Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe golden crunch of freshly baked arancini brings a wave of nostalgia, instantly welcoming memories of Italian family gatherings filled with laughter and love. These delightful little rice balls not only capture the essence of Sicilian cuisine, but they also provide a healthier twist on a beloved classic, making them a perfect choice for those seeking a nutritious comfort food option. Using simple ingredients like creamy Arborio rice and gooey mozzarella, this baked arancini recipe is a quick prep that promises big flavor with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a homemade snack, these crispy treats will leave you happily satisfied without the greasiness of frying. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and create some cheesy magic in your kitchen? Why Try Baked Arancini Today? Irresistible Flavor: These baked arancini burst with rich, savory goodness, thanks to the combination of creamy Arborio rice and melty mozzarella. Healthier Option: By eliminating frying, you can indulge guilt-free, making these a perfect snack for health-conscious foodies. Quick Prep: With simple steps, you can whip up these delightful bites in no time. Perfect for gatherings, they pair fantastically with marinara sauce for dipping or even alongside Baked Asparagus Fries for a complete meal. Versatile Recipe: Feel free to customize fillings or toppings to suit your taste buds—add herbs or swap cheeses for a unique twist. Nostalgic Comfort: Each bite transports you to joyful family moments, making them not just food, but a cherished experience. Dive into the joy of cooking and savor every delicious moment! Baked Arancini Ingredients For the Rice Mixture • Arborio Rice – Provides structure and creaminess, essential for the signature texture. Note: Other short-grain rice can be used if Arborio is unavailable. • Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor to the rice during cooking. Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version. • Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the richness and savory flavor. Substitute with Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste. • Chopped Parsley – Adds a fresh herbaceous note to the flavor. Omit or substitute with basil if preferred. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste based on broth used. For the Filling • Mozzarella Cheese – Provides a gooey, melty filling at the center. Consider using cheddar for a different flavor profile. For the Coating • Eggs – Acts as a binding agent to hold the arancini together. Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute. • Bread Crumbs – Forms a crispy exterior upon baking. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF variation. For Baking • Olive Oil – Brushed on to encourage browning and crispiness during baking. Can use cooking spray for a lighter version. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Arancini Step 1: Prepare the Rice Start by cooking 1 cup of Arborio rice in 3 cups of chicken broth over medium heat until it reaches al dente, about 18-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool in a large bowl for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the rice to firm up, making it easier to shape into perfect balls for your baked arancini. Step 2: Mix Ingredients In the cooled rice, fold in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper to taste, and ¼ cup of chopped parsley. Ensure everything is well combined, which will create a flavorful base for your arancini. The mixture should be sticky but not overly wet, offering a perfect texture for shaping into rice balls. Step 3: Shape Arancini With your hands, take a scoop of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then mold the rice around it, forming a tight ball. Repeat this process with the remaining rice mixture, ensuring the balls are uniform in size and the cheese is well-sealed inside. This will give your baked arancini a delightful melty center. Step 4: Coat with Eggs and Breadcrumbs Prepare two shallow bowls—one with beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs. Dip each rice ball first into the egg to coat, allowing any excess to drip off before rolling it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated for a crispy texture when baking. This step creates that delicious golden exterior as they bake. Step 5: Bake Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then arrange the coated arancini on the sheet, spaced apart. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to enhance browning. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure perfect crispiness on your baked arancini. What to Serve with Baked Arancini Elevate your homemade arancini experience by pairing them with delightful, complementary dishes that tantalize the senses. Marinara Sauce: A classic pairing! This tangy sauce provides a rich contrast to the crispy arancini and enhances their flavors. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, fresh garlic bread brings comforting carbs to the table, ideal for mopping up any leftover sauce. Indulge in a delightful salad alongside for a refreshing bite. Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a vibrant dish that balances the richness of the arancini. Roasted Vegetables: A platter of seasonal roasted veggies adds a smoky depth and a nutritious element to your meal, complementing the flavors beautifully. For a delightful dessert, consider a sweet finish. Tiramisu: Celebrate Italian heritage with this coffee-infused dessert that provides a sweet and creamy contrast to the savory arancini. Limoncello Sorbet: Light and refreshing, a scoop of this zesty sorbet cleanses the palate and rounds off the meal perfectly. Finally, don’t forget a nice drink! Italian Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese enhances the meal’s richness, making each bite of the baked arancini taste even better. Baked Arancini: Fun Variations and Substitutions Feel free to play with this recipe—let your creativity shine with these tempting swaps and twists! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for a delightful texture with no gluten issues. Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a plant-based version. Enjoy the rich flavors without dairy! Cheesy Gorgonzola: Swap mozzarella for gorgonzola for a bold, tangy flavor that complements the creamy rice beautifully. It’s a gourmet twist you won’t want to miss. Herb Burst: Replace parsley with fresh basil or a medley of Italian herbs for an aromatic take. This infuses the arancini with a lively, fresh taste that sings of Italy. Savory Spinach & Feta: Add cooked spinach and crumbled feta into the rice mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired filling. This creates a wonderful contrast to the creamy texture of the rice. Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the rice for a delightful heat. Just keep flavor balance in mind! Roasted Garlic: Incorporate pureed roasted garlic into the rice mixture for a sweet, nutty flavor that’ll elevate your arancini’s taste profile. It’s a simple way to add depth. Sundried Tomatoes: Finely chop sundried tomatoes and mix them into the rice for a punch of umami and Italian flair. Dreamy on the palate, they bring a taste of summer. No matter how you choose to customize, each bite promises a tasty journey. For a complementary dish, why not serve alongside some irresistible Baked Asparagus Fries? The partnership will surely delight your family and friends! How to Store and Freeze Baked Arancini Fridge: Store baked arancini in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, reheat in the oven to regain their crispiness. Freezer: To freeze, arrange shaped but unbaked arancini on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, where they can be kept for up to 3 months. Reheating: For best results, bake frozen arancini at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and golden. No need to thaw; just increase baking time slightly! Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the arancini mixture a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Shape and bake them fresh when you’re ready for delightful baked arancini! Make Ahead Options These baked arancini are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, making weeknight cooking a breeze! You can prep the rice mixture and shape the arancini up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their quality. When you’re ready to bake, there’s no need to thaw; just pop them directly into the preheated oven after brushing with olive oil. For longer storage, freeze the shaped arancini for up to 3 months; place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. This convenient approach allows you to enjoy delicious baked arancini with minimal effort—just as satisfying as freshly made! Helpful Tricks for Baked Arancini Achieve Perfect Consistency: Keep the rice mixture sticky but not wet to ensure easy shaping. Wet rice can lead to mushy arancini. Seal It Well: Make sure to completely encase the mozzarella with rice to prevent leaking during baking. A firm seal is key! Prep with Parchment: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup. Say goodbye to stubborn messes! Chill Leftovers: If using leftover risotto, ensure it’s cold before shaping arancini; warm rice can lead to difficult shaping. Mind Your Oven: Oven temperatures can vary. Check your arancini a couple of minutes before the baking time ends for perfect crispiness. Enjoy these baked arancini with confidence! Baked Arancini Recipe FAQs How do I select the best Arborio rice for my baked arancini? Absolutely! When choosing Arborio rice, look for grains that are plump and slightly translucent. The best Arborio rice has a firm texture and glossy finish, indicating high starch content, which is essential for that creamy texture you’ll want in your baked arancini. What’s the best way to store leftover baked arancini? Store baked arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispy texture, it’s best to reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warm and golden again. Can I freeze baked arancini? How do I go about it? Yes, you can freeze baked arancini! Arrange shaped but uncooked arancini on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and you can keep them frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, adjusting the time as needed until heated through and crispy. What should I do if my arancini are falling apart while shaping? Very! If your arancini mixture is falling apart, it may be too dry, or the rice might not be sticky enough. To fix this, try adding a touch more broth or a beaten egg to the mixture to help bind it together. Make sure your rice is adequately cooled and sticky, which helps in forming a solid ball. Are baked arancini safe for those with allergies? While baked arancini can be adapted, be cautious! Traditional recipes include gluten (from breadcrumbs) and dairy (from cheese). For gluten-free versions, you can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you have a dairy allergy, consider using non-dairy cheese alternatives and flax eggs instead of regular eggs to bind. Can I prepare baked arancini ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the arancini mixture and shape them a day in advance, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, simply bake them fresh for a warm and delicious treat. This way, you save time on the day of your gathering while still enjoying the delightful flavors of baked arancini! Baked Arancini: Irresistibly Healthy Italian Comfort Bites No ratings yet Baked arancini are a healthier twist on classic Italian rice balls, offering rich flavor without the greasiness of frying. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: ItalianCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Rice Mixture1 cup Arborio Rice Other short-grain rice can be used if Arborio is unavailable.3 cups Chicken Broth Alternatively, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.½ cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste.¼ cup Chopped Parsley Omit or substitute with basil if preferred.Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste based on broth used.For the Filling1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Consider using cheddar for a different flavor profile.For the Coating2 large Eggs Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute.1 cup Bread Crumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF variation.For Baking2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use cooking spray for a lighter version. Equipment Baking SheetParchment PaperShallow bowlsLarge Bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked AranciniStart by cooking 1 cup of Arborio rice in 3 cups of chicken broth over medium heat until it reaches al dente, about 18-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool in a large bowl for at least 30 minutes.In the cooled rice, fold in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper to taste, and ¼ cup of chopped parsley. Ensure everything is well combined.With your hands, take a scoop of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then mold the rice around it, forming a tight ball.Prepare two shallow bowls—one with beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs. Dip each rice ball first into the egg to coat, then roll it in the breadcrumbs.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange the coated arancini on the sheet, and brush the tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Nutrition Serving: 1aranciniCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg NotesStore baked arancini in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. For freezing, arrange shaped but unbaked arancini on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
