Name: Arancini Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 shallots (finely diced); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 medium zucchini (finely diced); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1 cup Arborio rice; ¼ cup white wine; 2¾ cups vegetable broth; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup fresh goat cheese; 1 large egg; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Vegetable oil (for frying)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving the irresistible crunch of golden, cheesy bites that ooze creamy filling, you’re about to fall in love with this Arancini Recipe. Beloved by anyone who appreciates the art of Italian comfort food, these zucchini and goat cheese-stuffed rice balls are crispy on the outside, luxuriously melty on the inside, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy treat for yourself, you’ll soon see why this Arancini Recipe wins hearts and sparks smiles every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Arancini Recipe is all in the mix: classic pantry staples, a few fresh ingredients, and a couple of creamy cheeses. Each item plays a crucial role, working together to create crispy, cheesy, utterly dreamy bites. Gather your ingredients, and get ready to turn simple elements into pure joy.

Olive oil: The foundation for flavor, it softens the shallots and creates a savory base.
Shallots (2, finely diced): Milder than onions, they bring subtle sweetness and aroma.
Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient, both in the risotto and the breadcrumb coating.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For a burst of warm, fragrant flavor in the rice.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the zucchini.
Zucchini (2, finely diced): Gives the filling vibrancy, moisture, and delicate taste.
Fresh thyme leaves (1 tsp): Lends earthy, herby notes that lift the whole dish.
Arborio rice (1 cup): Essential for that signature creamy risotto texture.
White wine (1/4 cup): Adds acidity and a gentle complexity to the rice.
Vegetable broth (2 3/4 cups): Gently cooks the rice while infusing it with flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Melts for a salty, nutty finish.
Fresh goat cheese (1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): For that creamy, tangy surprise in the center.
Large egg: Helps the breading stick firmly to each rice ball.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): The first step in the classic breading setup to seal in the cheese.
Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For a crunchy, golden exterior.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): Mixed with the breadcrumbs for savory depth.
Kosher salt (1/2 tsp) & black pepper (1/4 tsp): Season the coating for that last hit of flavor.
Vegetable oil: Enough for deep frying – the key to a perfectly crisp shell.

How to Make Arancini Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Let’s start by coaxing out flavor from your base veggies. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, warm the olive oil on medium-high. Add your shallots, sprinkle with salt, and sauté until perfectly translucent. Next, stir in the garlic for just 15 seconds to release its aroma, then add the butter. Once it melts, toss in the zucchini and thyme, sautéing until tender and slightly browned — about 2 to 3 minutes. This will perfume your kitchen and set the stage for serious deliciousness.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it with all those gorgeous flavors. Cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute. Toasting the rice adds depth and helps it absorb the broth better as you create the risotto base for your Arancini Recipe.

Step 3: Simmer the Risotto

Pour in the white wine and let it bubble away until almost evaporated. Turn the heat to medium-low, then add 1/2 cup of hot vegetable broth at a time, letting the rice gently soak it up before adding more. Keep stirring occasionally — patience here pays off with creamy, luscious rice. Once all the broth has been absorbed and the rice is tender (add more broth or water if needed), you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Finish and Cool

Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the Parmesan and the 1/4 cup of goat cheese. The cheeses will melt into the risotto, creating a rich, sticky mixture that’s absolutely dreamy. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before forming your arancini. You can refrigerate it in an airtight container if you need to wait a day or two.

Step 5: Shape the Arancini

Now comes the fun part! Divide the cooled rice mixture into 12 portions. Shape the remaining goat cheese into 12 little balls. Flatten a scoop of rice in your palm, add a goat cheese ball to the center, and gently close the rice around it to form a ball. Repeat for each dreamy sphere, imagining all the melty goodness hiding inside.

Step 6: Bread the Rice Balls

Set up your breading station: one bowl with flour, one with a whisked egg, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Roll each rice ball first in the flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture. This triple-dip ensures each Arancini Recipe ball becomes wonderfully crisp and deeply golden during frying.

Step 7: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour about four inches of vegetable oil into a heavy saucepan and heat it to 350 to 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, just drop in a small piece of bread — it should turn golden in 45 seconds. Carefully lower in your arancini and fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning if needed, until perfectly brown and crisp on all sides. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Serve your arancini warm, ideally while the centers are still beautifully gooey. For a burst of freshness, enjoy them alongside a crisp green salad or your favorite Italian sides.

How to Serve Arancini Recipe

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Scatter some extra grated Parmesan over your hot arancini, sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley, or add a crack of black pepper. For a zesty touch, serve with marinara or lemon wedges on the side to brighten up each bite.

Side Dishes

The richness of this Arancini Recipe pairs deliciously with light, fresh counterparts. Think simple green salads with a lemony vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or even a fennel and orange salad. If you want to go Italian all the way, offer a side of tangy tomato sauce for dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress guests by serving mini arancini on a wooden board with plenty of dipping sauces like aioli, pesto, or arrabbiata. For an elegant twist, thread them on skewers with cherry tomatoes and herbs, or nestle each ball in a little lettuce cup for stylish finger food at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover arancini (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the breading even maintains its crunch for a little while.

Freezing

For longer storage, pop the cooled arancini on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. You can keep them for up to a month, ready to reheat whenever a craving for this Arancini Recipe strikes.

Reheating

The best method is to reheat arancini in a hot oven at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes, until heated through and crisp. If you’re in a hurry, an air fryer works wonderfully! Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover risotto for this Arancini Recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, arancini were originally invented as a clever (and delicious) way to reinvent leftover risotto. Just make sure it’s chilled and firm enough to form into balls.

What’s the best rice to use for arancini?

Arborio rice is the classic choice for any Arancini Recipe because its short, starchy grains result in a creamy, sticky texture that holds together beautifully.

Can I bake arancini instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake arancini on a parchment-lined tray at 400°F, sprayed with a little oil. They won’t be quite as crisp as fried but still delicious and golden on the outside.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

It helps to thoroughly seal the rice around the cheese and to chill the formed balls in the fridge for 15 minutes before breading and frying. This way, the cheese stays tucked in the center where it belongs.

What dips go well with arancini?

Classic marinara is always a winner, but you can get creative with pesto, garlicky aioli, or spiced yogurt dips. Anything tangy or herby will beautifully contrast the richness of your Arancini Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made homemade arancini before, this Arancini Recipe is the perfect place to start — simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and rewards that are pure gold. Give it a try, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for that first cheesy, crunchy bite to win you over completely!

Arancini Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 20 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 arancini balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the flavors of these crispy and creamy Arancini, Italian rice balls filled with gooey goat cheese and served with a side of fresh salad. Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for the family.

Instructions

To Make the Risotto Sauté the veggies. In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook shallots, add garlic, then zucchini. Toast rice, add wine, cook with broth until tender. Stir in cheeses. Cool rice.
To Make the Arancini Form rice into balls around goat cheese. Bread balls with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Fry in oil until golden. Serve with salad.

Notes

For a twist, try adding diced ham or sun-dried tomatoes to the risotto mixture for added flavor.
Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure a crispy exterior.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian