Arancini

Crispy, golden, and cheesy fried rice balls filled with melty goat cheese, these Italian arancini are a delicious appetizer or snack. Customize the filling to your taste for the perfect bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Arancini are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside. These Italian rice balls are made with creamy, flavorful risotto and stuffed with fresh goat cheese, creating an irresistible bite-sized treat. Whether served as an appetizer at a dinner party or enjoyed as a savory snack, these arancini are sure to delight with their combination of textures and savory flavors. Plus, they’re highly customizable, so you can experiment with different fillings to make them your own!

Ingredients

To Make the Risotto:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 shallots, finely diced

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 2 medium zucchini, finely diced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1 cup Arborio rice

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup fresh goat cheese

To Make the Arancini:

• ½ cup fresh goat cheese

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

To Make the Risotto:

1. Sauté the veggies: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, season with salt, and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 15 seconds or until fragrant. Add the butter, then the zucchini. Sauté until tender and browned, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Toast the rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the rice.

3. Cook the rice: Turn the heat to medium-low. Add ½ cup of the vegetable broth and cook until absorbed, stirring occasionally. Repeat this process until all the broth is absorbed. If the rice is not fully cooked, add more broth or water, ½ cup at a time, until the rice is tender.

4. Finish the rice: Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and goat cheese. Let the rice cool to room temperature. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 days if not ready to proceed.

To Make the Arancini:

1. Form the arancini: Once the rice is cooled, scoop a portion into your hands and shape it into a ball, making a small indentation to add a little goat cheese in the center. Form the rice into a ball around the cheese.

2. Prepare the breading: In one bowl, beat the egg. In another, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the arancini: Dip each rice ball into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and back into the breadcrumb mixture, coating well.

4. Fry the arancini: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in batches, turning until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.

5. Serve: Drain the fried arancini on paper towels and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 servings (12 arancini)

• Prep Time: 1 hour

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Different Fillings: You can experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, fontina, or ricotta. Adding cooked spinach, mushrooms, or even meats like sausage is also a great way to customize the filling.

• Spicy Arancini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to the rice mixture for a spicy kick.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, stick with a veggie filling like sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.

• Baked Arancini: Instead of frying, you can bake the arancini at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the arancini on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for the best results.

FAQs

1. Can I make arancini ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the risotto and form the rice balls ahead of time. Just refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry them.

2. Can I freeze arancini?

Yes, you can freeze the formed arancini before frying. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different kind of rice for arancini?

Arborio rice is the best choice for arancini due to its high starch content, which creates a creamy texture. Other types of rice won’t work the same way.

4. Can I make arancini without goat cheese?

Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, ricotta, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

5. How do I know when the arancini are done frying?

Arancini are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.

6. What can I serve with arancini?

Arancini are delicious served with marinara sauce, a side salad, or a refreshing lemony dipping sauce.

7. Can I make arancini without breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, panko, or even grated Parmesan cheese for coating.

8. How do I prevent the arancini from falling apart?

Be sure to let the risotto cool completely before forming the balls. Additionally, be gentle when coating and frying to prevent them from breaking apart.

9. Can I use a deep fryer for arancini?

Yes, a deep fryer is perfect for arancini. Just make sure the oil is preheated to 350°F (175°C) for crispy, golden results.

10. Can I bake the arancini instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the arancini in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden and crispy. You won’t get the same deep-fried texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

Conclusion

Arancini are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. Whether you stick with the traditional goat cheese filling or get creative with your own twists, these fried rice balls are sure to be a hit. Serve them at your next gathering or enjoy them as a special treat—either way, these arancini will deliver plenty of flavor in every bite!

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