Rice Balls

Discover the irresistible charm of homemade Rice Balls, an Italian-inspired delight bursting with flavor and texture. Perfectly cooked Arborio rice is blended with grated Parmesan, seasoned to perfection, and wrapped around a gooey, melty cube of mozzarella cheese before being coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. These bite-sized treasures are fried to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to creamy, cheesy goodness inside. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or party favorite, rice balls are quick to prepare and pair beautifully with marinara sauce for dipping. With their crisp exterior and molten center, these fried rice balls are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Ideal for keywords like "Italian rice balls," "Arancini recipe," and "crispy fried appetizers," this dish will leave everyone craving seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cup Mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil and add the Arborio rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2

Transfer the cooked rice to a large bowl and allow it to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, salt, and black pepper into the rice mixture. Mix well until it becomes sticky and cohesive.

Step 4

With damp hands, take a portion of the rice (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully mold the rice around it, forming it into a ball.

Step 5

Repeat the process until all the rice mixture is used, making sure each rice ball is firmly packed.

Step 6

Set up a breading station with three bowls: fill one with flour, the second with the remaining beaten egg, and the third with breadcrumbs.

Step 7

Roll each rice ball in the flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls on a tray or plate.

Step 8

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Carefully fry a few rice balls at a time, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 10

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried rice balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 11

Serve the rice balls warm, with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1821.5 grams (1821.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7673

Total Fat 764.50g	980%
Saturated Fat 129.10g	646%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 506mg	169%
Sodium 7349mg	320%
Total Carbohydrate 192.80g	70%
Dietary Fiber 6.50g	23%
Total Sugars 9.20g
Protein 83.40g	167%

Vitamin D 82IU	410%
Calcium 1213mg	93%
Iron 11mg	62%
Potassium 452mg	10%

*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: 86.2%

Protein: 4.2%

Carbs: 9.7%