19 Recipe For Baked Italian Rice Balls You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Rice balls, also known as arancini, are a popular Italian dish that originated in Sicily. These delectable snacks are made by forming balls of cooked rice around a variety of fillings, then breading and deep-frying them to golden perfection. While traditionally served as a street food, rice balls have gained popularity in homes all over the world as a tasty and versatile dish. In this article, we will share our recipe for baked Italian rice balls, a healthier take on the classic deep-fried version. Not only are they delicious, but they are also perfect for parties and gatherings, as they can be made ahead of time and easily reheated. So, let's get cooking and learn how to make these irresistible baked Italian rice balls!
This recipe takes the classic beer can chicken to the next level by incorporating Italian flavors. The chicken is rubbed with a blend of herbs and spices, then roasted over an open beer can for a juicy and flavorful result. The addition of rice and vegetables make this a complete meal in one dish.
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Baked Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Shredded Mozzarella, Shredded Parmesan
These crispy and savory rice balls are a popular Italian street food and can be made with leftover risotto. The rice is rolled into balls, stuffed with cheese and herbs, then coated in breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crunchy. Serve them as an appetizer or snack, or as part of a meal.
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Healthy Spring Risotto
Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Garlic Cloves, Medium Zucchini, Asparagus
This light and fresh risotto is perfect for springtime. It's made with a variety of seasonal vegetables, including asparagus, peas, and leeks, and flavored with lemon and herbs. The result is a bright and flavorful dish that is both comforting and healthy.
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Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Main Ingredients: Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Chicken Stock, Unsalted Butter
Arancini are a popular Italian snack that are made by forming balls of risotto, stuffing them with cheese and other fillings, and then frying them until crispy. They are a great way to use up leftover risotto and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course.
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Pea, Mint And Ricotta Risotto
Main Ingredients: Red Onion, Garlic, Arborio Rice, Dry White Wine
This risotto is bursting with fresh spring flavors. The peas add a pop of sweetness, while the mint and ricotta give it a bright and creamy finish. Serve it as a side dish or top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
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Sartù di riso (Neapolitan Rice Timbale)
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Red Wine
This traditional Neapolitan dish is a showstopper at any dinner table. It consists of layers of rice, meat, and cheese, all baked together in a round mold. The result is a beautiful and hearty dish that is perfect for special occasions.
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Mushroom Risotto
Main Ingredients: Dried Mushrooms, Shiitake, Morel Mushrooms, Fresh
This creamy and comforting risotto is packed with earthy mushroom flavors. The rice is cooked in a flavorful broth and finished with a generous amount of cheese and herbs. It's a perfect dish for mushroom lovers and can be served as a main course or side dish.
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Cheesy Zucchini Pesto Risotto
Main Ingredients: Arborio Rice, Laughing Cow, Grated Parmesan
This risotto is a delicious way to use up summer zucchini. The rice is cooked in a flavorful pesto broth and finished with a generous amount of cheese and sautéed zucchini. It's a great way to sneak in some vegetables and add a burst of flavor to your risotto.
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Piemonte Ancient Risotto with Sausage and Rum (Antico...
Main Ingredients: Arborio, Rice, Carnaroli, Celery, Onions, Carrot
This traditional dish from the Piemonte region of Italy is a hearty and rich risotto that is perfect for colder months. It's made with sausage, rum, and a variety of aromatic herbs and spices, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Serve it with a glass of red wine for a truly authentic experience.
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Arancini - Rice Balls (or Best Dish With Risotto...
Main Ingredients: Cheese, Panko Breadcrumbs, Onion, Garlic, Tomato Paste
This classic recipe for arancini is a great way to use up leftover risotto. The rice balls are stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, meat, or vegetables, and then fried until golden and crispy. They make a great appetizer or snack and are sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
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Italian Porcupine Balls
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Rice, Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
These cute and tasty meatballs are a fun twist on traditional Italian meatballs. They are made with rice, ground beef, and herbs, and then baked until golden and crispy. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce for a delicious and unique meal.
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Risotto with Lemon and Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Broth, Olive Oil, Shallot, Italian Rice, Dry
This light and refreshing risotto is perfect for summer. The rice is cooked in a tangy lemon broth and finished with creamy ricotta cheese. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to become a favorite.
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Arancini, Italian Rice Balls
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Arborio
These bite-sized arancini are perfect for parties and gatherings. They are made with a blend of rice, cheese, and herbs, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Zucchini, Rice, Cream Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato
This healthier version of arancini is baked instead of fried, making it a guilt-free option for those who love this classic Italian snack. The rice balls are stuffed with pesto and zucchini, then coated in breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crispy. Serve them as a party appetizer or a fun and delicious snack.
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Pressure-Cooker Wild Mushroom Risotto
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Italian Rice, Wild Mushrooms, Dry
This risotto is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a comforting and delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using a pressure cooker allows you to cook the risotto in a fraction of the time, while still achieving the same creamy and flavorful result. The addition of wild mushrooms adds a rich and earthy flavor to the dish.
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Panna Cotta with Fresh Berries
Main Ingredients: Milk, Unflavored Gelatin, Heavy Cream, Pure Vanilla
This light and creamy dessert is a perfect way to end a meal. The panna cotta is made with a blend of cream, milk, and vanilla, and topped with fresh berries for a burst of sweetness and color. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
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Basic Risotto
Main Ingredients: Water, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Finely Chopped Onion
This classic risotto recipe is a great starting point for those new to making risotto. It's a simple and versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of ingredients and flavors. Mastering the technique of making risotto will open up a world of possibilities for delicious and comforting meals.
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How To Make Easy Oven-Baked Risotto
Main Ingredients: Pancetta, Onion, Arborio, Dry White Wine, Low Sodium
If you're intimidated by the thought of making risotto on the stovetop, this recipe is for you. It's a foolproof method for making risotto in the oven, without all the stirring and fuss. The result is a creamy and flavorful risotto that is just as delicious as the traditional stovetop version.
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Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Yellow Onion, Carrots, Diced Celery
This recipe for arancini is a great way to use up leftover risotto and turn it into a delicious snack or appetizer. The rice balls are stuffed with a blend of cheese and herbs, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying treat.
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Mushroom Arancini, Italian rice balls
Main Ingredients: Risotto, Fresh Mozzarella, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Eggs
This version of arancini is packed with savory mushroom flavors. The rice balls are filled with a mixture of mushrooms, cheese, and herbs, then coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crispy. They make a great appetizer or snack and are sure to be a hit with mushroom lovers.
Ingredients:
Rice Mixture:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling:
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled sweet Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped prosciutto
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice:
- In a large saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.
- Add the rice and stir. Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Cook for 18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese.
- Mix well and set aside.
3. Make the rice mixture:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, beaten eggs, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Assemble the rice balls:
- Take a small amount of the rice mixture and form a ball in the palm of your hand.
- Flatten the ball and place a spoonful of the filling in the center.
- Carefully wrap the rice around the filling, forming a ball.
- Repeat until all the rice mixture and filling are used.
5. Prepare the breading:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- In another shallow dish, mix together the beaten eggs and milk.
- Dip each rice ball in the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Bake the rice balls:
- Place the coated rice balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and golden brown.
7. Serve and enjoy:
- Let the rice balls cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
- Enjoy these delicious baked Italian rice balls as a snack, appetizer, or party food.
In conclusion, these baked Italian rice balls are a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, without compromising on taste. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and add a taste of Italy to your next gathering? Buon appetito!