Description
These Baked Mini Spinach and Sausage Arancini are a delicious, crispy, and savory Italian-inspired appetizer or snack. Made with wholesome brown rice, seasoned with sausage, spinach, and cheeses, then baked for a healthier twist on the classic fried arancini. Perfect for entertaining or a tasty treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Italian chicken or turkey sausage link, casing removed
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (hot)
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 3 tbsp Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 tbsp quick marinara sauce (plus more for serving)
Breading
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 large egg and 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Additional
- 1 large egg white (for mixing in rice mixture)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Place the flour, beaten whole egg and egg white mixture, and seasoned bread crumbs each in separate bowls to set up for breading the arancini balls.
- Cook Sausage: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink.
- Chop Sausage: Allow the cooked sausage to cool slightly, then place it in a small food chopper or mince finely by hand for easy incorporation into the rice mixture.
- Combine Arancini Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the hot cooked brown rice, minced sausage, shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, single egg white, Pecorino Romano cheese, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form and Bread Arancini Balls: Using about 1 heaping tablespoon of the rice mixture, roll it into a compact round ball. First roll the ball in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten egg mixture, and finally coat it evenly with the seasoned bread crumbs.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Lay the breaded rice balls spaced out on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Repeat Breading: Continue shaping, breading, and placing all the rice mixture into balls until completely used.
- Bake Arancini: Bake the balls in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Carefully turn each ball over, then bake for an additional 8 minutes, until the exterior is crisp, golden brown, and heated through.
- Serve: Allow the arancini to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with extra hot marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Using brown rice adds a nutty flavor and increased fiber compared to traditional white rice.
- Make sure the rice mixture is warm when forming, as it helps bind the ingredients better.
- If you prefer spicier arancini, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rice mixture.
- These arancini can be made ahead, refrigerated, and baked fresh on serving day.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Adjust marinara sauce quantity based on desired moisture and flavor.
