17 Traditional Italian Arancini Balls Recipe Cook Up Something Special!

Published on: Mar 18, 2024

Arancini balls, also known as Italian rice balls, are a popular traditional Italian dish that originated in Sicily. These delicious fried snacks are made from risotto rice, stuffed with a variety of fillings, and coated in breadcrumbs. Arancini balls are a perfect appetizer or snack, and can even be served as a meal when accompanied by a side dish. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Italian arancini balls recipe and explore some tips and tricks for making the perfect batch.

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1 of 20

Pesto Arancini

Main Ingredients: Basil Pesto, Risotto, Fresh Mozzarella, All Purpose
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If you love the flavors of pesto and cheese, then this Pesto Arancini recipe is a must-try. These crispy and cheesy Italian rice balls are filled with a creamy pesto and mozzarella center. Serve them as an appetizer or as a side dish alongside your favorite main course.
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Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls

Main Ingredients: Butter, Garlic Cloves, Small Onion, Risotto Rice, White
These Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls are a classic recipe that never goes out of style. Made with risotto rice, Parmesan cheese, and a variety of Italian herbs, these arancini balls are fried to golden perfection and served with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping.
3 of 20

Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Cooked Rice, Mozzarella Cheese, Seasoned Bread
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Experience the authentic flavors of Italy with these Arancini (Italian Rice Balls). This recipe calls for a mixture of cooked rice, ground beef, and Parmesan cheese rolled into balls and then deep-fried. Serve them as a delicious appetizer or as a main course with a side of pasta.
4 of 20

Arancini, Italian Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Medium Onion, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Arborio
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Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with these Arancini, Italian Rice Balls. These crispy and flavorful rice balls are made with a combination of risotto rice, ground beef, and a variety of Italian spices. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
5 of 20

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Diced Yellow Onion, Carrots, Diced Celery
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These Italian Rice Balls (Arancini) are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more. Made with Arborio rice, ground beef, and a variety of Italian seasonings, these rice balls are fried until golden and served with a zesty marinara sauce.
6 of 20

Arancini (Rice Balls) with Marinara Sauce

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Parmesan, Eggs, Fresh Mozzarella
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Looking for a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer? These Arancini (Rice Balls) with Marinara Sauce are the perfect option. Made with a mixture of cooked rice, ground beef, and Parmesan cheese, these arancini balls are fried and served with a flavorful marinara sauce.
7 of 20

Mushroom Arancini, Italian rice balls

Main Ingredients: Risotto, Fresh Mozzarella, Flour, Salt, Pepper, Eggs
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If you want to add a vegetarian option to your menu, these Mushroom Arancini, Italian Rice Balls are a great choice. Made with a combination of risotto rice, mushrooms, and a variety of Italian herbs, these rice balls are fried until crispy and served with a creamy dipping sauce.
8 of 20

Baked Pesto Zucchini Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

Main Ingredients: Butter, Zucchini, Rice, Cream Cheese, Sun Dried Tomato
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For a healthier take on the classic Italian rice balls, try these Baked Pesto Zucchini Arancini. Made with a mixture of risotto rice, zucchini, and pesto, these rice balls are baked instead of fried for a lighter and equally delicious option.
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Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini (Italian Rice...

Main Ingredients: Cooked Barley, Shredded Mozzarella, Grated Parmesan
These Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini are kid friendly, healthy ...
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Looking for a unique twist on the traditional arancini recipe? Try these Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini. Made with a mixture of cooked barley, spinach, and a variety of Italian seasonings, these rice balls are baked and served with a creamy dipping sauce.
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Italian Arancini Rice Balls With Delicious Pasta...

Main Ingredients: Risotto, Parmesan Cheese, Gorgonzola Cheese, Basil
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Get ready to impress your dinner guests with these Italian Arancini Rice Balls With Delicious Pasta Sauce. These crispy and flavorful rice balls are made with a combination of cooked rice, ground beef, and Italian herbs, and served with a delicious pasta sauce for dipping.
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No list of Italian recipes is complete without a classic Italian Meatball recipe. These tender and flavorful meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a variety of Italian seasonings. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a hearty and delicious meal.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
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For those who love a bigger meatball, this recipe for Great Big Italian Meatballs is a must-try. Made with a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a variety of herbs and spices, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings for Italian comfort food.
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Warm up with a bowl of this Classic Italian Wedding Soup. Made with a flavorful broth, tender meatballs, and a variety of veggies, this soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
14 of 20

Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style

Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
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If you're following a keto diet, these Keto Stuffed Peppers - Italian Style are a great option for a tasty and low-carb meal. Made with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and a variety of Italian seasonings, these stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic Italian recipe.
15 of 20

ARANCINI (Sicilian Rice Balls)

Main Ingredients: Arborio Rice, Romano Cheese, Frozen Peas, Eggs
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For a taste of Sicily, try out this ARANCINI (Sicilian Rice Balls) recipe. Made with a mixture of cooked rice, ground beef, and a variety of Italian herbs and spices, these rice balls are fried until golden and served with a zesty marinara sauce.
Main Ingredients: Beef, Salt, Pepper, Grated Parmesan, Provolone, Italian
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17 of 20

Arancini (Italian Stuffed Rice Balls)

Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion, Celery
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These Arancini (Italian Stuffed Rice Balls) are a fun and tasty way to use up leftover risotto. Simply roll the risotto into balls, stuff them with your choice of filling (such as cheese, meat, or veggies), and fry them until crispy. Serve them as a side dish or as a snack for a delicious and unique treat.
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Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini aka Italian Rice Balls

Main Ingredients: White Rice, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Eggs, Mozzarella
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For a cheesy and indulgent appetizer, try out these Mozzarella Stuffed Arancini, aka Italian Rice Balls. These crispy and flavorful rice balls are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and served with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping.
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Sicilian Arancini

Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Butter, Finely Chopped Onion, Carnaroli
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Experience the flavors of Sicily with these Sicilian Arancini. Made with a mixture of cooked rice, ground beef, and a variety of Italian spices, these rice balls are fried until golden and served with a creamy dipping sauce.
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For a quick and easy dinner option, try out this Italian Crescent Casserole. Layers of crescent roll dough, ground beef, and tomato sauce come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish that the whole family will love.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Rice

One of the key factors in making delicious arancini balls is choosing the right type of rice. Traditional Italian arancini balls are made with Arborio rice, a short-grain rice with a high starch content that creates a creamy texture when cooked. This is important as the creamy texture helps the rice to hold its shape when rolled into balls, making it easier to fry without falling apart. Other types of short-grain rice such as Carnaroli or Vialone Nano can also be used, but avoid using long-grain rice as it will not hold its shape as well. So, make sure to use the right type of rice to achieve the perfect arancini balls.

Risotto: A Crucial Step

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your arancini balls, it is important to prepare the rice correctly. The key to making delicious arancini balls is to cook the rice as if you were making a risotto. This means slowly adding broth to the rice, stirring constantly, and allowing it to absorb the liquid. This process helps to release the starch from the rice, giving it a creamy texture and enhancing the flavor. It is also important to allow the risotto to cool completely before forming the balls, as this will make it easier to handle and shape.

Exploring Different Fillings

While the traditional arancini balls are filled with ragu (meat sauce) and mozzarella, there are endless possibilities for fillings. You can get creative and experiment with different combinations such as spinach and feta, mushroom and truffle, or even Nutella and banana. Make sure to chop the filling ingredients into small pieces and mix them into the cooled risotto before shaping into balls. This will ensure that the filling is evenly distributed and doesn't cause the balls to fall apart when frying.

The Art of Frying

Frying is the final and crucial step in making traditional Italian arancini balls. To achieve the perfect arancini balls, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the balls for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be sure to turn the balls occasionally to ensure even frying. Once done, remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy interior of your delicious arancini balls.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making traditional Italian arancini balls, it's time to get cooking! Impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic Italian dish. Buon appetito!

17 traditional italian arancini balls recipe Cook up something special!

Pesto Arancini

yield: 4 total time: 65 minutes
4.3 Stars (27 reviews)
View Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups basil pesto blanched-
  • 3 cups risotto leftover, or cooked Arborio rice, cooled
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • peanut oil

Nutrition

  • Calories : 990 calories
  • Carbohydrate : 179 grams
  • Cholesterol : 180 milligrams
  • Fat : 16 grams
  • Fiber : 6 grams
  • Protein : 29 grams
  • SaturatedFat : 5 grams
  • Sodium : 250 milligrams
  • Sugar : 2 grams
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