16 Creative Arancini Ideas You Need to Try for Your Next Party

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. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Steep saffron threads in warm broth for 10 minutes
• Cook arborio rice with saffron broth, wine, and butter until creamy, stirring frequently
• Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper
• Spread rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate until completely cool
• Form rice into balls with mozzarella cube in the center of each
• Roll balls in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs
• Heat oil to 350°F and fry arancini until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes
• Drain on paper towels and serve hot

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.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked arborio rice
• 2 cups cauliflower, finely chopped and steamed
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten (plus 1 for coating)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Combine cooked rice, steamed cauliflower, Parmesan, garlic, 2 eggs, and parsley in a bowl
• Season mixture with salt and pepper and mix until well combined
• Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes to firm up
• Shape mixture into golf ball-sized portions
• Set up breading station with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs
• Coat each ball in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs
• Fry in 350°F oil until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes
• Drain and serve with marinara sauce

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. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook arborio rice in vegetable broth until al dente
• Stir in tomato sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and basil
• Season with salt and pepper, then cool completely
• Form rice into balls with mozzarella cube in center
• Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs
• Heat oil to 350°F in deep pot or fryer
• Fry arancini until deep golden brown, about 4 minutes
• Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels

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

4. Butternut Squash Arancini

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!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked arborio rice
• 1 cup diced ham
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (plus cubes for filling)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs, beaten (plus 1 for coating)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Mix cooked rice with diced ham, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, butter, and 2 beaten eggs
• Season mixture well with salt and pepper
• Chill mixture in refrigerator for at least 1 hour
• Form into balls with mozzarella cube in the center
• Roll in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs
• Deep fry at 350°F until golden brown and crispy, 3-4 minutes
• Let drain on paper towels before serving
• Serve warm with marinara or aioli

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. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked arborio rice
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper
• Combine rice, marinara sauce, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and 1 beaten egg
• Season mixture with salt and pepper
• Form into balls with mozzarella cube in center
• Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil in shallow bowl
• Dip each ball in remaining beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumb mixture
• Place on prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking spray
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy

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.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups gluten-free chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
• 2 cups gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook arborio rice in gluten-free broth until tender and creamy
• Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese
• Season with salt and pepper, then spread on tray to cool
• Once cool, form rice into balls with mozzarella in center
• Set up breading station with gluten-free flour, eggs, and gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Coat each ball thoroughly in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs
• Fry in 350°F oil until crispy and golden, about 3-4 minutes
• Drain well and serve immediately

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!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Sauté zucchini in olive oil until tender, set aside
• Cook rice in vegetable broth until creamy
• Stir in peas, zucchini, Parmesan, and fresh herbs
• Season well and refrigerate until completely cool
• Form into balls with mozzarella cube in center
• Bread by dipping in flour, eggs, then breadcrumbs
• Deep fry at 350°F until golden brown and crispy
• Serve hot with marinara or pesto sauce

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!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup ground beef or pork
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Pinch of saffron (optional)
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Brown ground meat in pan, drain excess fat
• Cook rice in broth with tomato paste and saffron until tender
• Mix in cooked meat, peas, and Parmesan cheese
• Cool mixture completely in refrigerator
• Form into cone or ball shapes with mozzarella in center
• Coat in flour, dip in eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs
• Fry in 350°F oil until deep golden brown, 4-5 minutes
• Drain on paper towels and serve warm

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!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon
• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant
• Cook rice in broth with butter and garlic until creamy
• Gently fold in crab meat, Parmesan, lemon zest, and herbs
• Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate until cool
• Form into balls, being gentle with crab meat
• Bread with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs
• Fry at 350°F until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes
• Serve with lemon aioli or tartar sauce

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!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella, cubed
• 1/4 cup ground flaxseed mixed with 3/4 cup water (flax eggs)
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (ensure vegan)
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 1 cup mushrooms, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Sauté mushrooms in vegan butter until golden
• Cook rice in vegetable broth until creamy and tender
• Stir in nutritional yeast, sautéed mushrooms, and vegan butter
• Season well and cool completely
• Form rice into balls with vegan mozzarella in center
• Coat in flour, dip in flax egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumbs
• Fry in 350°F oil until crispy and golden brown
• Drain and serve with vegan marinara sauce

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. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked arborio rice
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooking spray
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine rice, marinara, Parmesan, and 1 beaten egg in bowl
• Season mixture with salt and pepper
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up
• Form into balls with mozzarella cube in center
• Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil in shallow dish
• Dip each ball in remaining beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture
• Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray
• Place arancini in single layer and spray tops with cooking spray
• Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy

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

12. Baked Arancini Rice Balls

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!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups mushroom or vegetable broth
• 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, porcini), chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz fontina cheese, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Fresh thyme
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until golden and tender
• Cook rice in mushroom broth until creamy
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms, Parmesan, and fresh thyme
• Season and refrigerate until completely cool
• Form rice into balls with fontina cube in center
• Coat in flour, dip in eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs
• Fry at 350°F until deep golden brown, about 4 minutes
• Drain and serve with truffle aioli if desired

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.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup butternut squash puree
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz goat cheese or mozzarella, cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Fresh sage, chopped
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook rice in vegetable broth until tender and creamy
• Stir in butternut squash puree, butter, Parmesan, sage, and nutmeg
• Season with salt and pepper, then cool completely
• Form into balls with cheese cube in center
• Bread by coating in flour, eggs, then breadcrumbs
• Fry in 350°F oil until golden and crispy, 3-4 minutes
• Drain on paper towels
• Serve with brown butter sage sauce

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!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups button or cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter until moisture evaporates
• Cook rice in broth until creamy and tender
• Fold in sautéed mushrooms, Parmesan, and parsley
• Season well and refrigerate until cool
• Shape into balls with mozzarella in center
• Coat with flour, dip in eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs
• Deep fry at 350°F until crispy and golden, about 4 minutes
• Drain on paper towels and serve hot

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. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Bolognese sauce (meat sauce)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz mozzarella, cubed
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook rice in beef broth with butter until tender
• Stir in half of the Bolognese sauce and Parmesan cheese
• Season mixture and cool completely
• Form rice into balls, placing mozzarella cube and spoonful of remaining Bolognese in center
• Coat balls in flour, dip in eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs
• Fry at 350°F until deep golden brown, 4-5 minutes
• Drain well on paper towels
• Serve with extra Bolognese sauce on the side

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.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz fontina or mozzarella, cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• Fresh sage, chopped
• Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook arborio rice in vegetable broth until creamy
• Stir in pumpkin puree, butter, Parmesan, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg
• Season with salt and pepper, then spread on tray to cool
• Once cool, form into balls with cheese cube in center
• Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs
• Heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden brown and crispy
• Drain on paper towels
• Serve warm with sage brown butter or marinara sauce

Want to give this a try? Click here.

Arancini Are a Must-Try for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or an elegant dinner party, arancini offer endless versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. These crispy Italian rice balls can be customized to suit any dietary preference, seasonal ingredient, or flavor profile, making them the ultimate make-ahead appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear quickly from any serving platter.

Featured image credit to @oakhill.fresno.