Add rice, wine, and broth; simmer until liquid is absorbed. Stir in peas.
- Add Flavors: Cool rice, then mix in parsley and parmesan. Form rice balls with mozzarella centers.
- Bread and Fry: Dredge balls in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown.
- Serve: Sprinkle with salt and enjoy warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the fillings of the rice balls with different cheeses or meats.
- Make sure to properly seal the rice balls to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice ball
- Calories: 250 kcal
- 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: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg