This Giada de Laurentiis arancini di riso recipe or you may want to call it fried and stuffed rice balls is a good reason to make an extra batch of her basic risotto on purpose each time you cook it!
Whether you will use mushroom risotto with peas leftovers or Giada artichoke risotto any of these will make your stuffed rice balls so delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
If you love classic Italian flavors, then Giada’s Arancini Di Riso is a recipe you’ll want to master. Not only does it bring the authentic taste of Italy to your kitchen, but it’s also an impressive dish that’s sure to wow your family and guests.
These arancini are perfectly crispy on the outside and deliciously cheesy on the inside, making them a hit at any gathering. Plus, they’re versatile—you can fill them with different cheeses or even add a bit of your favorite meat to make them your own.
Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer or a satisfying snack, this recipe delivers both flavor and ease. If you’ve been searching for a way to elevate your cooking with minimal effort, Giada’s Arancini Di Riso is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
- Risotto: You’ll need about 2 cups of Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas. This is the flavorful base that holds everything together.
- Mozzarella: Small cubes of mozzarella add a deliciously gooey center to each arancini, making every bite cheesy and satisfying.
- Parmesan: Grated Parmesan brings a sharp, salty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy risotto.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs help bind the ingredients together, ensuring the arancini hold their shape during frying.
- Bread Crumbs: Dried Italian-style bread crumbs create a crispy, golden coating on the outside of each arancini.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step One – Heat the oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. You’ll need about 3 inches of oil depth for frying.
Step Two – In a large bowl, mix together the beaten eggs, risotto, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the bread crumbs. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 3/4 inches in diameter. Press a cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball.
Step Three – Roll each risotto ball in the remaining bread crumbs until fully coated. Ensure each ball is evenly covered for a crispy finish.
Step Four – Fry the rice balls in batches, turning them carefully to ensure even browning, for about 4 minutes. Once golden and heated through, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Sprinkle with salt, let them rest for a couple of minutes, and serve hot.
How to Serve Arancini Di Riso
- One of the classic ways to serve Giada’s Arancini Di Riso is with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. The rich tomato flavor pairs perfectly with the cheesy, crispy rice balls.
- These arancini also make a great addition to Antipasti Skewers. Serve them alongside cured meats, olives, and roasted vegetables for a delicious Italian-inspired spread.
- For a heartier meal, pair the arancini with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens and tangy dressing complement the rich flavors of the arancini.
- If you’re looking for a more substantial side, consider serving them with a side of sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus. The bright, earthy flavors of the vegetables balance the richness of the fried rice balls.
Recipe FAQs and Variations
What can I use instead of risotto with mushrooms and peas?
If you don’t have risotto with mushrooms and peas, you can substitute it with any leftover risotto or even plain risotto. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover arancini?
Store leftover arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the arancini if you prefer. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the arancini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
What if I don’t have Italian-style bread crumbs?
If you don’t have Italian-style bread crumbs, you can use plain bread crumbs and mix in your own seasoning like garlic powder, dried oregano, and a bit of grated Parmesan.
Check out More Giada Appetizer Recipes:
- Giada De Laurentiis Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Giada Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Giada Carrot Fries With Lemon-mint Dip Recipe
Giada De Laurentiis Arancini Di Riso
Course: SidesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings20
minutes20
minutes250
kcalThis Giada de Laurentiis arancini di riso recipe or you may want to call it fried and stuffed rice balls is a good reason to make an extra batch of her basic risotto on purpose each time you cook it!
Ingredients
Vegetable oil (for deep-frying)
2 large eggs (beaten to blend)
2 cups Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups dried Italian-style bread crumbs
2 ounces mozzarella (cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
Salt
Directions
- Add a generous amount of oil to a large saucepan, making sure it reaches a depth of 3 inches. Warm up the oil on medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350 degrees F.
- Combine the eggs, risotto, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the bread crumbs in a large bowl by stirring them together. Put the rest of the breadcrumbs in a bowl.
- Shape the risotto mixture into balls, using approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each ball. Place one cube of mozzarella in the center of each ball. Coat the balls by rolling them in the bread crumbs.
- Cook the rice balls in batches in the hot oil until they turn brown and heat through, making sure to turn them as needed. This should take about 4 minutes.
- After cooking the rice balls, gently transfer them to paper towels to remove any excess oil. Season with salt. Allow to rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories250
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
15g
24%
- Saturated Fat 6g 30%
- Cholesterol 60mg 20%
- Sodium 400mg 17%
- Total Carbohydrate
22g
8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 9g 18%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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