Golden, crispy risotto balls filled with earthy truffle mushrooms and oozing melted cheese—these luxurious arancini are rich, comforting, and make the perfect elegant appetizer or party bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent and savory: Truffle oil and mushrooms elevate the classic risotto ball into a gourmet delight.
• Melty center surprise: Each arancini hides a gooey mozzarella core that flows with every bite.
• Crowd-pleasing elegance: Served warm, these artisanal bites make parties feel upscale yet approachable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• cooked Arborio rice (cooled)
• truffle oil
• finely chopped mushrooms (shiitake or cremini)
• olive oil
• grated Parmesan cheese
• salt
• black pepper
• mozzarella cubes (for filling)
• all‑purpose flour
• eggs (beaten)
• breadcrumbs
• vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the mushrooms until they are soft and moisture has evaporated.
2. In a large bowl, stir together cooled Arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, truffle oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
3. Take a spoonful of the mixture, flatten it slightly, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Wrap around to form a compact ball.
4. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
5. Roll each rice ball in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350 °F (175 °C). Fry the arancini in batches until they turn golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
7. Drain the fried arancini on paper towels. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or alongside your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

• Makes: 16–20 arancini balls (serves 6–8 as an appetizer)
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes (plus time to fry in batches)
• Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

• Cheese blend: Substitute or add fontina or provolone for more meltiness.
• Herbed version: Mix chopped fresh herbs—such as parsley or chives—into the rice for extra flavor.
• Mushroom mix: Use wild mushrooms like porcini or chanterelles for deeper earthy notes.
• Baked option: For a lighter version, bake at 400 °F (200 °C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden.

storage/reheating

Store cooled arancini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore crispness, bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 8–10 minutes or air‑fry at 360 °F (182 °C) for 5–6 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

FAQs

What is arancini?

Arancini are Italian-style fried risotto balls, typically filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, known for their crispy exterior and soft, flavorful center.

Can I use day‑old risotto instead of cooking fresh?

Yes—day-old risotto is perfect since it firms up and holds shape better for forming the arancini.

Do I need to use truffle oil?

No—the recipe works without it, but truffle oil adds a luxurious, earthy aroma that elevates the overall flavor.

What oil is best for frying?

Neutral oils with high smoke points—such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil—are ideal for frying evenly and crisply.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can form and coat the arancini in advance, refrigerate for a few hours, then fry just before serving.

Are these dairy‑free?

Not as written, but you can substitute dairy-free cheese and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free adaptation.

Why do mine fall apart when frying?

Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (around 350 °F/175 °C) and fry in small batches. Firmly compacting the balls helps maintain shape.

Can I freeze before frying?

Yes—freeze coated arancini in a single layer, then fry from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Is there an oven-safe alternative to breadcrumbs?

Yes—use panko with a light spray of oil for a crisp coating when baking or air-frying.

What dipping sauce pairs well?

Classic marinara, garlic aioli, or a simple lemon‑herb mayo complement the rich truffle‑mushroom flavor beautifully.

Conclusion

These Truffle Mushroom Arancini offer an indulgent take on fried risotto, combining a crisp, golden crust with an earthy, cheesy core. Elegant enough for entertaining yet easy to prepare, they make a memorable appetizer or party snack—rich in flavor, texture, and culinary appeal.

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