Description
Deliciously crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside, these Cheesy Sicilian Arancini Balls are a classic Italian appetizer made from creamy Arborio rice filled with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for entertaining or a comforting snack accompanied with marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked Arborio rice (cooled)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Filling
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed into small 1/2-inch pieces)
Breading Stations
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooled Arborio rice, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, marinara sauce, and chopped parsley if using. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined to create a sticky and flavorful rice base.
- Form the Arancini Balls: Take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully wrap the rice around the cheese, shaping it into a compact ball. Repeat this process until all the rice mixture is used.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour first, ensuring an even coat, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy to ensure proper frying temperature.
- Fry the Arancini: Fry the breaded rice balls in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even golden brown crust. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried arancini to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve Warm: Serve the arancini balls warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping and an optional sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
- If the rice mixture is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
- For added flavor and texture, you can mix in cooked peas or finely chopped ham into the rice mixture before shaping.
- These arancini balls can be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated, then reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 arancini ball
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
