Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Who can resist the glorious golden crunch and molten cheese pull of Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls? This classic Italian treat takes everything you love about comfort food—creamy risotto, savory ham, pockets of gooey mozzarella—and wraps it all up in a crisp, irresistible shell. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, dreaming of the perfect appetizer, or sneaking a late-night snack, these arancini are guaranteed to steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls plays a role in flavor, texture, or that stunning golden color. You probably have most of these on hand already, and the few specialty items are absolutely worth the trip to the store.

• Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter: This duo starts the flavor base and adds luscious richness to the rice.
• Onion: Sautéed until golden, onion creates a sweet, savory backbone for the risotto.
• Ham: Adds delightful, smoky-salty notes and a meaty bite throughout the rice mixture.
• Jasmine Rice: While Arborio is classic, jasmine gives a delicate aroma and sticks beautifully for perfect shaping.
• Chardonnay (dry white wine): Adds brightness and depth; if you’d rather skip alcohol, use extra broth instead.
• Chicken Broth: Hot broth infuses every grain with flavor, helping the rice cook up tender and savory.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the rice and to finish those fried beauties.
• Frozen Peas: Brings color and a pop of sweetness—just thaw them so they blend right in.
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped parsley brightens up every bite (and looks gorgeous, too).
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, umami complexity and helps the rice hold together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The arancini’s signature: gooey, melty centers that stretch like a dream when warm.
• Flour, Eggs, and Italian Bread Crumbs: These make the ultimate crispy coating for each rice ball—crunchy, flavorful, and perfectly golden.
• Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed for a golden finish without unwanted flavors.

Variations

There’s no need to stick to tradition—Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls are wonderfully versatile, so you can swap, add, or skip a few things depending on what you have or how you eat. Make them truly your own!

• Vegetarian Arancini: Omit the ham and use veggie broth for a delicious meat-free version—try adding sautéed mushrooms for extra savoriness.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños stirred into the rice adds irresistible heat for spice lovers.
• Different Cheeses: Swap in fontina, gouda, or even sharp provolone in place of mozzarella for a unique, melty middle.
• Gluten-Free Breading: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour so everyone can enjoy these Italian delights.

How to Make Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls

Step 1: Cook the Rice and Fillings

Start by heating your olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pot, then sauté the onion until it’s translucent and sweet. Stir in diced ham and let it turn golden, infusing the mixture with extra flavor. Add the jasmine rice and toss everything to coat. A pour of Chardonnay brings brightness, then you’ll slowly stir in hot chicken broth. Simmer, covered, until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed—this forms your creamy risotto base. Don’t forget to stir in the thawed peas at the end for color and sweetness before letting the mixture cool on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Mix, Shape & Stuff

Once the rice has cooled to room temperature (this step keeps those arancini shapely!), add the chopped parsley and shredded parmesan for fresh flavor and savory depth. Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then use a heaping scoop of rice to form a ball—with each one, press a cube of mozzarella into the center and seal it completely so the cheese will stay trapped inside, ready to melt and surprise.

Step 3: Bread the Rice Balls

Set up a classic breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs. Dredge each rice ball in flour first, tapping off the excess, then roll in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in Italian bread crumbs. Lay them on a tray until all are ready—this makes frying go quickly and evenly.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Fill a deep saucepan with oil, heating it to 350°F. Gently lower in a few arancini at a time (don’t crowd!), turning to fry all sides to a perfect golden crisp. After just a few minutes, remove to a paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with more salt, and watch them vanish almost as quickly as you make them!

How to Serve Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls

Garnishes

The finishing touches for Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls are pure magic: a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, grated parmesan, and perhaps a dusting of flaky sea salt. Each one adds color and flavor, making your golden rice balls even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your arancini with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping—that’s the classic touch! They also shine alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a platter of antipasti for a complete Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and stack Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls onto skewers as party pops, arrange them on a rustic board with dipping sauces, or serve atop a pool of warm marinara for dramatic effect. For true wow factor, fill a bowl to the brim and let everyone dig in family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days—just don’t expect them to last that long!

Freezing

Arancini are perfect for freezing! Simply arrange cooked, cooled rice balls in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and you’ll have homemade Italian snacks ready any time the craving hits (up to 2 months is best).

Reheating

For crispy results, reheat Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls in the oven at 350°F until hot and the cheese is melty again—about 10-15 minutes. Air fryers work wonders too, and you’ll get that “just fried” crunch back without extra oil.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tasted the irresistible combination of crispy shell and melty, decadent cheese, there’s no turning back—Cheesy Arancini Rice Balls will become your go-to crowd-pleaser. Roll up your sleeves, grab some friends, and make a batch of these golden gems. I promise, your kitchen is about to smell (and taste!) like pure joy.

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