I still remember the first time I tasted Arancini—crispy, golden rice balls with a gooey cheese center. It was at a small family-run Italian restaurant tucked in a quiet alley. The aroma was so inviting, I ordered them without thinking twice. One bite was enough to make them unforgettable. That moment sparked my curiosity, and I knew I had to recreate them in my own kitchen. Since then, I’ve refined the recipe to suit my style, and now these little bites of heaven have become a cherished favorite in my home.
Over time, I’ve served these Arancini Rice Balls at gatherings, family dinners, and even casual snacks on rainy days. Their rustic charm and comforting texture never fail to impress. My version combines simple ingredients with a satisfying crunch and that irresistible cheesy middle that stretches with every bite.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The outer shell is crispy and golden, while the inside is warm, creamy, and filled with cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for anyone who loves a satisfying bite. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find this recipe both rewarding and surprisingly simple to master.
You’ll also love how fun they are to make—rolling the rice, shaping the balls, and coating them in breadcrumbs. It’s a great recipe to make with kids or friends, turning an ordinary meal into a special moment.
Versatile
Arancini Rice Balls can be made in so many ways. You can change the filling to suit your taste—think turkey bacon, chicken ham, peas, spinach, or ground beef. They’re great for using up leftover risotto, and you can even make a vegetarian version by simply omitting meat and adding more vegetables or cheese. Serve them with marinara sauce, garlic yogurt dip, or eat them just as they are.
They’re also perfect for different occasions—serve them as appetizers, party snacks, lunchbox fillers, or even a main dish with a salad.
Affordable
One of the best things about Arancini is how budget-friendly they are. The core ingredients—rice, cheese, flour, breadcrumbs—are all pantry staples. This means you can whip up a satisfying and elegant dish without needing fancy or expensive ingredients.
You’ll only need a few things, and the result feels gourmet. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is incredibly cost-effective and filling.
Ingredients for the Recipe
-
2 cups cooked risotto or short-grain rice
-
1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1/4 cup cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham (optional)
-
2 large eggs
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 cup breadcrumbs
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Vegetable oil, for frying
-
Optional: chopped parsley, marinara sauce for dipping
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making Arancini Rice Balls is both a rewarding and enjoyable process. I always start with leftover risotto or freshly cooked short-grain rice. The rice must be sticky enough to hold its shape—this is key. Once the rice is ready, I mix in the flavorings and filling, shape the balls, coat them, and fry them until they’re perfectly crisp and golden. The method is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated equipment. In just a few steps, you’ll have a plate full of delicious, cheesy rice balls ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Base
If you’re using fresh rice, cook 1 cup of short-grain rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool slightly. You need about 2 cups of cooked rice. Add the grated Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and finely chopped cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham (if using). Mix everything well to combine. The mixture should be slightly sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Rice Balls
With clean, damp hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture. Roll it into a tight ball. You can also press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball and roll it again to cover it completely. Repeat until all the mixture is used. I usually get around 12–15 medium-sized balls.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three bowls:
– One with flour
– One with beaten eggs
– One with breadcrumbs
Roll each rice ball in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure every ball is fully covered—this gives that irresistible crisp exterior when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Arancini
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in—around 350°F (175°C). Fry 3–4 rice balls at a time, turning them gently to ensure even browning. Cook until they’re golden and crispy, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Drain and Cool Slightly
Remove the rice balls using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes—they’ll be piping hot inside.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Serve the Arancini Rice Balls while they’re warm and the cheese is melty. Pair them with marinara sauce, garlic yogurt, or a tangy dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Quick and Easy
You’ll be surprised how quickly this recipe comes together, especially if the rice is already prepared. It takes under 45 minutes from start to finish. While they might look fancy, the steps are incredibly simple. Once you get the hang of rolling and coating the balls, you can make them in batches with minimal effort.
They’re ideal for quick appetizers or last-minute guests. You can even prepare them ahead of time, refrigerate, and fry just before serving.
Customizable
This recipe is highly adaptable to your taste or dietary needs. You can swap the filling with vegetables like peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. Want more protein? Try ground beef or shredded chicken. You can use different cheeses—mozzarella, provolone, or gouda all work well.
You can also change the coating by using panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-sensitive version. Even air-frying or baking is possible if you prefer a lighter option.
Popular with Many People
These Arancini Rice Balls are always a crowd-pleaser. I’ve made them for family dinners, party platters, and even brunch spreads, and they’re usually the first thing to disappear. Kids love the cheesy center, and adults appreciate the crunchy texture and comforting flavors.
They travel well, reheat beautifully, and make an impressive presentation on any table. It’s a great way to turn humble rice into something memorable, and it never fails to impress guests.
PrintArancini Rice Balls
Arancini Rice Balls are a classic Italian-inspired snack made from creamy rice formed into balls, stuffed with cheese or savory fillings, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crisp. These rice balls are budget-friendly, easy to make, and perfect for entertaining, snacking, or turning into a full meal. Customizable and kid-friendly, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked short-grain or arborio rice
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked turkey bacon or chicken ham (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: marinara sauce or garlic yogurt for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Rice:
Prepare 1 cup of short-grain or arborio rice according to package instructions. Allow it to cool completely. You will need 2 cups of cooked rice for this recipe. - Mix the Rice Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice with grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, chopped turkey bacon or chicken ham (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together. - Shape the Arancini:
Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Scoop 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and form it into a ball. For extra cheesiness, press a small cube of mozzarella into the center and roll the ball again to enclose it fully. Repeat until all rice mixture is used. - Set Up Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each rice ball by rolling it first in the flour, then dipping it into the egg, and finally coating it in breadcrumbs. Set the coated balls aside on a tray. - Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure there is enough oil to fully submerge the rice balls, or at least cover them halfway. - Fry the Arancini:
Carefully lower 3–4 rice balls at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan. - Drain and Cool:
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked rice balls onto a paper towel-lined plate. Let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes to cool slightly and allow excess oil to drain. - Serve Warm:
Serve immediately while the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Enjoy with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
To make these vegetarian, omit the turkey bacon or chicken ham.
You can freeze uncooked coated Arancini for later frying.
For a lighter option, bake or air-fry instead of deep frying.
Use freshly grated cheese for best flavor and meltability.
Damp hands help prevent the rice from sticking during shaping.
FAQs
Can I make Arancini Rice Balls ahead of time?
Yes, Arancini can be prepared in advance. You can shape and coat them, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. For longer storage, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a container and keep frozen for up to one month. Fry them directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I bake or air-fry Arancini instead of deep frying?
Absolutely. While traditional Arancini are deep-fried, baking or air-frying is a lighter alternative. To bake, place them on a greased tray and cook in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20–25 minutes until golden, turning once. For air-frying, set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 12–15 minutes.
What type of rice is best for Arancini?
Short-grain rice or arborio rice is ideal because it’s sticky and holds its shape well when rolled. Leftover risotto is perfect for this recipe, as it already contains flavor and a creamy texture that helps bind the rice balls.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the rice tightly around the cheese when forming the balls. If there are any gaps, the cheese may escape during frying. Use damp hands to press the rice together firmly and form a smooth, solid ball.
What sauces go well with Arancini Rice Balls?
Classic marinara sauce is a favorite, but garlic yogurt sauce, spicy tomato salsa, or even pesto make great pairings. The crispy texture of the rice balls matches beautifully with creamy or tangy dips.
Are Arancini Rice Balls gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients—rice, cheese, eggs—are naturally gluten-free, so with a simple substitution, you can enjoy this dish safely.