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Ultimate Cheesy Italian Arancini Rice Balls

Three golden-brown, deep-fried rice balls stacked on a white plate, one cut open showing melted cheese and meat filling.
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Make crispy fried Italian rice balls stuffed with mozzarella and meat sauce. These are perfect as party appetizers or satisfying comfort food snacks.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups cooked Arborio rice (cooled)
  • 1 cup meat sauce (thickened, cooled)
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the cooled cooked rice with half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  2. Take about 1/4 cup of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one cube of mozzarella and a spoonful of meat sauce in the center.
  3. Carefully fold the rice around the filling, sealing it completely to form a tight ball. Repeat until all filling is used.
  4. Set up a breading station: one shallow dish with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  5. Roll each rice ball first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it completely in the egg. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
  6. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  7. Carefully fry the rice balls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and crispy, about 4 to 6 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pot.
  8. Remove the cooked arancini with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  9. Serve the crispy rice balls hot, perhaps with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • For best results, chill the formed, breaded rice balls for at least 30 minutes before frying. This helps them hold their shape.
  • If you prefer a less messy method, you can bake or air fry these rice balls instead of deep frying. Brush them lightly with oil before baking at 400°F (200°C) until golden.
  • You can substitute the meat sauce filling with ricotta cheese or leftover risotto for different variations.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/cheesy-italian-arancini-rice-balls-recipe/