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 (hot, low sodium); 1 tsp salt (plus more for sprinkling after frying); 1 cup frozen peas, fully thawed; 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped; 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs; Vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, for frying

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 40 reviews

There is something truly magical about this Arancini Rice Balls Recipe that makes it a beloved comfort food around the world. Imagine golden, crispy spheres with a tender, flavorful rice interior, filled with gooey mozzarella and vibrant peas and ham throughout. This dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s an absolute pleasure to make and share, and once you get the hang of it, these rice balls become a fun project and a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.

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

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique element to the Arancini Rice Balls Recipe—from the rich buttery base that cooks the onions and ham, to the fragrant jasmine rice and sharp Parmesan cheese that build the flavor foundation. The final coating of bread crumbs creates that irresistible crunch we all love.

2 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps soften the onions without burning.

2 tablespoon unsalted butter: Combines with olive oil to create a lush cooking fat for sautéing.
1 medium onion (finely diced, about 1 cup): Brings a gentle sweetness and depth when caramelized.
1 cup ham (finely diced, about 3 oz): Adds a salty, savory bite to complement the creamy rice.

2 cups Jasmine rice (un-rinsed): The tender, fragrant base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
1 cup Chardonnay (dry white wine): Gives a subtle acidity that brightens the rice mixture.
5 cups chicken broth (hot): Essential for perfectly cooking the rice, infusing it with savory taste.

1 teaspoon salt (plus more for sprinkling): Enhances all the natural flavors throughout.
1 cup frozen peas (fully thawed): Adds color, sweetness, and a tender pop in every bite.
⅓ cup parsley (finely chopped): Freshens and lightens the overall flavor profile beautifully.

1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded): Delivers a sharp, nutty richness that binds the rice together.
4 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into 24 half-inch cubes): The melty, gooey center that makes these rice balls irresistible.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick perfectly to each ball before frying.

3 large eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs, creating the crisp exterior.
1 ½ cups Italian bread crumbs: The crunchy shell that provides texture and golden color.
Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed): High smoke-point oils ensure a crisp, non-greasy finish.

How to Make Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Ham

Begin by heating olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Toss in finely diced onions and cook until they turn soft and golden, releasing a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen. Add the diced ham and sauté until it gets a nice golden edge—this deepens the flavor and gives your rice balls a wonderful savory foundation.

Step 2: Cook the Rice with Wine and Broth

Next, stir in the jasmine rice to coat each grain in fat, helping it cook up fluffy rather than sticky. Pour in the dry Chardonnay and let it mostly evaporate—this adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness. Now add the hot chicken broth and salt, cover, and simmer. This slow cooking method lets the rice swell tenderly with flavor. Once the broth is nearly absorbed, mix in the peas and finish cooking under a tight lid until the rice is just right.

Step 3: Cool and Mix in Cheese and Parsley

Spread the cooked rice onto a large baking dish to cool to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial to handle the rice easily and ensure your arancini hold their shape. When cooled, fold in freshly chopped parsley and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. These ingredients add freshness and a savory depth that make the Arancini Rice Balls Recipe truly special.

Step 4: Form and Stuff the Rice Balls

With wet hands (to keep the rice from sticking), scoop a heaping portion of rice using an ice cream scoop. Flatten it slightly, nestle a cube of mozzarella in the center, and mold the rice around it tightly to seal the cheese inside. These little cheese pockets are the golden reward in every bite!

Step 5: Bread the Rice Balls

Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour, tapping off excess, dip into the egg, letting the surplus drip back, and then coat evenly in breadcrumbs. Doing this in batches prepares you to fry all the balls efficiently.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pot until it reaches about 350°F. Fry the breaded rice balls in small batches, turning gently for even browning. They only take around 3 minutes per batch until beautifully golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and serve warm for that perfect hot, cheesy experience.

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

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the arancini for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Arancini rice balls are fantastic paired with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping, which complements the richness beautifully. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables can balance the meal with freshness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange these golden rice balls on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different dipping sauces like spicy arrabbiata or creamy garlic aioli. Alternatively, skewer a few onto toothpicks for easy finger food at gatherings. The possibilities to impress with the Arancini Rice Balls Recipe are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover arancini in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep their crispness, store them separately from any dipping sauce.

Freezing

Arancini freeze wonderfully. Freeze them on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 1 month and can be cooked directly from frozen or thawed overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, use an oven or air fryer for best texture—heat to 350°F and cook until warmed through and crisp again. Microwaving is best avoided as it softens the coating and reduces the delightful crunch.

FAQs

Can I make Arancini Rice Balls Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can omit the ham and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers can give a wonderful savory depth in place of ham.

What type of rice works best for arancini?

Jasmine rice works beautifully for this recipe due to its fragrance and slightly sticky texture, which helps hold the balls together. Arborio rice is also a popular choice if you want a more classic risotto-style arancini.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can bake arancini on a greased baking sheet at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. The crust will be less crunchy but still delicious.

Can I prepare the rice mixture in advance?

Yes, you can make the rice mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. This actually makes forming the balls easier, as the rice firms up overnight.

What dipping sauces go well with arancini?

Traditional marinara sauce is a classic pairing. For a twist, try spicy arrabbiata, pesto, or even a creamy garlic aioli to add different layers of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s fun to make and offers incredible flavor and texture, this Arancini Rice Balls Recipe is a stellar choice. Golden outside, creamy inside, and packed with cheesy goodness, these rice balls will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Trust me, once you share these with friends and family, they’ll keep coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and get cooking – delicious comfort awaits!

Arancini Rice Balls Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need