These baked Italian rice balls are made with leftover rice or risotto, full of mozzarella, rolled in breadcrumbs then baked till golden brown. This simple technique for arancini requires no deep frying!

I like this simple no-fry recipe for baked Italian rice balls! I first had these as an appetizer at a pal’s home and liked them a lot I recreated the recipe at dwelling to function a primary dish.

If you’re accustomed to Roman suppli al telefono, Sicilian arancini (Italian rice balls) are comparable in that they’re made with leftover rice wrapped round cheese and fried. This model skips the deep frying, although, and bakes them as a substitute! 

The result’s baked rice balls that aren’t solely simpler to make however a barely more healthy various of the fried model, too! 

Why I Love This Recipe

• Baked arancini recipe: Oven baked Italian rice balls with none frying which have a crunchy, golden exterior and tacky molten mozzarella middle! 
• Repurpose leftovers: You probably have rice leftovers from a earlier meal, stuffed arancini is a good way to repurpose it. Leftover rice casserole and meatballs with rice are different favourite methods! 

Ingredient Notes

• Leftover rice: I used leftover rice, however leftover risotto rice can be used. You should utilize any rice you want resembling white rice, brown rice, arborio rice or no matter rice you’ve gotten available. 
• Egg: One or two massive eggs are used for binding the rice balls collectively.
• Parsley: Recent parsley provides a lot taste! 
• Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides one other layer of taste to the rice balls. 
• Breadcrumbs: Provides the balls a crunchy coating on the skin. Italian breadcrumbs or common bread crumbs can be utilized.
• Recent mozzarella cheese: Provides the gooey half to those tacky rice balls! Fontina can be used. 

The best way to Make Baked Italian Rice Balls

To begin, in a big bowl add the chilly rice, minced parsley, Parmigiano and one egg then mix to type a compact combination.

Within the palm of your hand measure out roughly 1 tablespoon of the rice combination and place a small dice of mozzarella within the center. Mould the rice combination right into a spherical form, ensuring that the mozzarella is totally coated within the middle of the ball. Add extra rice as wanted.

Place the bread crumbs on a plate and roll every ball within the crumbs earlier than inserting on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Chill arancini rice balls whereas the oven preheats. 

Drizzle with a bit olive oil and bake till golden brown. Serve instantly!

Variations and Substitutions

• Risotto balls: You too can use leftover risotto to make these into baked risotto balls. 
• Gruyere cheese: As a substitute of gruyere cheese, use mozzarella. 
• Customise the flavour: Conventional arancini balls include meat and greens within the middle. I made a easy model with herbs and cheese, however you would add spinach, floor meat, sausage, prosciutto and even some tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. 
• Crunchier: Roll the rice balls in a combination of bread crumbs and Panko breadcrumbs for a bit extra texture and crunch. 
• Air fryer arancini: As a substitute of baking, strive making Italian rice balls within the air fryer! Organize the arancini in a single layer within the air fryer basket, spray with olive oil and air fry for five minutes. Fastidiously flip the rice balls, spray with oil once more and air fry for one more 5 minutes. 

Make Forward and Freezing Italian Rice Balls

• Make forward: Type the rice balls as much as a day forward of time and place within the fridge coated till able to bake. Carry to room temperature, bake and luxuriate in. 
• Freeze Italian rice balls: Assemble rice balls (or risotto balls) then flash freeze in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet till frozen. Place in a freezer secure bag and retailer frozen for 3 months. Thaw frozen arancini earlier than baking. 
• Reheating: You probably have leftovers, retailer within the fridge then reheat within the oven, air fryer or within the microwave.

Extra Risotto and Rice Recipes to Attempt

If you end up with some leftover rice, then I might undoubtedly give these baked rice balls a strive! Buon Appetito.

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