Description
Baked Arancini brings the heart of Sicily right to your kitchen with crispy rice balls packed with cheesy goodness. Stuffed with mozzarella and coated in golden breadcrumbs, these little treasures are perfect for your next gathering or afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubed
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups bread crumbs
Seasoning and Finishing:
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Pour 4 cups chicken broth into a medium saucepan and heat until simmering. Add 2 cups Arborio rice and cook for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
- Remove rice from heat and mix in ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 cup cubed mozzarella, ¼ cup chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture on a flat pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes to cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Whisk 2 eggs in a shallow bowl. Place 2 cups bread crumbs in another bowl.
- Shape the chilled rice mixture into 2-inch round balls using your hands. Roll each ball first in whisked eggs, then coat completely with bread crumbs.
- Arrange the arancini on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each ball lightly with olive oil to help them crisp and brown.
- Bake the arancini for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior.
- Remove from oven and let the arancini rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese inside to settle.
Notes
- Chill the rice mixture completely before forming balls to help them hold their shape and prevent falling apart during baking.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a crunchier exterior that browns more evenly and provides better texture.
- Experiment with different cheese fillings like blue cheese or goat cheese to create unique flavor variations.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers to maintain the crispy coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 to 6
- Calories: 344 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg