Crispy Ham and Cheese Arancini
Crispy Ham and Cheese Arancini are a delicious twist on the classic Italian snack. These golden-fried rice balls feature a savory risotto base with ham, peas, parmesan, and fresh herbs, all wrapped around gooey mozzarella centers. They’re crispy outside, creamy inside, and make an unforgettable appetizer or party bite.
Ingredients
For the Arancini Rice Balls:
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup ham finely diced (about 3 oz)
- 2 cups Jasmine rice un-rinsed
- 1 cup Chardonnay dry white wine
- 5 cups chicken broth or stock hot
- 1 tsp salt plus more to sprinkle fried arancini
- 1 cup frozen peas fully thawed
- 1/3 cup parsley finely chopped
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes
For Breading / Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs
- Oil for frying vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high.
- Sauté onion until golden, then add ham and cook 2 more minutes.
- Stir in rice and coat in oil.
- Pour in wine and cook until evaporated.
- Add hot broth and salt, cover and simmer until liquid is absorbed (15–17 min).
- Stir in peas, cover again, and cook 2 min.
- Cool rice mixture in a baking dish.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://mischacrossing.com/crispy-ham-and-cheese-arancini/
Notes
- Use cold risotto for easier shaping and better structure.
- If you don’t have wine, replace it with a bit more broth.
- Don’t overstuff with mozzarella or the cheese may leak during frying.