Description
Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls are a classic Sicilian street food made with creamy risotto, stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables, and then fried to crispy perfection. Ideal as a party food or Italian appetizer.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cups chicken broth, warm
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed (optional)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Risotto: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add the Arborio rice and stir to coat the grains in butter.
- Cook the Risotto: Gradually add the warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender, about 18-20 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the risotto to cool completely.
- Form the Arancini Balls: Take a spoonful of risotto and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese in the center and shape the rice around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining risotto and cheese.
- Coat the Arancini: Dip each rice ball into the beaten eggs, then roll it in Panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Fry the Arancini: Heat the olive oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the arancini hot with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
If you don’t have Arborio rice, you can substitute another short-grain rice, but the texture may be slightly different.
Make sure the risotto is completely cool before forming the arancini balls to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 7g