Name: Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups Arborio rice; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup butter; 4 cups chicken broth, warm; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed; 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed (optional); 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 large eggs, beaten; Olive oil, for frying

There’s something unmistakably magical about biting into a Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe: the crunchy, golden shell gives way to a gooey, melty center that oozes with comforting flavors of cheese and risotto. This beloved Sicilian treat makes every party platter or family gathering instantly festive! Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even as a centerpiece for a cozy meal, these arancini are guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds) with their irresistible combination of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness.

Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe keeps things blissfully simple with just a handful of well-chosen ingredients! Each one plays a special role in creating the crave-worthy layers of taste, texture, and color that make arancini unforgettable.

Arborio Rice: This creamy, starchy Italian rice is the secret to perfectly textured risotto—and, by extension, the dreamiest arancini centers.
Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds a punchy, nutty depth and melds beautifully into the risotto for extra flavor.
Onion (finely chopped): Delivers savory sweetness and forms the flavorful base for your rice mixture.
Butter: For extra richness and that velvety risotto texture everyone loves.
Chicken Broth (warm): Infuses the rice with deep, savory notes as it cooks.
Mozzarella Cheese (cubed): Melts into gorgeously gooey pockets inside each arancini ball.
Cheddar Cheese (cubed, optional): For a sharper flavor twist and even more cheesy fun.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Guarantee a super-crispy shell that’s light and shatteringly crunchy.
Large Eggs (beaten): Act as the binder to help the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
Olive Oil (for frying): Brings that classic golden crunch and signature Italian flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Risotto

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns beautifully translucent and sweet. Stir in the Arborio rice, ensuring every grain is coated in the buttery goodness. This sets the stage for a risotto that’s rich, flavorful, and never bland.

Step 2: Cook the Risotto

Now comes the classic risotto technique! Add the warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring patiently as the rice absorbs each addition. This gradual process unlocks starches and creates a creamy texture. Continue until your rice is tender (about 18-20 minutes), then stir in the Parmesan for a salty, nutty embrace. Let your risotto cool completely before moving on—this makes it much easier to shape.

Step 3: Form the Arancini Balls

Using your hands (or a spoon), scoop a portion of cooled risotto and flatten it gently. Drop a cube of mozzarella—or cheddar, if you like a touch of boldness—into the center, then shape the rice around the cheese to form a compact ball. There’s something oddly satisfying about this step! Repeat with the rest of the mixture.

Step 4: Coat the Arancini

Dip each ball into your beaten eggs for a slick, sticky layer, then roll it generously in Panko breadcrumbs. The result is an even coating that promises a crunch you can actually hear with each bite.

Step 5: Fry the Arancini

Heat olive oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot until shimmering hot (about 350°F or 175°C). Fry the arancini in small batches, turning as needed until they’re uniformly golden brown and irresistibly crispy—just 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain them on paper towels to keep that lovely crunch intact.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

It’s finally time to devour your Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe! Enjoy them piping hot, ideally with tangy marinara sauce for dipping, or savor their deliciousness all on their own.

How to Serve Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe

Garnishes

For a flourish of freshness, top your arancini with finely chopped parsley or fresh basil. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil will heighten the color and add aromatic flair—turning your platter into a true Italian celebration.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! These crispy bites go beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, some gently roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of soup. Any of these sides will let the Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe shine while still rounding out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to go beyond the usual? Try threading arancini on skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves, or arrange them in mini muffin wrappers for individualized servings at parties. For a modern twist, serve them with different dipping sauces—think pesto, aioli, or spicy tomato for a full-flavored experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover arancini, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll hold onto their flavor and texture best this way—just be sure they’re cool before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe freezes like a dream! Arrange the cooled, cooked arancini on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When the craving strikes, no need to thaw: simply bake or re-fry straight from frozen for a nearly-instant treat.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy exterior, reheat arancini in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 10-12 minutes, or in an air fryer if you have one. The microwave works in a pinch, but the shell won’t be as crunchy—so the oven is the way to go for top results.

FAQs

Can I use leftover risotto for this Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, arancini were originally invented as a clever way to use up leftover risotto. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before forming the balls so they hold their shape.

How do I keep the arancini from falling apart in the oil?

Packing the rice firmly around the cheese and thoroughly coating each ball in egg and Panko helps them stay intact. Also, make sure the balls are chilled (not warm) before frying—they’ll hold together better that way.

What other fillings can I try with this recipe?

Get creative! Classic options include minced cooked meat, vegetables like peas or mushrooms, or even a spoonful of rich ragù. Your Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe is endlessly adaptable.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry these arancini?

Yes, you can! Bake the arancini on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy. The exterior won’t be quite as crunchy as fried, but it’s a tasty lighter option.

Can I make the arancini balls in advance?

Certainly! Prepare and coat the balls, then refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to a day before frying. This makes entertaining a breeze and helps the arancini keep their shape in the fryer.

Final Thoughts

Give this Cheesy Italian Arancini Balls Recipe a whirl, and you’ll soon see why it’s a cherished classic—perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply indulging in your love of all things crispy and cheesy. There’s no greater joy than pulling apart a piping-hot arancini and seeing that cheese pull, so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of Sicilian comfort!