Baked Arancini
Baked Arancini are crispy little rice balls with a golden, crunchy outside and a warm, cheesy filling inside. They’re made from cooked risotto rice that's packed with flavor, then shaped…
Tip: save now, cook later.Baked Arancini are crispy little rice balls with a golden, crunchy outside and a warm, cheesy filling inside. They’re made from cooked risotto rice that’s packed with flavor, then shaped around gooey cheese, coated with breadcrumbs, and baked until perfectly crisp. These tasty bites are a wonderful mix of creamy, cheesy goodness and a satisfying crunchy shell.
I really love making baked arancini because they feel like a special treat but are actually pretty simple to prepare. One of my favorite things is using leftover risotto to make them—it’s a great way to turn a little extra rice into something fun and delicious. I usually stuff them with mozzarella because when it melts, it adds that perfect cheesy pull that everyone loves.
Serving baked arancini with a side of marinara sauce for dipping makes the experience even better. Whether you’re having them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, they always bring smiles to the table. I like how they’re less oily than fried versions, so they feel a bit lighter but still bring that satisfying crunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Risotto Rice: Using cooked risotto rice with Parmesan is key for flavor and texture. If you don’t have risotto, plain cooked Arborio rice with some added cheese works well, too.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella’s melty texture makes arancini delicious inside. You can swap it with provolone, fontina, or vegan cheese if needed.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will work fine. For gluten-free, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko.
Eggs and Flour: These help create a sticky coating so the breadcrumbs stick well. For an egg-free version, use a plant-based milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch.
How Do You Make Sure Baked Arancini Get Crispy Without Frying?
Baking arancini instead of frying is healthier but can sometimes make them less crispy. Here’s how to get a crunchy outside:
- Use panko breadcrumbs; they crisp better in the oven.
- Lightly brush or spray the coated balls with olive oil before baking to help them brown.
- Bake at a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C) so they crisp up quickly without drying out inside.
- Turn the arancini halfway through baking to brown all sides evenly.
- Make sure the rice mixture is well chilled before shaping—this helps them hold together during baking.
Following these steps will give you arancini that are crispy outside, melty inside, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – for even baking and easy cleanup.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and helps crisp the arancini.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to coat the rice balls.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the risotto rice and seasonings thoroughly.
- Spoon or small scoop – to help shape the rice balls evenly.
- Brush or olive oil spray – to lightly coat the arancini for a golden crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella with smoked provolone for a smoky cheese twist.
- Add cooked peas or finely chopped spinach into the rice for extra color and freshness.
- Mix cooked sausage or ground beef into the risotto mix for a meaty version.
- Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a subtle spicy kick.
How to Make Baked Arancini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Arancini:
- 2 cups cooked risotto rice, cooled (preferably with Parmesan and herbs)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
For Serving:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Marinara sauce
Time You’ll Need
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20–25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 40 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer to whip up, especially if you already have cooked risotto on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven and Mix Rice
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked risotto rice with grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
2. Shape and Stuff Arancini
Take a small handful of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully shape the rice around it, forming a tight, smooth ball about the size of a golf ball.
3. Coat the Rice Balls
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each arancini ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it completely in breadcrumbs.
4. Bake Until Crispy
Place the coated rice balls on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil to help them get golden and crispy. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the outside is golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Warm your marinara sauce and spread a spoonful over each serving plate. Place the baked arancini on the sauce, then sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy bites!
Can I Use Leftover Risotto to Make Arancini?
Yes! Leftover risotto works perfectly for arancini. Just make sure it’s fully cooled and firm, which helps the balls hold their shape while baking.
Can I Freeze Baked Arancini?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze on a tray until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy.
What Can I Use Instead of Mozzarella?
You can substitute mozzarella with other meltable cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a vegan cheese alternative. Just choose cheeses that melt well for that gooey center.
How Do I Make Arancini Crispier Without Frying?
Baking with panko breadcrumbs and brushing or spraying the arancini with olive oil helps achieve a crispy crust. Make sure to bake at a high temperature and turn them halfway for even browning.