Name: Homemade Arancini (Rice Balls)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 rice balls
Cuisine: Italian

These Carbs Don't Count Verified

May 13, 2025

19 Ingredients

MEDIUM

These Homemade Arancini are golden, crispy, and bursting with cheesy goodness. Arborio rice is slowly simmered in garlic-infused broth, then mixed with Parmesan, pecorino, and butter for an ultra-creamy base. Each rice ball is stuffed with mozzarella, double-breaded for extra crunch, and fried until perfectly golden. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—this is the ultimate Italian-inspired appetizer!

From the Cook

1/6

Homemade Arancini (Rice Balls)

These Carbs Don't Count Verified

Ingredients

rice balls

WarningMilk and 6 other allergens identified

Instructions

In a large pan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter with a dash of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Deglaze with white wine and cook for 1–2 minutes.

Add arborio rice and toast until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.

Begin adding warm broth a ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more.

Continue until rice is fully cooked and creamy, about 18–20 minutes.

Turn heat to low and stir in Parmesan, pecorino, and 3 tbsp more butter. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Transfer rice to a bowl, let cool, cover with plastic wrap, and place in freezer for 1 hour.

Once cooled, form rice into balls and insert a cube of mozzarella in the center of each. Place in freezer while preparing the breading station.

Prepare three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Season each with salt and pepper.

Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.

Freeze balls again for 1 hour to firm up.

Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry rice balls in batches until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes.

Transfer to paper towel-lined plate, sprinkle with sea salt, and serve warm with dipping sauce (e.g., truffle garlic cream sauce).

Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Risotto Hydration Secret 💧
Gradually add warm broth to the arborio rice, stirring constantly to release the rice's starches and create a luxuriously creamy texture.
Mozzarella Freezing Hack 🧊
Freeze small mozzarella cubes for 15-20 minutes before stuffing the arancini to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
Triple Breading Technique 🥚
For maximum crunch, use a precise triple-dredging method: flour first, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs, repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps for an extra crispy shell.
Rice Cooling Pro Tip 🍚
Spread the risotto on a sheet pan and chill completely before forming balls, which helps the rice hold its shape and prevents falling apart during frying.
Oil Temperature Precision 🌡️
Maintain a consistent 350°F oil temperature when frying, using a thermometer to ensure golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.

Intelligent Tags

Recommended Recipe Products

This post/page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, creators earn from qualifying purchases.

EHOMEA2Z

EHOMEA2Z Italian Glass Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle - 16 Oz, Oil and Vinegar Cruet with Stainless Steel Spout for Kitchen, Slight Green Tint (1, 473ml)

View

HIWARE

Hiware Solid Stainless Steel Spider Strainer Skimmer Ladle for Cooking and Frying, Kitchen Utensils Wire Strainer Pasta Spoon, 5.4 Inch

View

Urban Noon

Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set - Battery Operated Stainless Steel Mill with Light (2 Mills) - Automatic One Handed Operation - Electronic Adjustable Shakers - Ceramic Grinders

View

Laxinis World

Stainless Steel Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons 10-Piece Set, 5 Cups And 5 Spoons

View

DOWAN

DOWAN 10 OZ Ice Cream Bowls - 4.25" Ceramic Dessert Bowl Set of 6 - Porcelain Small Bowls, Bouillon Cups for Side Dishes, Ice Cream, Oatmeal, Fruit, Portion Control - Dishwasher Microwave Safe

View

Delling

DELLING Ultra-Strong 3 Oz Ceramic Dip Bowls Set, White Dipping Sauce Bowls/Dishes for Tomato Sauce, Soy, BBQ and other Party Dinner - Set of 6

View

Folkuture

Folkulture Wooden Spoons for Cooking | 12" Premium Acacia Wooden Utensil Set of 5 - Smooth Finish, Soft Comfort Cooking Utensils Set for Kitchen, Gifts | Non Stick Wooden Cooking Utensils Set of 5

View

Blue Diamond

Blue Diamond 10" Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Diamond Infused PFAS & PTFE-Free Ceramic Pot, Dishwasher & Oven Safe, Stay Cool Handle, Durable Non Toxic Metal Utensil Safe, Egg & Omelet Pan, Blue

View

All Clad

All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non Stick Fry Pan Set 2 Piece, 8, 10 Inch, Induction, Oven Broiler Safe 500F, Pots and Pans Set, Kitchen Frying Pans, Skillets, Premium Cookware, Home, Dishwasher Safe Black

View

ZEPELOFFY

Pastry Brush, Basting Brush,Basting Brush for Cooking,Heat Resistant Silicone Brush for Kitchen BBQ Grill Barbecue Baking

View

About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)