Name: Tomato Arancini Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 3 h 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g crushed tomatoes (1 can/14 oz); 1 ½ cups vegetable stock (375 ml); 1 tablespoon oil (4 tsp, vegetable oil or similar); ½ medium onion, finely chopped; 1 stalk celery, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cups arborio rice (150 g / ~5 ½ oz); ½ cup sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped (95 g / ~3 ½ oz); 40 g parmesan cheese, finely grated; ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped; 75 g mozzarella cheese, cut into 15 cubes (~2 ½ oz); 2 large eggs; 1 cup breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup plain flour (all-purpose flour) (43 g / 1 ½ oz); Vegetable oil for deep frying (not olive oil); Salt and pepper to taste

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

There is nothing quite like the irresistible crunch of perfectly golden, crispy spheres of cheesy delight, which is exactly what the Tomato Arancini Recipe delivers in every bite. These Italian rice balls, bursting with a rich mixture of sun-drenched tomatoes, melty mozzarella, basil, and parmesan, combine to create a dish that is both comforting and elegant. The creamy arborio rice infused with savory tomato stock makes each arancini a flavor-packed morsel that is sure to impress at any gathering or simply elevate an everyday meal into a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, arancini will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the top left corner, there is a long green celery stalk with light green ribs next to two whole yellow onions. Below them, there is a small block of pale yellow cheese and two cloves of garlic. To the right of the celery and onions, there is a pale green bowl filled with white rice grains. Next to it are glass jars containing a light yellow liquid and a red tomato sauce. Below the jars, there is a small clear glass bowl with golden breadcrumbs. At the bottom left, there is a small grey bowl filled with white flour, two brown eggs, a bunch of fresh green basil leaves, and a small round bowl with dark red sun-dried tomatoes. All items are arranged neatly in separate groups. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Tomato Arancini Recipe calls for some deceptively simple but essential ingredients that work together to bring out a harmony of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each component contributes something important, from the creamy rice to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, culminating in that perfectly crisp outside and luscious center.

400 g crushed tomatoes: The base of the tomato flavor that infuses the rice with vibrant color and tang.
1 ½ cups vegetable stock: Adds richness and depth, cooking the rice to tender perfection.
1 tablespoon oil: Sauteing the aromatics to soften and release their sweetness.
½ medium onion (finely chopped): Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes.
1 stalk celery (finely chopped): Adds texture and aromatic freshness.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a gentle kick that enhances the overall flavor.
¾ cups arborio rice: The star grain for creamy, sticky risotto-like consistency.
½ cup sundried tomatoes (roughly chopped): Provides intense sweetness and chewy contrast.
40 g parmesan cheese (finely grated): Adds a nutty, salty punch that binds the mixture.
¼ cup fresh basil (roughly chopped): Lends a fragrant, herbaceous brightness.
75 g mozzarella cheese (cut into 15 cubes): Melts inside the rice balls for irresistible gooey pockets.
2 large eggs: Used to bind and help the coating stick.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Creates that satisfyingly crunchy crust.
⅓ cup plain flour (all purpose flour): Helps the eggs and breadcrumbs adhere evenly.
Vegetable oil for deep frying: Ensures the perfect crispy golden surface without overpowering flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of taste.

How to Make Tomato Arancini Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Rice

Begin by combining the crushed tomatoes and vegetable stock in a saucepan and gently bring them to a simmer, then cover and let keep warm. This tomato-infused stock is the key to giving your rice that deep, rich flavor that sets this recipe apart.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pan, heat your tablespoon of oil and add finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook gently until the vegetables soften and release their sweet fragrance, which forms the perfect flavor base for your rice.

Step 3: Toast the Arborio Rice

Add the arborio rice to the softened veggies, stirring continuously until the grains begin to look translucent with a slight glassy sheen. This step is essential for building the creamy texture later and ensures even cooking throughout.

Step 4: Slowly Add Tomato Stock to Cook the Rice

Using ladles, add your warm tomato stock bit by bit, allowing each addition to absorb fully before adding the next. Keep the heat low, cover, and let the rice gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. This slow absorption method creates that iconic arancini creaminess.

Step 5: Mix in Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese

Once cooked, stir in the roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes and finely grated parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This combination packs in layers of tangy, savory goodness that elevate the dish.

Step 6: Cool and Add Fresh Basil

Transfer the rice mixture to a plate to cool slightly, then fold in fresh chopped basil. Pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour to firm up — this chilling step makes shaping the arancini a total breeze.

Step 7: Shape and Fill the Arancini

Wet your hands and roll golf ball-sized portions of the chilled rice mixture. Flatten each ball gently, press a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the rice back around to form a seamless ball. This cheesy surprise center is what turns each bite into a flavor-packed adventure.

Step 8: Coat the Rice Balls

Set up three bowls: one with plain flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in flour first, then dip in eggs, letting the excess drip off, and finally roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs. This triple coating is crucial for achieving the delectably crispy exterior.

Step 9: Fry the Arancini to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to around 180C (350F). Fry the rice balls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, for about 5 and a half minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Drain on paper towels, then prepare to enjoy that crunch!

How to Serve Tomato Arancini Recipe

A silver pan filled with a thick mix of cooked rice and red tomato sauce with visible small chunks, stirred with a light wooden spoon that is partially inside the pan, resting on a white marbled surface. A beige cloth is placed to the left side of the pan. The rice mixture has a soft, slightly sticky texture with a deep orange-red color, and bits of tomatoes are scattered throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or a few basil leaves tossed on top adds a vibrant flourish to your arancini. Consider a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of marinara sauce on the side to amp up the fresh tomato notes.

Side Dishes

These tomato arancini shine alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or paired with roasted seasonal vegetables. A chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a fabulous match to balance the rich textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the arancini on wooden boards with small dipping bowls of pesto, aioli, or salsa verde to invite guests to mix and match flavors. You can even skewer smaller arancini with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a fun and elegant appetizer presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra arancini, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to re-crisp them shortly before serving to preserve that signature crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, place the uncooked rice balls after coating on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy freshly fried tomato arancini anytime without the full prep.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or frozen arancini in a hot oven or air fryer at 180C (350F) for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispness without drying out the cheesy interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delicious crunch intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that beautiful meltiness, you can experiment with provolone or fontina for a slightly different flavor and texture. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well to create that gooey center.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

You can bake arancini for a lighter version, but frying really gives that signature golden crust and irresistible crispness. If baking, brush them generously with oil and bake at a high temperature around 200C (400F) until golden and crisp.

How long does the entire Tomato Arancini Recipe take from start to finish?

Though active prep might take around 30-40 minutes, you’ll need to factor in at least 2 hours of chilling time for the rice mixture to firm up properly before frying. So, plan ahead for a total time of about 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to cheese and eggs. For a vegan alternative, you can try replacing cheese with plant-based versions, use flax eggs or aquafaba as a binder, and opt for nutritional yeast to add cheesy notes.

What’s the best way to keep the arancini from falling apart while frying?

Chilling the formed and coated arancini for at least 30 minutes before frying helps them firm up and hold their shape. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady, which leads to more even cooking and less breakage.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the full scoop on making these irresistibly crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful rice balls, it’s time to dive in and bring this comforting Italian classic into your home kitchen. The Tomato Arancini Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that rewards your effort with every delicious bite. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find countless reasons to make it again and again – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!