How to Make Italian Arancini (Rice Balls)

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko breadcrumbs

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko provides a lighter texture.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth is lower in calories and suitable for vegetarians.

Cook the rice in 6 cups of chicken stock for 18-20 minutes until done.

Cool the rice completely.

Mix 5 large eggs into the cooled rice.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley to the rice.

Incorporate 1/4 pound of diced brut cheese into the mixture.

Add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and a little bit of salt to the mixture.

Mix everything together using your hands until well combined.

Roll a good size amount of the mixture into balls slightly bigger than a golf ball.

Optionally, place mozzarella or sauce in the center of the rice ball before rolling.

Dip each ball in egg, then roll in bread crumbs until coated.

Heat vegetable oil for deep frying until hot.

Fry the rice balls until golden brown, turning as needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens