16 Creative Arancini Recipes to Level Up Your Appetizers

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Arancini Recipes

Who can resist Arancini? These little heavenly bites are stuffed with all kinds of deliciousness, from gooey cheese to bold flavors. 

So, whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick snack, this Italian street food always delivers! Ready to explore the world of these rice balls? Check out these 16 recipes to inspire your next batch!

1. Pumpkin Arancini

These golden, crispy rice balls are stuffed with a mix of pumpkin and savory pancetta risotto. It’s perfectly crunchy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth soft and creamy inside. 

Give your menu a glow-up with pumpkin arancini! Click here.

2. Bolognese Arancini Balls

Bolognese arancini balls are an amazing comfort food with a gourmet twist. Just imagine a crispy, golden shell giving way to a soft, creamy interior that’s filled with savory sauce and gooey mozzarella.

You should give this a try: click here.

3. Mushroom Arancini 

From its crispy, golden shell to its center filled with sautéed mushrooms and perfectly cooked arborio rice, each bite is a delicious blend of earthy, aromatic flavors and comforting textures. 

It’s an Italian treat that’ll steal the spotlight at any table: click here.

4. Butternut Squash Arancini

Butternut squash arancini
Credit: @barmezzana

Made with rich butternut squash risotto, these bites are rolled up, stuffed with gooey cheese, and fried until crispy. They’re the best appetizers or snacks to have on-hand!

For the full recipe, click here.

5. Wild Mushroom Arancini

Packed with wild mushrooms and a molten mozzarella center, these arancini are a little taste of Italy you’ll want to savor again and again. 

Ready to get started? Click here.

6. Air Fryer Arancini

Don’t feel like deep-frying your arancini balls? No worries — you can air-fry them instead for a simpler and more convenient snack! This method will have your dish ready in under an hour.

Add this to your weekly menu, and click here.

7. Vegan Arancini

These are vegan arancini that hit all the right notes! Filled with super stretchy dairy-free mozzarella and a vibrant fresh basil pesto, this plant-based comfort food is just as indulgent as the original!

Give this version a try, and click here.

8. Crab Arancini

If you’re looking for new dinner ideas, check out this arancini recipe. All you need are leftover crab risotto, salt and pepper, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and vegetable oil!

Once you’ve got all the ingredients, click here.

9. Sicilian Arancini

Sicilian arancini are a street food classic you can’t miss! They’re filled with rich, flavorful ragù and tender peas, rolled in breadcrumbs, and then fried to perfection!

Overall, they’re warm, hearty, and utterly delicious! Click here.

10. Vegetarian Arancini 

Crispy breadcrumbs coat flavorful risotto balls that are stuffed with a hearty mix of eggplant, tomatoes, and chickpeas. And the best part? They’re oven-baked, making them lighter and less oily!

Get ready to fall in love with these vegetarian arancini: click here.

11. Gluten-Free Arancini

With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy all the goodness these Italian bites have to offer without the extra gluten. 

So, if you want to learn more about it, click here.

12. Baked Arancini Rice Balls

Baked arancini rice balls
Credit: @amummytoo

Arancini may traditionally be deep-fried, but baking them in the oven is the way to go! Not only is it easier, but you can cook an entire batch at once in just 25 minutes — no need to fry in small quantities!

Interested in giving this method a try? Click here.

13. Ham and Cheese Arancini

For a lighter take on arancini, try stuffing them with cubed ham and a little bit of gooey mozzarella. The result? A melty, cheesy center with a salty, savory bite.

For the full step-by-step breakdown, click here.

14. Tomato Arancini Balls

Made with flavorful tomato risotto, filled with creamy Boursin cheese, and coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, these crispy arancini are the ultimate indulgence!

Check out the complete recipe, and click here.

15. Cauliflower Arancini Balls

Swap out regular white rice for cauliflower rice, and you’ve got yourself keto-friendly, low-carb arancini! Then, stuff them with cream cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for a rich, melty center. 

It’s a twist on a classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture: click here.

16. Saffron Arancini

Saffron is an exotic spice with a subtle, earthy-sweet taste and a hint of bitterness. While it doesn’t overpower a dish, it adds nuanced notes that give the meal an elevated and sophisticated touch.

Want to give this a try? Click here.

Arancini Are a Must-Try for Any Occasion

The beauty of arancini is that you can stuff them with just about anything, making them perfect for any occasion. They’re simple to whip up, fully customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Featured image credit to @sugarsaltmagic.

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