Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish to impress your guests or family? Look no further than this Baked Arancini recipe! These crispy, cheesy rice balls are bursting with flavor and are perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of creamy risotto, gooey mozzarella cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these arancini in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch of these arancini ahead of time and enjoy them as a quick snack or meal throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Arborio rice: Known for its creamy texture, Arborio rice is essential for making arancini.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor to the rice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty and salty flavor.
- Bread crumbs: Gives the arancini a crispy exterior.
- Eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
- Mozzarella cheese cubed: Melts beautifully inside the arancini.
- Chopped parsley: Adds freshness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
- Olive oil: Used for brushing the arancini before baking.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Arborio rice in chicken broth until creamy.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, eggs, mozzarella, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and bake until golden and crispy.
Helpful Tips:
- Use cold leftover risotto for extra flavor.
- For a twist, add cooked ground meat or vegetables to the filling.
- To make the arancini ahead of time, freeze them before baking and bake when ready to serve.
- Substitute different cheeses or herbs to customize the flavor.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a cookie scoop to portion out the rice mixture for uniform arancini.
- For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs.
- Experiment with different fillings like sun-dried tomatoes or pancetta for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Baked Arancini as an appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. Pair with a glass of chilled white wine for a complete dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I fry the arancini instead of baking them? Yes, you can fry the arancini in hot oil until golden brown.
- Can I use different types of rice for this recipe? Arborio rice works best for its creamy texture, but you can experiment with other short-grain rice varieties.
- Can I make these arancini gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for these delicious Baked Arancini, give it a try and watch as everyone falls in love with this flavorful dish. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy every bite of these crispy, cheesy rice balls!
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Baked Arancini Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Arancini Recipe combines creamy Arborio rice, savory chicken broth, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Baked to golden perfection, these crispy balls make a perfect appetizer or main course option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
-
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Breading:
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Cook the Arborio Rice: In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer and cook the Arborio rice until tender.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let cool.
- Form Balls: Roll the rice mixture into balls, dip in beaten eggs, coat with bread crumbs.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake until golden and crispy.
Notes
- You can add diced ham or peas to the rice mixture for extra flavor.
- For a healthier option, you can air fry the arancini instead of baking them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini ball
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg