Pizza Arancini
Crispy on the outside, cheesy and gooey on the inside! These fried risotto balls are stuffed with classic pizza flavors like pepperoni, mozzarella, and zesty tomato sauce. A perfect party appetizer.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Risotto Base
- b.In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- c.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- d.Stir in the Arborio rice, toasting the grains for about 2 minutes until the edges are translucent.
- e.Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladleful (about 1 cup) at a time. Stir continuously until the liquid is almost fully absorbed before adding the next ladleful.
- f.Continue this process for 18-20 minutes until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente (firm to the bite).
- g.Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, salt, and pepper until fully combined and melted.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cool the Risotto
- b.Spread the cooked risotto in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet or in a shallow dish.
- c.Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the risotto to prevent a skin from forming.
- d.Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, until completely cold and firm. This step is critical for ensuring the arancini hold their shape.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Form the Arancini
- b.Transfer the chilled risotto to a large mixing bowl. Add the cubed mozzarella, chopped pepperoni, pizza sauce, and dried oregano.
- c.Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until all the pizza fillings are evenly distributed.
- d.Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, portion the mixture into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter (about 2 tablespoons each). You should have about 16 balls.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bread the Arancini
- b.Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes.
- c.Fill the first dish with all-purpose flour, the second with the beaten eggs, and the third with the Italian breadcrumbs.
- d.Working one at a time, roll each risotto ball first in the flour (tapping off any excess), then dip it completely in the beaten egg, and finally, coat it generously and evenly with breadcrumbs.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Fry to Golden Perfection
- b.In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, the oil is ready when a breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden in about 30 seconds.
- c.Carefully lower 4-5 arancini into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
- d.Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are a deep golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini and place them on a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle lightly with salt if desired.
- f.Repeat the frying process with the remaining arancini, allowing the oil to return to temperature between batches.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve
- b.Serve the Pizza Arancini immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted, with a side of warm pizza sauce for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the firmest risotto, use cold, day-old risotto. It's much easier to shape.
- 2Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent the filling from becoming watery and causing the arancini to burst during frying.
- 3A small ice cream scoop ensures that all your arancini are uniform in size, which helps them cook evenly.
- 4Do not overcrowd the pot when frying. This lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy, soggy arancini.
- 5You can prepare and bread the arancini ahead of time. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the pepperoni and replace it with finely chopped sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for a delicious vegetarian version.
Air Fryer MethodAir Fryer Method
For a lighter version, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the breaded arancini with cooking oil and arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Different CheesesDifferent Cheeses
Experiment with other cheeses. Try adding some provolone for sharpness or a small cube of fontina in the center for an extra-melty core.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Sustained Energy
The Arborio rice is rich in complex carbohydrates, which serve as the body's main fuel source, providing sustained energy.
Source of Protein
With mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni, these arancini offer a good source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Contains Calcium
The significant amount of cheese provides calcium, an essential mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of four Pizza Arancini contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from the rice, cheese, and frying oil. This can vary based on the exact ingredients and amount of oil absorbed.