Crispy Cheesy Leftover Rice Arancini

Turn leftover rice into golden, crispy Arancini! These Italian rice balls with mozzarella are the bee's knees. A family fave & easy to make! Get the recipe now!

Right then, let's talk leftover rice recipes . seriously, how many times have you stared into the fridge, defeated by that sad container of day-old rice? i get it.

But don't you worry.

From Fridge Flop to Italian Pop: Arancini Magic

Honestly, I'm here to tell you that transformation is possible. We're taking that bland base and turning it into something flipping amazing: Crispy Cheesy Leftover Rice Arancini , or as my Italian nonna would say, rice balls of pure joy!

Arancini: A Little Taste of Italy at Home

Arancini, for those not in the know, are basically deep-fried rice balls. they're an italian street food staple. think crispy outside, gooey cheesy centre, and dipped in marinara.

..oh my gosh! they usually start with risotto, but using leftover rice is a genius hack!

This recipe's a bit of a medium challenge. it takes around 50 minutes total. it'll give you about 6-8 arancini.

Perfect for a family snack or a light lunch. i reckon you'll impress anyone you serve these up to.

More Than Just a Treat: Why You'll Love These

Look, these aren't exactly health food, let's be honest. but! they're a great way to use up leftover rice recipes and sneak in some dairy.

You get a bit of protein from the cheese and egg, and that crispy coating? chef's kiss . perfect for a casual get-together or even a movie night.

Plus, they're totally adaptable.

Ready to raid that fridge? Let's get to the good stuff – the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Arancini Magic!

Honestly, who throws away leftover rice ? especially when you can make amazing arancini! let's see what bits and bobs you'll need for these italian beauties.

Think of it as a "cheffy" makeover for your rice side dish recipes .

Main Ingredients: Rice is the Hero

• Cooked leftover rice : 2 cups (400g). Day-old rice is the best . Trust me on this! Slightly dry is much easier to work with, for rice recipes for dinner .
• Parmesan cheese: 1 cup (120g) finely grated. The proper stuff, if you please. It makes all the difference.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten. Like giving it a proper whisk with a fork.
• All-purpose flour: ½ cup (50g), plus extra for dredging. Standard stuff.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon . To season. We're not barbarians, you know.
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground if you're feeling fancy.
• Mozzarella: 4 ounces (115g), cut into ½-inch cubes. Fresh mozzarella is sublime. If you've had a bad experience with cheese, maybe try using provolone.
• Vegetable oil: about 3 cups (700ml) for frying. Canola works fine too.

For the breadcrumb armor:

• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (85g) plain or Italian seasoned. Panko breadcrumbs give it an extra crispy crunch, perfect for some easy chinese cooking recipes .
• Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) grated.

And for dipping?

• Your favourite Marinara sauce or Arrabbiata sauce for dipping

If you're looking for other rice side dishes , this recipe is the way to go!

Seasoning Notes: Italian Kiss

The magic happens with the parmesan. use real parmesan, not that powdered stuff. trust me. it matters. a good marinara sauce is crucial.

Store-bought is fine, but homemade is always better. i sometimes add a tiny pinch of chili flakes to the rice mixture for a kick.

Feel free to experiment! some people like sticky rice , others not so much.

For easy chinese recipes , adjust the seasoning to soy sauce, ginger and garlic.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

• Large mixing bowl. For mixing everything. Obvious, innit?
• Small bowl for egg wash.
• Shallow dish for breadcrumbs.
• Large pot or deep fryer. For frying. A deep fryer is the easiest option.
• Slotted spoon or spider. For retrieving the Arancini from the oil.
• Paper towels. For draining the oil. We don't want soggy Arancini.

Now, don't fret if you don't have everything . a regular saucepan works fine for frying. just be careful! honestly, you can get away without a fancy slotted spoon.

A regular spoon will do in a pinch. now, who's ready for some truly delicious arancini made from simple easy rice recipes ? if you're a big fan of literature maybe you can cook while listening to anne rice .

Crispy Cheesy Leftover Rice Arancini (Italian Rice Balls)

Honestly, who actually enjoys plain leftover rice? this arancini recipe is your secret weapon. it turns that sad rice into golden, crispy italian rice balls stuffed with mozzarella and parmesan.

Proper comfort food, innit? these are great as a snack or light meal. marinara dipping sauce is a must! you will get some serious italian flavours when you're done with this.

Essential Prep: Your Mise en Place Sorted

First, gather your troops! get everything measured and prepped. it really does save you time, trust me. get that cooked rice (day-old is best!), parmesan , egg , flour , salt , pepper , and mozzarella ready.

Have your breadcrumbs ready as well. oh, and don't forget that oil for frying!

Step-by-Step to Arancini Awesomeness

Right, let's get cracking!

1. Mix 2 cups cooked rice , 1 cup Parmesan , 1 egg , 1/2 cup flour , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Chill the rice mix for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. This is very important.
3. Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a small bowl to prepare the breadcrumb coating.
4. Take a dollop of rice (about 2-3 tablespoons ). Flatten it. Pop a mozzarella cube in the middle. Shape it into a ball. Roll in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
5. Heat about 3 cups of vegetable oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . A thermometer helps, but you can test with a breadcrumb – it should sizzle.
6. Fry the arancini for 3- 4 minutes per side, until golden.
7. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot with marinara sauce.

Pro Tips for Arancini Perfection

• Cold rice is key! Day-old rice is drier and works better.
• Don't overcrowd the pot when frying, or your arancini will be greasy.
• Fancy making these ahead? Shape them, bread them, and freeze them. Fry them straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.

Rice side dish recipes are elevated with arancini. if you were planning rice recipes for dinner , this is great way to change it up.

You can use any kind of rice side dishes in this recipe, really. if you like quick meals, these are easy rice recipes to start from, like the fried rice recipe , it all helps.

This is a creative alternative if you want chinese cooking recipes and easy chinese recipes to start from.

Leftover rice recipes don't have to be boring! These arancini are a game-changer. You know? Give them a try. You won't regret it.

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about our Crispy Cheesy Leftover Rice Recipes … because, honestly, the recipe is just the beginning of the fun!

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions That'll Wow

Okay, so you’ve got these golden balls of cheesy goodness. now what? forget just plopping them on a plate! think about presentation, yeah? a swirl of marinara on the plate? a sprinkle of fresh basil? chef's kiss .

For sides, a simple salad does the trick. Keeps it light, you know? And drinks? I reckon a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio would be smashing. The crispness cuts through the richness.

Storage Tips: Avoiding Arancini Armageddon

Right, so you’ve made a batch, but can’t eat them all. Happens to the best of us.

• Refrigeration: Pop those little fellas in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 2-3 days, tops.
• Freezing: Now, freezing is doable, but they're best fresh. If you must, freeze them before frying. Lay them out on a baking sheet first, then bag 'em up once solid.
• Reheating: Honestly, the oven's your best bet. Microwaving makes them a bit soggy. Nobody wants a soggy arancini. 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through and crispy.

Variations: Let's Get Wild

Want to mix things up? Course you do! Here's what I'm thinking.

• Gluten-Free Arancini: Ditch the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Easy peasy. Use a gluten-free flour blend too.
• Seasonal Swaps: In autumn, try adding a bit of butternut squash puree to the rice side dish recipes mixture. Adds a lovely sweetness. Or you can also try other rice recipes for dinner or quick rice side dishes .
• For the real fans of spice, give a try to some easy chinese recipes to give to your Arancini some Asian kick, you can get the basis from basic chinese cooking recipes .

Nutrition Basics: Because We Care (A Little)

Alright, i’m no nutritionist. but here’s the lowdown in plain english. these are easy rice recipes , but they are fried so, yeah, a bit indulgent.

They've got carbs, fat, and protein. not exactly health food, but a decent source of energy. there are many things that anne rice didn't know, but for sure, she would enjoyed a bite of this italian classic.

Think of it as a treat. Everything in moderation, yeah?

So, there you have it! your guide to arancini awesomeness. now get cooking, and don't be afraid to experiment. honestly, you can’t really go wrong.

Enjoy those sticky rice balls of joy, maybe even with a fried rice recipe on the side! happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good leftover rice recipes, specifically for using up day-old rice?

Arancini, like these Crispy Cheesy Leftover Rice Arancini, are fantastic! Day-old rice is actually better because it's drier and holds its shape well. Think of it like giving your rice a second act, transforming it into a golden, cheesy treat perfect with marinara sauce. Other ideas include fried rice, rice pudding, or using it as a base for stuffed peppers – so many options to avoid that dreaded "rice mountain" in the fridge!

Can I use different types of rice for these arancini? What if I only have brown rice?

Absolutely! White rice (like risotto rice), brown rice, jasmine rice – they all work in this arancini recipe. Brown rice will give a nuttier flavour and a slightly chewier texture, which is rather lovely, but the key is ensuring it's cooked and chilled beforehand. You might need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to get the right consistency for shaping the balls – think "play-doh" consistency, not sticky soup!

How can I prevent the arancini from falling apart while frying? Is there a secret, like James Bond would have?

Right, listen up, Bond. The main thing is to make sure your rice mixture is properly chilled – at least 30 minutes in the fridge is vital. This helps the rice stick together. Second, ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C). If the oil isn't hot enough, the arancini will absorb too much oil and become soggy, leading to potential breakage. A good breadcrumb coating, achieved through flour, egg and breadcrumbs, also offers protection. If all else fails, you can double-bread them for extra security!

How long can I store leftover arancini, and what's the best way to reheat them so they don't become soggy?

Cooked arancini are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, the oven is your best bet for maintaining crispness. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving will make them soggy, so avoid that at all costs! If you've got an air fryer, even better – a few minutes in there will bring them back to their former glory.

Are there any vegetarian or vegan variations on these leftover rice recipes?

Definitely! For a vegetarian option, ensure you use vegetarian parmesan or a similar hard Italian cheese. For a vegan version, use a vegan hard cheese alternative and a flax "egg" (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes) as a binder in place of the egg. You can also stuff the arancini with roasted vegetables like butternut squash or mushrooms for extra flavour and nutrition. The BBC Good Food link may also have some relevant information for this question.

What are some good dipping sauces to serve with arancini, other than marinara? I'm looking for something a bit different!

Marinara is a classic for a reason, but let's shake things up a bit, shall we? A creamy pesto sauce offers a burst of fresh, herby flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the arancini. A spicy arrabiata sauce will provide a fiery kick. For something a bit more unusual, try a truffle aioli or even a romesco sauce (a Spanish tomato-based sauce with nuts and peppers). It is also worth checking the BBC Good Food link for ideas and options.

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