These Cheesy Rice Balls (Arancini) are golden, crispy on the outside, and gooey and cheesy on the inside! They’re perfect for any occasion – as a snack, appetizer, or even a party treat. A traditional Italian dish, Arancini is simple to make and delivers unbeatable flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked Rice
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Eggs
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined and sticky. The mixture should hold together when you form it into a ball. If it’s too dry, add a little bit of water or an extra egg to make it stick.
Step 2: Shape the Rice Balls
- Shape the rice mixture into 1.5-inch balls. Make sure the balls are compact to avoid them falling apart while frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You’ll want enough oil to submerge the rice balls about halfway.
Step 4: Fry the Rice Balls
- Fry the rice balls in batches, making sure to turn them so they cook evenly on all sides. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
- Once fried, transfer the rice balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the rice balls warm. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a marinara dipping sauce.
Tips:
- If the mixture is too loose, add a little more breadcrumbs to help it stick together.
- You can make these in advance and freeze them before frying. When ready to serve, just fry them from frozen!
- For extra flavor, add some pepperoni, ham, or a little tomato sauce inside each rice ball before shaping them.
Conclusion:
These Cheesy Rice Balls (Arancini) are a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or party dish, these cheesy delights will be devoured in no time! Perfect for any occasion.