Cheesy Baked Arancini Delight

$- 2 cups cooked Arborio rice (cooled to room temperature) - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating) - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely - 2 large eggs, beaten gently - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving) - Olive oil spray (for baking) When making arancini, the key ingredient is Arborio rice. This rice is creamy and sticky, making it perfect for shaping. The mozzarella adds a melty surprise inside, while the Parmesan gives a rich flavor. You also need fresh parsley to brighten the dish. For seasoning, I use garlic powder and onion powder. These add depth without overpowering the other flavors. Salt and pepper are must-haves too. The breadcrumbs help give a crispy shell. When you roll the arancini in breadcrumbs, they bake up golden and crunchy. The eggs bind everything together, ensuring your arancini hold their shape. Lastly, don't forget the marinara sauce! It pairs perfectly for dipping. Enjoy making this dish with these simple yet important ingredients. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the arancini not stick. In a large bowl, combine the following: - 2 cups cooked Arborio rice (make sure it's cool) - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely - 2 large eggs, beaten gently - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper Mix everything together. Use your hands or a spatula. You want all the ingredients to blend well. Now, take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture. Flatten it in your palm. - Place a cube of mozzarella in the center. - Carefully mold the rice around the cheese. Make a smooth ball. - Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat this to create about 12 arancini. Next, roll each ball in extra breadcrumbs. This makes a nice crispy coating when baked. Arrange the coated arancini on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each one. - Spray each arancini with olive oil. This helps them get golden brown. - Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden color and crisp outside. Check halfway to turn them for even cooking. Once done, take them out and let them cool a bit. Enjoy them warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping! - Ensuring cheese is well-enclosed: When you form the arancini, place the cheese cube in the center. Mold the rice around it tightly. This step is key. If the cheese is not fully covered, it may leak out while baking. No one wants a cheesy mess! - The importance of spacing on the baking sheet: Space the arancini well on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate. If they are too close, they might stick together. They need room to become golden and crispy. - Best sauces for dipping: Marinara sauce is a classic choice. Its rich flavor pairs well with the cheesy arancini. You could also try ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy marinara for extra zing. - Creative plating ideas for serving: Serve arancini on a rustic wooden platter. Add fresh basil or parsley leaves around them for color. Place a small bowl of marinara in the center. This makes for a lovely and inviting display. Pro Tips Use Cold Rice: Ensure the Arborio rice is completely cooled before mixing. This helps the arancini hold their shape better during frying or baking. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add other fillings like cooked mushrooms, spinach, or different cheeses for a unique twist on traditional arancini. Don’t Skip the Breadcrumbs: The extra layer of breadcrumbs is crucial for a crispy texture. Make sure to coat each ball thoroughly. Serve with Fresh Herbs: Garnish your arancini with fresh parsley or basil before serving for an extra pop of flavor and color. {{image_4}} You can switch the cheese to change the flavor. Fontina offers a creamy taste. Cheddar adds a sharp bite. You can mix them or use just one. Try different cheeses to find your favorite. You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. These not only add flavor but also nutrition. For protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage. Dice them small and mix into the rice. These additions make your arancini even more filling. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Cornmeal is another choice that works well. Both options help keep the crispy texture. Make sure to check your ingredients to stay safe. To keep your leftover arancini fresh, use airtight containers. Place the cooled arancini in the container. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other. This helps to keep them from becoming soggy. Store them in the fridge if you plan to eat them within three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze arancini, let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer until they are firm. This takes about one to two hours. After they are firm, transfer them to freezer-safe bags. This helps save space and keeps them fresh. When you want to reheat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check them to see if they are heated through. Enjoy your arancini just as deliciously as when they were fresh! No, Arborio rice is best for arancini. It has a high starch content. This gives arancini that creamy texture inside. Other rice types may not work well. Stick with Arborio for the best results. No, you do not need to deep-fry arancini. Baking is a healthier choice. It gives you crispy arancini with less oil. Plus, baking is easier and less messy. You'll still get great flavor and texture. You can prepare arancini in advance. Form the balls and store them in the fridge. They can sit for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them. Just thaw before baking and enjoy! Marinara sauce is a classic choice for arancini. It adds a nice tangy flavor. You can also try pesto or garlic aioli for variety. These sauces enhance the cheesy goodness of the arancini. Baked arancini is a fun and tasty dish to make at home. We covered key ingredients like Arborio rice, cheese, and herbs. You learned easy steps to prepare, bake, and serve your arancini. Remember to experiment with cheese and add veggies for new flavors. Proper storage will keep leftovers fresh for your next meal. Enjoy making this dish, and share it with friends and family for a delightful treat.$

Cheesy Baked Arancini Delight

Delicious cheesy rice balls baked to perfection, served with marinara sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked Arborio rice (cooled to room temperature)
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
0.5 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped finely
2 large eggs, beaten gently
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon fine salt
0.25 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
1 spray olive oil (for baking)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled Arborio rice, cubed mozzarella, grated Parmesan, plain breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
To form the arancini, take about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and carefully mold the rice around the cheese to form a smooth ball. Ensure the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat this process with the remaining rice mixture to create about 12 arancini.
Roll each formed ball in additional breadcrumbs to create a nice coating that will crisp up during baking.
Arrange the coated arancini balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart. Give each one a light spray of olive oil to encourage a golden brown crust as they bake.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the arancini for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, checking halfway to ensure even cooking.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy this delightful cheesy treat!

Notes

Serve on a rustic wooden platter with fresh basil and marinara sauce.

Keyword appetizer, arancini, baked, cheese