5 from 15 votes
Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)
Arancini are Italian rice balls filled with a mixture of diced ham, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, and Romano cheese. The balls are coated in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs before being deep-fried until golden. Their crunchy exterior gives way to a flavorful, cheesy interior, making them a satisfying appetizer or snack. Serving these with marinara sauce is traditional and adds a bright, tangy accent to the rich and savory rice balls.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings:
16
Calories:
401 kcal
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 3 cups rice
- 1¼ pounds mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ pound ham finely diced
- ¼ pound pepperoni finely diced
- ¼ pound salami finely diced
- ¼ cup parsley dried
- ¼ pound Romano cheese grated
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for caoting
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to the package directions.
- Allow rice to cool completely.
- Place the ham, pepperoni, salami, and mozzarella in a food processor.
- Process until the meats and cheese are ground together.
- Place the meat mixture, rice, parsley, and Romano cheese in a bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Roll the rice mixture into balls about 1½-inch in size.
- Set up a breading station with 3 shallow containers.
- Place flour in the first container, beaten egg in the second container, and breadcrumbs in the third container.
- Roll each ball in flour.
- Dip the floured balls in the beaten egg.
- Dip the egg-coated balls in the bread crumbs.
- Put at least 3 inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Heat oil to 350 degrees.
- Deep fry the rice balls a few at a time until golden brown. Do not over-crowd the fryer.
- Drain the fried rice balls on a wire rack.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cool the cooked rice completely before shaping to help the arancini hold their form during frying.
- Do not overcrowd the deep fryer to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even frying.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping to complement the savory filling.
Nutrition Information
Calories
401kcal
(20%)
Carbohydrates
39g
(13%)
Protein
19g
(38%)
Fat
17g
(26%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Cholesterol
63mg
(21%)
Sodium
733mg
(31%)
Potassium
175mg
(4%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
0g
(0%)
Vitamin A
290IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
0.5mg
(1%)
Calcium
286mg
(29%)
Iron
1.6mg
(9%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 401
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 401kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 39g | 13% |
| Protein | 19g | 38% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 63mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 733mg | 31% |
| Potassium | 175mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 290IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 286mg | 29% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.