The Golden Secret: Crispy Italian Rice Balls Recipe With Cheese

Crispy arancini beckon with their golden, cheese-filled charm that promises pure culinary delight.

Sicily’s beloved street food brings irresistible comfort straight to your kitchen.

Mediterranean traditions inspire these delectable rice spheres packed with melting mozzarella.

Handcrafted with care, each ball represents a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and creamy interior.

Generations of italian cooks have perfected this magical technique passed down through family kitchens.

Rich ingredients and simple techniques combine to create something truly spectacular.

Come savor these irresistible morsels that transport you directly to southern italy’s vibrant food culture.

Pairing Picks For Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese

• Savor Surprising Flavor Companions: Arancini Delight
• – Wine Wonderland: Pair these crispy rice balls with a chilled Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich cheese and delicate rice flavors.
• – Sauce Symphony: Serve alongside a zesty marinara for dipping, or elevate the experience with a creamy roasted garlic aioli that enhances the golden crispy exterior.
• – Salad Sidekick: Create balance with a fresh arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, cutting through the richness of the cheesy rice balls and providing a bright, peppery contrast.
• – Appetizer Alignment: Arrange these arancini on a platter with cured Italian meats like prosciutto or salami to create a rustic, traditional antipasti spread that celebrates Mediterranean flavors.

Storing Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese

• Refrigerate: Store arancini in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags for maximum 2 months, ensuring they're completely sealed to prevent freezer burn.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 375°F, arrange arancini on baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning once midway for even heating.
• Air Fryer Reheat: Set air fryer to 350°F, place arancini in single layer, and warm for 4-5 minutes, shaking basket halfway to restore original crispiness.

Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese FAQs

• What are arancini?

Arancini are traditional Italian rice balls originating from Sicily, made with leftover risotto, stuffed with cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden and crispy.

• Why use Arborio rice for this recipe?

Arborio rice has high starch content that creates a creamy texture perfect for risotto and helps rice balls hold their shape when fried.

• Can I make arancini ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice balls in advance and refrigerate them uncooked. Fry them just before serving to maintain their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center.

• Is it necessary to cool the risotto completely before making arancini?

Absolutely. Cooling the risotto helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into balls and preventing them from falling apart during frying.

Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese Highlights

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Arancini transforms leftover risotto into irresistible golden-brown rice balls that wow guests at parties and gatherings.
• Master Italian Culinary Technique: Learn an authentic Sicilian cooking method that turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience with minimal professional cooking skills.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Experiment with different cheese fillings, swap breadcrumbs, or add herbs to create your unique twist on this classic Italian street food.
• Surprise Family with Cheesy Delight: Kids and adults will love the crispy exterior and molten cheese center, making it a perfect shared meal that brings everyone together around the table.

Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese Ingredient List

• Arborio Rice: A creamy, short-grain Italian rice perfect for making rich and sticky risotto.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, mild cheese that creates a delightful gooey center in the rice balls.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds depth and flavor to the risotto base.

• Onion: A classic ingredient that provides a sweet and savory foundation for the risotto.
• White Wine: An optional ingredient that adds a subtle acidic and complex flavor to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the arancini.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: A traditional breading trio that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the rice balls.
• Vegetable Oil: The medium used for deep-frying to achieve a crunchy and golden-brown finish.
• Vegetable Stock: A flavorful liquid used to cook the risotto and create a creamy texture.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that complements the crispy rice balls with its tangy flavor.
• Butter: A rich ingredient used to sauté the onions and add richness to the risotto base.

Steps For Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Toast Rice Grains

Add Arborio rice to the pan, stirring to coat each grain with butter. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to develop a nutty aroma.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in white wine, letting it sizzle and evaporate, which adds depth and complexity to the rice’s flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Creamy Risotto

Gradually introduce warm vegetable stock, one ladle at a time.

Stir consistently, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid slowly. Continue this process for about 20 minutes until the risotto becomes creamy and the rice is perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor

Fold in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Transfer the risotto to the refrigerator and let it cool completely.

Step 6: Shape Cheese-Filled Balls

Once cooled, take small portions of risotto and flatten them in your palm.

Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and carefully shape the rice around the cheese to form a compact ball. Repeat this process with the remaining risotto.

Step 7: Create Crispy Coating

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs

Roll each rice ball in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.

Step 8: Deep Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F.

Carefully lower the rice balls into the hot oil, frying in batches until they turn a beautiful golden brown and develop a crispy exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the arancini from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by a side of zesty marinara sauce for dipping.

Best Tips For Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese

• Chill the risotto thoroughly to help it hold its shape when forming arancini, preventing crumbling during frying.
• Use cold mozzarella cubes for better melting and to prevent cheese from leaking out during frying.
• Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for perfectly golden and crispy exterior without burning.
• Add herbs like basil or parsley to the risotto for extra flavor depth and aromatic complexity.
• For gluten-free version, swap wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour.

Fun Ideas For Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls With Gooey Cheese

• Herbal Fusion Arancini: Infuse risotto with fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Chorizo Arancini: Mix diced spicy chorizo into risotto before forming balls, adding a zesty Spanish-inspired kick.
• Mushroom Truffle Arancini: Incorporate sautéed wild mushrooms and a touch of truffle oil for an earthy, luxurious version.
• Seafood Mediterranean Arancini: Fold in small pieces of cooked shrimp or crab meat, creating a coastal-inspired rice ball with oceanic richness.

Golden Crispy Italian Rice Balls with Gooey Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sicilian arancini bring irresistible cheese-filled magic to classic Italian street food. Crispy golden exteriors and creamy ricotta centers promise delightful bites that transport you straight to Naples’ bustling kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Binding and Coating Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Sauté finely diced onions in melted butter over medium heat until translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.
2. Introduce Arborio rice to the pan, gently stirring to ensure each grain is coated with butter, toasting for 1-2 minutes to enhance flavor.
3. Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing the liquid to evaporate completely and infuse the rice with subtle complexity.
4. Gradually incorporate warm vegetable stock, one ladle at a time, stirring consistently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding more, creating a creamy risotto texture over approximately 20 minutes.
5. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper, then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely and firm up.
6. When chilled, shape small portions of risotto into flat discs, nestling a mozzarella cube in the center and carefully encasing the cheese within a rice sphere.
7. Create a crispy exterior by rolling each rice ball first in flour, then dipping in beaten eggs, and finally coating thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
8. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, carefully frying arancini in batches until they achieve a rich golden-brown color and crisp exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes.
9. Transfer fried rice balls to paper towels to drain excess oil, then serve immediately alongside vibrant marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Use short-grain Arborio rice for the best creamy texture and authentic Italian arancini consistency.
• Chill the risotto thoroughly to help the rice balls maintain their shape during frying.
• Consider adding a pinch of saffron to the risotto for a traditional Sicilian flavor boost and beautiful golden color.
• Experiment with different cheese fillings like fontina or provolone for unique taste variations.
• Ensure oil temperature remains consistent at 350°F to achieve perfectly crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
• Make ahead and freeze uncooked rice balls for convenient meal prep, frying directly from frozen state.
• Keep leftover arancini in an airtight container and reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg