16 Recipe Arancini Italian Rice Balls Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Mar 14, 2024
Arancini, also known as Italian rice balls, are a delicious and popular dish that originated in Sicily. These crispy, deep-fried balls are made with a simple yet flavorful mixture of rice, cheese, and herbs. They are often served as an appetizer or snack, but can also be enjoyed as a main dish. In this article, we will explore the traditional recipe for arancini and give you some tips on how to make the perfect batch at home.
This flavorful casserole combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and vibrant Italian flavors for a comforting and delicious meal. The chicken is first marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then baked with the rice and vegetables for a one-dish meal that is sure to please. Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying dinner.
2of 20
Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Rice, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Ham, Pepperoni
Arancini, also known as Italian rice balls, are a popular street food in Italy. These crispy fried balls are made with risotto rice, cheese, and a variety of fillings, including meat, vegetables, and even seafood. They are a perfect appetizer or snack and are great for using up leftover risotto.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Zucchini, Rice, Cream Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato
If you're looking for a healthier version of arancini, try these baked pesto zucchini arancini. They are made with brown rice, zucchini, and a homemade pesto for a lighter and more nutritious twist on the classic recipe. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
4of 20
Arancini, Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Arborio
These traditional arancini are made with a hearty risotto, filled with mozzarella cheese, and coated in breadcrumbs before frying until crispy. The result is a crispy and creamy bite-sized snack that is perfect for parties or a quick and easy meal. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
5of 20
Mushroom Arancini, Italian rice balls
Main Ingredients: Risotto, Fresh Mozzarella, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Eggs
This vegetarian version of arancini is filled with savory mushrooms, creamy risotto, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices. The mushrooms add a meaty texture and depth of flavor, making these rice balls a satisfying and delicious meal for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
6of 20
Air Fryer Arancini | Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Bread Crumbs, All Purpose Flour, Corn
If you have an air fryer, try making these arancini in it for a healthier and easier alternative to frying. The result is still crispy and delicious, and you can enjoy them guilt-free. Plus, the air fryer makes them even quicker to prepare, making them a great weeknight meal option.
7of 20
Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini (Italian Rice...
Main Ingredients: Cooked Barley, Shredded Mozzarella, Grated Parmesan
For a gluten-free and healthier alternative to traditional arancini, try making these oven-baked spinach and barley arancini. The barley adds a nutty and chewy texture, while the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. They are baked until golden and crispy, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
8of 20
Arancini (Rice Balls) with Marinara Sauce
Main Ingredients: White Rice, Parmesan, Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella
This classic recipe for arancini is filled with a blend of cheeses, including mozzarella and Parmesan, for a creamy and cheesy center. They are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
9of 20
Italian Porcupine Balls
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Rice, Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
These fun and delicious Italian Porcupine Balls are a twist on the classic arancini recipe. They are made with a mix of ground beef, rice, and Italian seasonings, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that will be a hit with kids and adults alike.
10of 20
Pesto Arancini - Italian Street Food!
Main Ingredients: Rice, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil, Medium Grain Rice
This recipe for pesto arancini is a perfect example of Italian street food at its best. The risotto is mixed with pesto for a burst of flavor, then filled with mozzarella cheese and fried until crispy. Serve them as a snack or appetizer, or pair them with a salad for a light and tasty lunch.
11of 20
Italian Rice Ball Skillet
Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Ground Beef, Sweet Italian
If you don't feel like forming individual rice balls, try making this Italian rice ball skillet instead. The rice, cheese, and meatballs are all cooked together in a skillet for a hearty and flavorful meal. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of arancini without all the fuss.
This hearty and comforting Italian tortellini soup is filled with vegetables, Italian sausage, and cheese tortellini. It's a complete meal in a bowl and is perfect for a cozy night in. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
13of 20
Classic Sicilian Arancini (Arancine di Riso)
Main Ingredients: Short Grain Rice, Saffron, Water, Grated
This authentic recipe for Sicilian arancini is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food. The rice balls are filled with a meat and tomato sauce, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy. They are a popular street food in Sicily and are sure to become a favorite in your household too.
14of 20
Italian Rice Casserole (Arancini Casserole)
Main Ingredients: Uncooked Long Grain White Rice, Kosher Salt, Italian
If you want to enjoy the flavors of arancini without all the work, try making this Italian rice casserole. It has all the delicious flavors of arancini, including rice, cheese, and meatballs, but it's baked in a casserole dish for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.
15of 20
Italian Sausage and Asparagus Risotto
Main Ingredients: Italian Sausage, Onion, Garlic, Butter, Rice
This creamy and flavorful risotto is a perfect way to use up leftover arancini. The rice is cooked with Italian sausage, asparagus, and a blend of herbs and spices for a satisfying and delicious meal. Serve with a side salad for a complete and balanced dinner.
16of 20
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini with Spicy Marinara...
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Medium
These cheesy mozzarella stuffed arancini are a must-try for cheese lovers. The creamy and gooey mozzarella filling is a delightful surprise inside the crispy fried rice balls. Serve with a spicy marinara sauce for a kick of heat.
If you're a fan of stuffed peppers, try making this Italian version with a filling of rice, cheese, and Italian herbs and spices. They are a great way to use up leftover arancini and make for a tasty and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
18of 20
Arancini - Rice Balls (or Best Dish With Risotto...
Main Ingredients: Cheese, Panko Breadcrumbs, Onion, Garlic, Tomato Paste
Arancini can also be made using risotto as a base, and this recipe is a great example of that. The risotto is mixed with cheese and prosciutto, then rolled into balls and fried until crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
This classic recipe for Italian rice balls is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food. The rice is cooked with a mix of herbs and spices, then filled with a mix of ground beef, peas, and cheese. They are then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy.
20of 20
Easy Italian Rice – Love Every Minute!
Main Ingredients: Rice, Tomato Sauce, Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
This simple and delicious recipe for Italian rice is a great way to enjoy the flavors of arancini without all the work. The rice is cooked with a blend of Italian seasonings and cheese for a flavorful and satisfying side dish. Serve with your favorite main course for a complete and delicious meal.
Ingredients for Arancini
1. Arborio Rice
The key ingredient in arancini is Arborio rice, a short-grain rice commonly used in Italian cooking. This type of rice is known for its ability to absorb large amounts of liquid, giving the arancini its signature creamy texture.
2. Cheese
Another essential ingredient in arancini is cheese. While there are many variations of arancini, the most common cheese used is mozzarella. Its stretchy and gooey texture pairs perfectly with the rice and adds a delicious burst of flavor.
3. Herbs and Seasonings
To add depth of flavor to the arancini, herbs and seasonings are used. Some common choices include parsley, basil, and oregano. You can also add in some garlic and onion for an extra kick of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice
To begin, cook the Arborio rice according to package instructions. Once it's cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet to let it cool down.
2. Make the Filling
While the rice is cooling, prepare the filling for the arancini. In a bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, chopped herbs, garlic, and onion. This will be the flavorful center of the arancini.
3. Form the Balls
Once the rice has cooled, take a handful and press it into a ball. Make an indentation in the center and add a spoonful of the cheese filling. Cover the filling with more rice and shape it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the rice and filling are used up.
4. Coat and Fry
Roll the arancini balls in breadcrumbs until they are completely coated. Heat oil in a large pot and fry the arancini balls until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once they are cooked, remove the arancini balls from the oil and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as they are or with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your homemade arancini!
Now that you have the traditional recipe for arancini, you can get creative and add your own twist to it. You can try using different types of cheese or adding in some protein like ground beef or shredded chicken. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting in the kitchen! With this recipe, you can now enjoy the deliciousness of arancini right in the comfort of your own home.