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Crispy, golden-fried risotto balls with a surprise molten mozzarella cheese center. This classic Sicilian street food, adapted by Italian-American kitchens, is the perfect way to use up leftover risotto.
Prepare the Risotto Base
Chill the Risotto
Assemble the Arancini
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Crispy, golden-fried risotto balls with a surprise molten mozzarella cheese center. This classic Sicilian street food, adapted by Italian-American kitchens, is the perfect way to use up leftover risotto.
This italian_american recipe takes 70 minutes to prepare and yields 6 servings. At 736.08 calories per serving with 20.53g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for appetizer or snack or lunch.
Bread the Arancini
Fry to Golden Perfection
Serve Immediately
Replace the mozzarella and peas with a classic ragù (meat sauce), sautéed mushrooms and provolone, or a mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese.
Use Panko breadcrumbs instead of Italian breadcrumbs for an even lighter, crispier exterior.
For a lighter version, spray the breaded arancini with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The Arborio rice is a source of complex carbohydrates, which the body breaks down slowly, providing a steady release of energy.
With mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and eggs, arancini offer a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
This usually happens for two reasons: the risotto was too warm or wet when you shaped the balls, or the balls were not packed tightly enough. Chilling the risotto overnight is the best way to ensure it's firm enough to work with.
Absolutely! You can assemble and bread the arancini, then place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and fry them directly from frozen.
High-starch, short-grain Italian rice varieties are essential for the creamy texture needed. Arborio is the most common and widely available, but Carnaroli or Vialone Nano also work beautifully.
Arancini are a delicious indulgence rather than a health food. Due to the rice, cheese, and deep-frying process, they are high in calories, refined carbohydrates, and fat. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.
A typical serving of two arancini contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on their exact size, filling, and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
Yes, for a lighter alternative, you can bake or air-fry them. Spray the breaded balls generously with cooking oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through cooking.