Golden Baked Arancini with Cheese Recipe
Baked Arancini are a delicious Italian snack consisting of creamy rice balls stuffed with cheese, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and crispy. This healthier take on traditional fried arancini uses baking to achieve a delightful texture and rich flavor without the extra oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 arancini 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked Arborio rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked Arborio rice with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, one beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well incorporated and sticky enough to form balls.
- Form the rice balls: Take a small handful of the rice mixture and shape it into a ball about 2 inches in diameter, ensuring the cheese is well distributed inside the rice for a melty center when baked.
- Coat the rice balls: Dip each rice ball into the beaten egg, then roll it evenly in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. This will provide a crispy crust once baked.
- Prepare for baking: Place the coated rice balls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow even baking.
- Bake until golden: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the arancini for 20-25 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crisp, turning halfway through the baking time for uniform color.
- Serve warm: Remove from oven and let the arancini cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a savory appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melty cheeses like fontina or provolone for variation.
- If desired, add finely chopped herbs like parsley or basil to the rice mixture for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ensure the rice is slightly sticky; using leftover risotto or freshly cooked rice cooled helps with shaping.
Keywords: baked arancini, Italian appetizer, rice balls, cheese arancini, baked snacks
Find it online: https://dylangranv.com/golden-baked-arancini-with-cheese-recipe/
