Name: Arancini Rice Balls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp olive oil; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1 medium onion (finely diced, about 1 cup); 1 cup ham (finely diced, about 3 oz); 2 cups Jasmine rice (un-rinsed); 1 cup Chardonnay (dry white wine); 5 cups chicken broth (or stock, hot); 1 tsp salt (plus more to sprinkle fried arancini); 1 cup frozen peas (fully thawed); 1/3 cup parsley (finely chopped); 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded); 4 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into 24 half-inch cubes); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs (beaten with a fork); 1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs; Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 31 reviews

If you've ever dreamed of biting into a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a gooey, cheesy, and flavorful center, then this Arancini Rice Balls Recipe is going to feel like a warm hug from your favorite Italian kitchen. These delightful little treats pack a punch of savory ham, melted mozzarella, fragrant herbs, and creamy parmesan all wrapped in perfectly cooked jasmine rice, fried to golden perfection. Whether you're craving a comforting snack, an appetizer that impresses, or a shareable party favorite, this recipe will become your go-to for when you want something utterly satisfying and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows six steps of making a rice ball dish arranged in a collage on a white marbled surface. The first step, top left, shows a clear glass dish filled with a mixture of white rice, green peas, finely chopped green herbs, and grated white cheese, with a black spatula resting inside. The second step, top right, displays a woman's hand holding a round ball of the rice mixture, with a visible cube of pale yellow butter inside and green peas embedded in the rice. The third step, middle left, shows the woman's hand holding a compacted smooth ball of rice with peas and herbs evenly mixed in, without the butter visible. The fourth step, middle right, is a close-up of a white bowl with white flour, containing a rice ball coated in the flour in its center. The fifth step, bottom left, has a white bowl filled with beaten orange-yellow egg, with a spoon holding a rice ball being dipped into the egg. The last step, bottom right, shows an orange plate with a rice ball coated in fine beige breadcrumbs placed in the middle on the white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list scare you off — all the ingredients used here are simple and thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the creamy parmesan that adds depth to the crispy breadcrumbs providing that crave-worthy crunch.

2 tablespoon olive oil: For a fragrant sauté base bringing all the flavors together.

2 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onions perfectly.
1 medium onion (finely diced, about 1 cup): Brings sweetness and bulk to the rice filling.
1 cup ham (finely diced, about 3 oz): Adds savory, salty notes that complement the creamy rice.

2 cups Jasmine rice (un-rinsed): The creamy, soft texture perfect for binding the balls.
1 cup Chardonnay (dry white wine): Brings a subtle brightness and depth to the rice.
5 cups chicken broth (hot): Infuses the rice with savory warmth and moisture.

1 teaspoon salt (plus more to sprinkle fried arancini): Balances and enhances all the flavors throughout.
1 cup frozen peas (fully thawed): Adds pops of sweetness and a pretty green contrast.
⅓ cup parsley (finely chopped): Fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish.

1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): For umami richness that melts into every bite.
4 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into 24 half-inch cubes): The gooey heart of each rice ball.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick for frying.

3 large eggs (beaten): Acts as a sticky layer between flour and breadcrumbs.
1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs: Ensures a crispy, golden crust.
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed): For deep frying those perfect golden balls.

How to Make Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Step 1: Sauté and Cook the Rice

Start by heating olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat — this combo creates a silky base for your flavors. Toss in finely diced onions and sauté until they turn golden and smell sweet, about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, add in the finely diced ham to brown and infuse its savory goodness. Stir the dry jasmine rice into this heavenly mixture, coating every grain in fat so it’s perfectly primed. Pour in the Chardonnay and let it mostly evaporate to concentrate those wine notes before adding your hot chicken broth and salt. Cover and simmer the rice gently until the liquid is soaked up and the rice is tender, roughly 15 to 17 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in Peas and Cool

After the rice has absorbed most of the broth, stir in thawed peas for a splash of color and sweetness, then cover again for a couple of minutes so the peas cook through gently. Spread your rice mixture out onto a large rimmed baking dish so it cools quickly and evenly — this is key for shaping the balls later without them falling apart.

Step 3: Mix in Herbs and Cheese, Then Form the Balls

Once the rice mixture is at room temperature, lovingly stir in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, folding in that aromatic and cheesy punch. Wet your hands with water to keep the mixture from sticking and use a heaping ice cream scoop to form uniform balls. Nestle a moist cube of mozzarella inside each one and carefully mold the rice around it, sealing to lock in that gooey surprise.

Step 4: Bread the Arancini

Set up a classic breading station with separate shallow bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each rice ball first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs. For the best results, bread all the balls first — this keeps the process smooth and ensures even frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Carefully fry the breaded rice balls in batches without overcrowding, turning them gently to get all sides golden brown, about 3 minutes total per batch. Drain on paper towels, immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and serve while warm so the mozzarella is perfectly melty inside.

How to Serve Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

A tray lined with white paper holds many golden brown, round balls with a crispy, crumbly surface. They are evenly spaced and some show small green flecks inside their textured golden exterior. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple is often best here — a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a grating of extra Parmesan on top adds a fresh finish and extra savory kick. A light drizzle of quality olive oil can also elevate the flavor subtly without overpowering the crispy crust and cheesy center.

Side Dishes

These arancini pairs wonderfully with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping that cuts through the richness with acidity. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables provides a refreshing balance and completes the meal beautifully. If you want to keep the party going, a chilled glass of Chardonnay echoes the flavors from cooking day for an elegant finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your arancini skewered with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for a finger-food friendly appetizer spread. You can also cut the balls in half to reveal that luscious mozzarella core and plate them on a rustic board with an assortment of dipping sauces like pesto, spicy arrabbiata, or creamy garlic aioli. Presentation is half the joy of this dish, so feel free to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Arancini Rice Balls Recipe, no worries. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 to 3 days. Keep in mind that their crunchy exterior will soften over time, but the flavors deepen and taste just as comforting.

Freezing

Arancini freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prep or parties. Freeze the breaded balls in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen solid. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, ready to be fried straight from frozen for a quick snack anytime.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated arancini back to life, reheat them in a hot oven at 375°F on a wire rack until hot and crispy again, about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice for the Arancini Rice Balls Recipe?

While jasmine rice works wonderfully for its texture and aroma, arborio rice or other short-grain varieties are also popular options that lend a creamy consistency perfect for arancini. Avoid long-grain rice as it tends to be too dry and crumbly.

What can I substitute for mozzarella inside the rice balls?

If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, try fontina or provolone for similar meltiness and flavor. For a non-cheese option, you might use cooked mushrooms or spiced ground meat—just keep in mind this changes the traditional character.

Is it necessary to use wine in this recipe?

The wine adds a lovely depth and slight acidity that rounds out the flavors beautifully, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, simply replace the cup of white wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth for a milder taste.

Can I bake the arancini instead of frying?

You absolutely can! Baking them at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, will produce a lighter version with less oil but slightly less crunch. Either way, they’re delicious.

How should I serve leftover arancini?

Leftover arancini are perfect cold or at room temperature for snacking, but reheating them gently in the oven revives their crispy shell and gooey center. Pair with a quick marinara dip to refresh the flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the harmony of textures and flavors in this Arancini Rice Balls Recipe, and I can’t wait for you to try it yourself. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these crispy, cheesy rice balls are a showstopper. So gather your ingredients, dust off your frying pan, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Buon appetito!

Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need