Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

User Reviews

5.0

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    286 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

These Oven-Baked Spinach and Barley Arancini are kid friendly, healthy, delicious, and super easy to make! Plus, you can freeze them for later. If you're looking for a healthy alternative to frozen chicken nuggets, this is it!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 cups cooked barley or risotto, rice, quinoa, or other cooked grain
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 6 oz. baby spinach or frozen, thawed and drained
  • kosher salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
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Instructions

  1. If you are using fresh spinach, steam it until it is fully wilted, then squeeze out as much of the liquid as possible. If using frozen, thaw it and drain it as thoroughly as possible.
  2. Combine all ingredients except for breadcrumbs and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl.
  3. In a shallow dish or bowl, combine breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Roll mixture into balls (like meatballs) and coat in breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment covered baking sheet.
  5. At this point, you may store in the fridge until you are ready to cook, or flash freeze them/store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
  6. When you are ready to cook, drizzle arancini with a the two tablespoons olive oil and bake at 375 for 20 minutes on a parchment covered baking sheet.
  7. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Notes

  • I make my own whole wheat breadcrumbs by grinding up toasted whole wheat bread in my food processor and keeping them in my freezer.
  • For a gluten-free option, make sure to use a gluten-free grain such as rice or quinoa in place of the barley, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs as well!
  • The provided nutrition information does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. Feel free to calculate it yourself using this calculator or by adding the recipe to Yummly.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 286kcal (14%) Carbohydrates 30g (10%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 49mg (16%) Sodium 411mg (17%) Potassium 277mg (8%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 2896IU (58%) Vitamin C 8mg (9%) Calcium 258mg (26%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 286 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 286kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 30g 10%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 49mg 16%
Sodium 411mg 17%
Potassium 277mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 2896IU 58%
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Calcium 258mg 26%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5.0

12 reviews
Excellent

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