Italian Rice Croquettes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Filling Options: Customize with your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables.
• Perfect for Leftovers: A great way to repurpose leftover risotto or plain rice.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for appetizers, snacks, or as a main course.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and fry when ready to serve.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups cooked Arborio rice (preferably cooled)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Prepare the Rice Mixture:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked Arborio rice, grated Parmesan cheese, and one beaten egg. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.

2. Form the Croquettes:

   • Take a small handful of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and mold the rice around it to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

3. Coat the Croquettes:

   • Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the remaining beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in the flour, dip into the egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Fry the Croquettes:

   • In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few croquettes at a time, avoiding overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the croquettes and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

5. Serve:

   • Allow the croquettes to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12 croquettes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Meat Filling: Incorporate cooked ground beef or sausage into the center along with the cheese for a heartier version.
• Vegetarian Option: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables as a filling.
• Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or gouda for varied flavors.
• Baked Version: For a lighter alternative, bake the croquettes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place cooled croquettes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Arrange uncooked, coated croquettes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat refrigerated croquettes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes. For frozen croquettes, thaw in the refrigerator before reheating as above.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for croquettes?

Arborio rice is ideal due to its creamy texture, but any short-grain rice that becomes sticky when cooked can work.

Can I use leftover risotto?

Absolutely! Using leftover risotto adds extra flavor and reduces food waste.

How do I prevent the croquettes from falling apart?

Ensuring the rice mixture is well-cooled and handling the balls gently during formation and coating helps maintain their shape.

Is it necessary to include a filling?

While traditional arancini feature a filling, you can make plain rice balls without any center filling if preferred.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

What dipping sauces pair well with these croquettes?

Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or pesto are excellent choices.

How can I ensure the cheese stays inside during frying?

Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed by the rice mixture and that the croquettes are well-coated with breadcrumbs to prevent leakage.

Can I add herbs to the rice mixture?

Yes, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme can enhance the flavor.

What’s the difference between arancini and supplì?

Both are Italian rice balls, but arancini are typically larger, often conical, and hail from Sicily, while supplì are smaller, cylindrical, and originate from Rome.

How do I achieve an even golden color when frying?

Maintain the oil at a consistent temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.

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