With the holidays here, you want a delicious, yet simple appetizer. These Arancini (or risotto bites) are the best fancy fake-out!
The holidays are HERE! Aside from baking up a storm, appetizers are huge this time of year. I love to have a couple of simple, fancy-ish ones up my sleeve for gatherings. Arancini, aka Risotto balls, are delicious and you can make them ahead of time, simply frying them up before your party.
Every year, I hope to throw a fun holiday gathering with my friends, yet the busy schedules always seem to get in the way. I am determined to make it happen this year! I would love to host an Italian Happy Hour with simple bites, Cavit wine and conversation. No ugly sweater gimmicks, just a fun happy hour. Not saying I don’t love Ugly Sweater parties…but I just want something simplified.
The best part of the Arancini is the cheesy center! It’s a nice surprise for your guests–my girls went crazy for these. You can make these up to 3 days ahead of time, simply shallow frying them right before the party. I have a delicious Tomato Risotto recipe that is perfect for this recipe. If you want to use a store bought boxed mix, that works too! Just make sure you have 2 cups of cold, prepared risotto before starting the Arancini.
Arancini can go with both red and white Cavit wine. The marinara pairs with red, yet I love to pair creamy dishes with white wine. Cavit Wine is not only delicious wine, it’s budget friendly. I like to get 3 bottles of the Select Red Blend and 3 of Pinot Grigio for any gathering. They’re crowd pleasers for everyone!
- 2 cups of cooked and chilled risotto
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan
- 1.5 cups Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
- 4 oz mozzarella , cubed
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil to shallow fry (about 1/2 cup)
- To Dip: Marinara
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In a medium sized bowl, add chilled risotto, eggs, Parmesan and 1/2 cup bread crumbs. Stir to incorporate.
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Preheat cast iron skillet or pan with 1/2 inch Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium heat.
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Pour the rest of the bread crumbs on a plate.
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Using a teaspoon, scoop the risotto mixture into round balls. Roll to make a circle, then push a small square of mozzarella in the center. Roll to cover cheese.
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Transfer the arancini to the bread crumb plate and roll to cover. Place in hot pan, frying on both sides until golden brown.
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Place on a paper towel lined plate after cooking and sprinkle with salt.
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Serve with warmed marinara.
If you are prepping ahead of time, make follow all of the steps before shallow frying, including rolling in the bread crumbs. Store on a plate in the refrigerator until ready to fry--up to 3 days.
For other side dishes to go with this happy hour, I love simple ideas like Prosciutto wrapped Grissini (thin breadsticks) or Polenta Bites.
For another delicious idea, check out this appetizer idea: Smoked Trout Bites with Pinot Grigio.
What appetizers do you like to pair with wine? Have you tried Cavit Wine?
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That looks so good! I’ve actually never heard of arancini before. It must be amazing if it tastes half as good as it looks.
This looks delicious! I love pretty much all things cheese so these arancini bites have my name all over them. Going to have to try them for our Christmas party next month!
Yum, I love cheesy apps like this one. The little plate you used is perfect for serving them, too.
Now this looks like a tasty recipe that I would love to enjoy! The middles of those arancini look to die for!
These look SO good! Cavit is one of my favorite wine brands!
I wasn’t down with the arancini bites until you tore one open. That looked so delicious on the inside. I instantly changed my mind. Now I want some.
These Arancini look delicious and easy to make. I will have to try this recipe for the Holidays.
I will have to get the ingredients I need to make this on the weekend. I like to do a dry run for all my recipes for the Holidays. I am sure these will be a big hit.
I have never tried these before. I am excited to give this recipe a try.
These are totally making my mouth water. I have never tried them. May need to be added to my holiday menu.
YUM! I totally want to try these, love the music on your site too. So festive.
That looks so good! I’ve never had arancini before. It looks amazing!
Now I am hungry. These looks so yummy! Perfect for a holiday party!
This looks really good! This would be a hit to our parties! I can’t wait to try!
This looks so good! I wish I had a cook!
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Wow, these look so good and simple to make too!
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I can’t wait to eat the Arancini.. I haven’t hear this kind of appetizer but when I saw the cheese inside of it woah..
oh my everything looks so delish and i loved what you paired the food with. yum
Wow these really look amazing, and sound great to pair with wine!
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