Description
Crispy Italian rice balls made from creamy risotto, stuffed with mozzarella cheese, coated in panko breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup arborio rice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 cups warm chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1–2 teaspoons lemon zest
1/4 cup heavy cream
Black pepper, to taste
6 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
2 cups panko breadcrumbs, lightly crushed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
3–5 cups vegetable oil or canola oil
Tomato sauce or spicy tomato sauce for dipping
Instructions
1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add arborio rice and salt to the skillet. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the rice lightly toasts.
3. Pour in about 1 cup warm chicken broth and stir frequently. Once mostly absorbed, add more broth gradually while stirring until rice becomes creamy and tender, about 18–20 minutes.
4. Stir in remaining butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and heavy cream. Season with black pepper and mix until creamy.
5. Spread risotto on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate about 1 hour until firm.
6. Scoop chilled risotto into your palm, flatten slightly, place mozzarella cubes in the center, and shape into a ball.
7. Roll each ball in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
8. Heat oil in a deep skillet to about 350°F. Fry rice balls in batches until golden brown, turning for even cooking.
9. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and serve warm with tomato sauce.
Notes
Chilling the risotto helps the rice balls hold their shape during frying.
Use low-moisture mozzarella so the filling melts without leaking.
Maintain oil temperature around 350°F for the crispiest texture.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian