appetizer
Baked Italian Rice Balls
Transform leftover risotto into crispy, golden rice balls stuffed with mozzarella. Our baked version of traditional arancini delivers amazing flavor without the added fat from deep frying.
Servings:
8 Rice Balls
Total Time:
40m
Prep Time:
15m
Cooking Time:
25m
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked risotto, cooled
- 8 small balls fresh mozzarella
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Preparation Instructions
- Prepare to bake—Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Prep the dipping bowls—Place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in three separate shallow bowls.
- Make the rice balls—Roll risotto into 1-inch balls, pressing mozzarella into center, ensuring that cheese is fully covered with risotto. Roll each ball in flour, dip in eggs, then roll in bread crumbs. Place on roaster.
- Bake and serve—Place baking sheet in preheated oven and bake until rice balls are golden brown, about 25 minutes. Serve warm with a side of marinara for dipping.
Tips
Freeze and Heat
Make these ahead, and you’ll have apps on hand whenever you need them. Prepare as directed, but don’t bake the rice balls. Place baking sheet in freezer until balls are frozen, then transfer to a resealable plastic bag. They’ll easily keep for 1 to 2 months.
Make it Easier
Our GreenPan Ceramic Nonstick Roaster effortlessly release rice balls, and the extra nonstick coating makes cleanup incredibly quick and simple.
