Pesto Mozzarella Arancini Recipe – Italian Special
Pesto Mozzarella Arancini are a delightful twist on the classic Italian rice balls. These golden, crispy bites are filled with a rich combination of creamy mozzarella and fragrant pesto, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, each bite delivers a melt-in-your-mouth experience with a burst of basil and garlic, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy.
- Prep Time40 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Total Time50 min
Pesto Mozzarella Arancini Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 200g mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper
Cook the Rice:
Heat the broth in a pot.
In another pan, heat olive oil and saute the onion and garlic until soft. Add the rice and cook for a minute.
Slowly add the hot broth, stirring until the rice is soft and creamy (about 18-20 minutes).
Stir in Parmesan, butter, salt, and pepper. Let it cool.
Form the Balls:
Once the rice is cool, mix in the egg.
Take a spoonful of rice, flatten it, and place a cube of mozzarella and a spoon of pesto in the middle.
Shape the rice into a ball around the filling.
Coat the Arancini:
Roll each ball in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry:
Heat oil in a pot. Fry the rice balls in batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Serve:
Serve hot with extra pesto or marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes:
Rice: Use Arborio rice for a creamy texture.
Cool the Rice: Let the rice cool before making balls to avoid them falling apart.
Filling: Cut mozzarella into small cubes so it melts well.
Freezing: You can freeze arancini before frying. Fry them straight from the freezer.
Sauce: Serve with extra pesto or marinara sauce for dipping.
