Italian Rice Balls (Arancini)

Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside—these Italian Rice Balls, or Arancini, are the ultimate snack or appetizer for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine. Made with creamy Arborio rice cooked in flavorful chicken broth and enriched with Parmesan cheese, each ball is stuffed with a melty cube of mozzarella for a decadent surprise. Coated in golden breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, these Arancini boast a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with their savory, cheesy center. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, these homemade Arancini are easy to prepare and bursting with classic Italian flavors. Serve them warm and pair with marinara sauce for dipping to make this irresistible dish even more delightful. Keywords: Italian Rice Balls, Arancini recipe, crispy appetizers, cheesy snacks, Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 3 whole Eggs, beaten
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cups Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add Arborio rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the rice is cooked and the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and one beaten egg into the cooled rice until well combined. Add salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Take a small handful of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and shape the rice around it, forming a ball. Repeat this process until all the rice mixture is used.

Step 4

Place the flour, the remaining beaten eggs, and the breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls.

Step 5

Dredge each rice ball in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches about 350°F (175°C), carefully add a few rice balls at a time.

Step 7

Fry the rice balls for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp all over. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8

Repeat the frying process with the remaining rice balls. Serve warm, and enjoy your crispy and cheesy arancini.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2960.4 grams (2960.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	11135

Total Fat 1025.20g	1314%
Saturated Fat 173.10g	865%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 403mg	134%
Sodium 10143mg	441%
Total Carbohydrate 383.30g	139%
Dietary Fiber 12.70g	45%
Total Sugars 17.80g
Protein 135.80g	272%

Vitamin D 40IU	200%
Calcium 1867mg	144%
Iron 23mg	125%
Potassium 1321mg	28%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 81.6%

Protein: 4.8%

Carbs: 13.6%