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Ready to level up your christmas appetizers game this year? Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly golden, crispy rice balls oozing creamy mozzarella, all dunked in a tangy marinara dip. I first made these mini arancini at a chaotic Christmas Eve gathering, and trust me—they vanished faster than Santa down the chimney. Ever wondered why rice balls steal the spotlight at every holiday spread? Let me spill the tea: they combine comfort, crunch, and a hint of nostalgia in one bite 🙂
Whether you’re hunting for Christmas Party Food Appetizers, scouting Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties, or need some show-stopping Holiday Party Appetizers, these arancini deliver. They fit right alongside your Christmas Charcuterie Board or as Instagram-worthy Xmas Appetizers. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to customize—no one ever guesses you prepped half the work the night before. Let’s dive into this festive, crowd-pleasing recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked arborio rice (day-old risotto works best)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella (cubed into small pieces)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
- 1½ cups marinara sauce, warmed (for dipping)
Instructions
- Mix rice, Parmesan, one beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl until sticky.
- Take a tablespoon of rice mixture, flatten in your palm, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and form into a ball. Repeat.
- Set up a dredging station: flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat each rice ball in flour, dip in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry arancini in batches (4–5 at a time) until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper-towel-lined plate. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Keep arancini warm in a 200°F oven while you fry the rest.
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce on the side.
- Watch your guests go wild—no judgment if you snag one (or three) yourself!
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few creative spins:
- Pesto Arancini: Swirl basil pesto into the rice mixture for a herby twist.
- Spicy Sausage: Mix in crumbled cooked Italian sausage and red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Spinach & Ricotta: Add chopped spinach and ricotta to the center instead of mozzarella.
Serving & Tips
These mini arancini make perfect Christmas Dinner Appetizers or Christmas Appetizers Finger Foods. Arrange them on a platter with sprigs of rosemary or parsley for that cozy holiday vibe. Throw in a few cut lemon wedges for brightness—yep, I said lemons on Xmas snacks, trust me on this one. Pair with a chilled Prosecco or spiced cider and watch your guests mingle around the snack table like it’s the North Pole’s hottest nightclub.
FYI, you can prep the rice balls up to the breadcrumb step a day ahead—just keep them covered in the fridge. When party time hits, fry them straight from cold. IMO, this hack saves your sanity and ensures Holiday Appetizers Easy status. Got picky eaters? Swap marinara for a creamy garlic aioli or tangy pesto dip for extra variety.
Storing leftovers? Not that you’ll have any, but if by some miracle you do, freeze uncooked arancini on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat baked at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until crispy. That way, you have Christmas Snacks For Party ready whenever you crave a festive nibble.
Mini Arancini (Christmas Rice Balls)
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine cooked rice, Parmesan, one beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until sticky.
- Take a tablespoon of rice mixture, flatten it, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and roll into a ball. Repeat.
- Prepare a dredging station with flour, second beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in separate bowls.
- Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry arancini in batches of 4–5 until golden brown, 3–4 minutes each.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with a pinch of salt.
- Keep fried arancini warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while finishing the rest.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Final Thoughts
Making these mini arancini balls feels like giving your holiday spread a Michelin-star twist—without the drama. I still remember my cousin’s face lighting up when she bit into the gooey center. Whether you serve them as Holiday Party Appetizers or pack them for Christmas Eve Appetizers, they bring people together. So, roll up your sleeves, turn on your favorite holiday playlist, and let these crispy beauties work their magic. Enjoy the cheers, the smiles, and maybe a little cheeky “Santa-approved” stamp of approval. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I bake these arancini instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as insanely crispy as fried ones, but they still taste amazing—perfect for light Holiday Appetizers Easy.
How do I keep arancini warm without drying them out?
Pop them in a low oven at 200°F (95°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This keeps them hot and crisp while you finish frying. No soggy bottoms here!
Can I use leftover rice instead of arborio?
Technically, yes—but arborio’s starch gives that creamy, sticky texture you need for forming balls. If you use plain leftover rice, mix in a bit of cream cheese or beaten egg until it binds well.
What dipping sauces work besides marinara?
Get creative! Try garlic aioli, pesto mayo, spicy sriracha ketchup, or even a sweet chili dip. Offering 2–3 options keeps your Christmas Finger Food Ideas For Parties fresh and exciting.
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