Golden, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy, mozzarella arancini are a bite-sized Italian treasure that embody comfort and indulgence in every mouthful. Originating from Sicily, these delightful rice balls have long been a staple of Italian street food and family gatherings, offering both texture and flavor that feel like a warm embrace. At their heart lies creamy mozzarella, which melts into a gooey center once the arancini are fried, creating that signature cheese pull that makes them impossible to resist.
The base of arancini is risotto, traditionally made with Arborio rice, which is known for its starchy nature and ability to achieve that luscious, creamy consistency. When cooled, risotto becomes pliable and easy to shape, making it the perfect vessel for enclosing small cubes of mozzarella. The contrast between the firm outer shell and the tender, molten middle is what transforms these rice balls from simple to extraordinary.
Every bite of mozzarella arancini is a layered experience. First comes the crunch of the golden breadcrumb crust, followed by the rich, savory rice flavored with herbs, Parmesan, or even a touch of saffron. Then, at the very center, the mozzarella reveals itself, stretching and melting with every bite. This interplay of textures and flavors is what makes arancini more than just a snack; they’re an event on their own.
Beyond their irresistible taste, mozzarella arancini are incredibly versatile. They can be served as an appetizer, paired with a simple marinara dipping sauce, or arranged on a platter for gatherings and parties. They are equally at home in casual family dinners as they are in elegant spreads, offering a nostalgic nod to Italian tradition while fitting seamlessly into modern menus.
What makes arancini even more special is their cultural story. In Sicily, they are often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing both abundance and community. Each golden ball carries with it centuries of culinary history, representing the ingenuity of making the most of leftover risotto and transforming it into something exceptional.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the fryer or as part of a shared meal with friends, mozzarella arancini are a reminder that some of the best food experiences come in small, perfectly crafted bites. They’re proof that comfort, tradition, and indulgence can all live in a single dish.
Ingredients
- 200 grams risotto rice such as Arborio or Carnaroli
- 100 grams mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 100 grams breadcrumbs for coating
- 500 ml vegetable oil for frying
- 1 dash salt to taste
- 1 dash black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the risotto rice according to package instructions until al dente, then allow it to cool slightly.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the rice, then form small balls with a cube of mozzarella in the center of each.
- Roll each rice ball in the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 180°C (350°F).
- Fry the rice balls in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Nutrition
I tried making these but the rice got mushy and they fell apart. What did I do wrong?
This recipe turned out amazing! My whole family loved the mozzarella inside. Will definitely make again!
So glad you loved it! The gooey mozzarella really makes these special. 😍
I don’t know, I tried this and it was a bit dry. Maybe I did something wrong?
Yum!! 😍 These were sooo good! Perfect for parties!
Totally agree! They’re a hit at my gatherings too. 🥳
Um, I don’t know. Isn’t frying a bit unhealthy? Maybe bake them instead?
Frying can be unhealthy but it makes the arancini crispy and delicious! You could try baking, but it won’t be the same, trust me!
I can’t find risotto rice, can I use regular rice? Does that work? 🤔
Um, isn’t it just fried rice? What’s so special about that? 🤔
It’s way more than just fried rice! The gooey mozzarella inside and the crispy coat is totally different. Give it a try! 😋
Absolutely loved this recipe! The mozzarella in the middle was such a gooey surprise.
Waste of time! I tried it and they fell apart in the oil! 😡
Sounds like you didn’t make them right! I always have great results with this recipe. 🤷♂️
I’m sorry to hear that! It can be tricky sometimes. Did you maybe use too much oil or keep them in too long? 🙁
It was good, but mine turned out a bit too oily. Did I do something wrong?
Easy to follow! A hit at my dinner party, everyone asked for the recipe! 🎉
These are just like the ones I had in Italy! Authentic taste for sure.
I used leftover risotto and it worked perfectly! Will make again.