Crispy Baked Arancini with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
This Baked Arancini recipe offers a healthier twist on the traditional Italian fried rice balls by baking them to crispy perfection. Made with creamy Arborio rice cooked in flavorful chicken broth, stuffed with gooey mozzarella, and coated with crunchy breadcrumbs, these arancini are perfect as an appetizer or snack. The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley adds a delightful savory depth to each bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Rice Mixture
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coating
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- Olive oil for brushing
Filling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the Arborio rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the broth, about 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: Stir grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper into the cooked rice. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined. Allow the mixture to cool completely so it can be shaped easily.
- Form Arancini Balls: Take a handful of the rice mixture and flatten it into your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then mold the rice around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat for all the rice mixture.
- Coat the Balls: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each rice ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the coated arancini balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush each ball with olive oil to help achieve a crispy golden finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the arancini for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked arancini warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds extra flavor to the rice.
- Make sure the rice mixture is cool before forming balls to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like fontina or provolone.
- Brushing with olive oil before baking helps achieve a golden crust without frying.
- Baked arancini are a lighter alternative to traditionally fried versions, perfect for a low-fat diet.
Keywords: Baked Arancini, Italian appetizer, rice balls, mozzarella stuffed, healthy arancini, baked rice balls