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arancini recipe traditional arancini Siciliani arancini with meat sauce authentic arancini recipe crispy rice balls fried rice balls how to make arancini Italian appetizers Italian comfort food Italian rice balls Italian street food mozzarella rice balls Sicilian arancini Sicilian recipes

Italian Rice Balls (Arancini Siciliani Recipe) – Crispy, Cheesy, and Authentic!

Name: Italian Arancini Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups Arborio rice; 6 cups chicken broth; ⅓ cup salted butter; Large pinch saffron (optional); 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ onion, finely chopped; 1 small stick celery, finely diced; ½ carrot, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 8 oz ground beef; 8 oz ground pork; ¾ cup chopped pancetta or bacon; ¼ cup red wine; 2 cups tomato puree (passata); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried); Salt and pepper, to taste; ½ cup frozen peas (optional); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk or water; 1 egg; 2 cups breadcrumbs; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed; Oil for frying (light olive oil or vegetable oil)

Bring a taste of Sicily into your kitchen with these Italian Rice Balls(Arancini Siciliani) — golden, crispy on the outside, and filled with rich, meaty ragu and gooey mozzarella cheese inside. These beloved Italian street food snacks are one of the most iconic dishes of southern Italy, especially in Sicily, where they’re enjoyed as both a meal and a handheld treat.

Whether you’re recreating memories from a trip to Italy or exploring authentic Italian cooking for the first time, this classic arancini recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with step-by-step guidance. Each bite is a comforting blend of creamy saffron rice, savory meat sauce, and melty cheese — everything you love about Italian comfort food, wrapped up in one irresistible ball.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy on the outside, creamy inside – perfect texture every time.
Authentic Sicilian flavor – a taste of southern Italy in your kitchen.
Versatile – serve as appetizers, snacks, or a main course.
Make-ahead friendly – prep, chill, and fry when ready to serve.
Customizable – switch fillings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Italian Arancini Recipe

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Italian

Servings

Prep Time

60 minutes

Cook Time

120 minutes

Calories

325

These homemade arancini rice balls are made with creamy Arborio rice, flavorful ragu, and mozzarella — coated in crispy breadcrumbs and fried until perfectly golden. Traditionally served as a hearty meal or party appetizer, they’re the ultimate Italian comfort food.

Make them ahead, freeze them, or serve them hot and fresh for celebrations, game nights, or family dinners — every bite will transport you straight to Sicily.

Author:

Guiseppe

Ingredients

For the Rice

4 cups Arborio rice
6 cups chicken broth
⅓ cup salted butter
Large pinch saffron (optional)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

For the Meat Sauce Filling

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ onion, finely chopped
1 small stick celery, finely diced
½ carrot, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz ground beef
8 oz ground pork
¾ cup chopped pancetta or bacon
¼ cup red wine
2 cups tomato puree (passata)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
½ cup chicken broth
1 sprig fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup frozen peas (optional)

To Assemble and Fry

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk or water
1 egg
2 cups breadcrumbs
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
Oil for frying (light olive oil or vegetable oil)

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Directions

Cook the Rice

In a large pot, bring chicken broth, butter, saffron, and salt to a boil.
Add the rice, stir, cover, and cook on low for 15 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let it sit (covered) for 10 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion, celery, and carrot until soft.
Add pancetta and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes.
Stir in ground beef and pork; cook until browned.
Pour in red wine and simmer until mostly reduced.
Add tomato puree, tomato paste, chicken broth, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Simmer on low heat for 1 hour until thick. Stir in peas during the last 10 minutes. (Use about 2 cups of meat sauce for filling; freeze or serve the rest.)

Assemble the Rice Balls

With wet hands, flatten a spoonful of rice in your palm.
Add 1 teaspoon of meat sauce and a cube of mozzarella in the center.
Cover with more rice and shape into a firm ball, ensuring the filling is sealed inside.
Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Coat and Fry

Whisk together flour, milk, and egg in a bowl to make a thin batter.
Roll each rice ball in the batter, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Chill coated balls for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Heat 2 inches of oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry 3–4 rice balls at a time until golden and crisp (about 3–4 minutes).
Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Recipe Note

Chef Tips

Use short-grain rice like Arborio or Carnaroli for the best texture.
Refrigerate the coated balls before frying to prevent them from falling apart.
Swap red wine for white or add a touch of allspice for a unique twist.
Cut mozzarella into small cubes so it melts evenly inside.
Test oil heat with a small bread cube — it should turn golden in 15 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

Serve arancini Siciliani as a meal or appetizer with:
Marinara sauce or meat sauce for dipping
Fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
A side of mixed greens or antipasto platter
End your Italian meal with Tiramisu or Cannoli for the full experience

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store cooked rice balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place in a single layer and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until crisp and heated through.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
per serving: Calories; 325

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Carbs: 41 grams; 15%
Protein: 13 grams; 26%
Fat: 11 grams; 14%

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Italian Rice Balls (Arancini Siciliani Recipe) – Crispy, Cheesy, and Authentic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Italian Arancini Recipe

Category

Cuisine

Servings

Prep Time

Cook Time

Calories

Ingredients

For the Rice

For the Meat Sauce Filling

To Assemble and Fry

Directions

Cook the Rice

Prepare the Meat Sauce

Assemble the Rice Balls

Coat and Fry

Recipe Note

Nutrition

Nutrition

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