These Arancini Balls with Cheese Bacon and Broccoli are so much easier than you might think. This Arancini Recipe is one of our favorite comfort food appetizers! These cheesy fried rice balls (Arancini Balls) are the ultimate starter to any meal at home. So addicting and delicious!
10ouncepackage frozen broccoli in cheese saucecooked in the microwave according to package instructions
4ouncessharp cheddar cheesecut into 1/2 inch cubes
salt and pepper to taste
2cupswhite flour
3eggs
2cupsbread crumbs
canola oil for frying
marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
In a large bowl stir together the rice, bacon, and broccoli/cheese. Leave the cubed cheese separate. Place in the fridge to chill enough to be able to handle.
Place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs into three separate small bowls.
Once rice mixture is chilled, take a small amount and add a cube of cheese to the middle. Keeping the cheese in the middle, top with more rice to create a ball, approximately 2 inches in size. Press together firmly to make sure it holds its shape. Dip into the flour and coat completely. Next coat in egg, using a fork to allow the excess to shake off, then dredge in the bread crumbs, coating completely. lay on a plate and repeat with the rest of the rice. For me I was able to make about 12 balls. You can make whatever size you'd like.
Heat 3 inches of canola oil in a large stockpot or dutch oven to 350F. Once hot, cook the rice balls in batches until fully browned, approximately 1-2 minutes each.