Description
Delicious and crispy Bacon Broccoli Cheese Arancini combining creamy broccoli cheese rice with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for a savory appetizer or snack served with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbles
- 10 ounce package frozen broccoli in cheese sauce (cooked according to package instructions)
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading and Frying
- 2 cups white flour
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- Canola oil for frying
Serving
- Marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the rice mixture: In a large bowl, stir together the cooked rice, bacon crumbles, and cooked broccoli in cheese sauce until well combined. Leave the cubed sharp cheddar cheese separate. Place the mixture in the fridge to chill until firm enough to handle.
- Set up breading stations: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs into three separate small bowls for coating the arancini.
- Form the arancini balls: Once chilled, take a small amount of the rice mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place one cube of sharp cheddar cheese in the center, then cover with more rice mixture to form a firm ball approximately 2 inches in diameter. Dip each ball completely in flour, then coat with egg (letting excess drip off), and finally dredge thoroughly in bread crumbs. Repeat until all mixture is used. This recipe makes about 12 balls.
- Heat oil and fry: Heat about 3 inches of canola oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in batches, cooking each batch for approximately 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve the hot arancini with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious crispy, cheesy, and savory arancini!
Notes
- Make sure the rice mixture is well chilled before forming to help retain shape while frying.
- Use a thermometer to keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F for optimal frying results.
- Sharp cheddar cubes inside provide a gooey melted center; use fresh cheese for best results.
- You can customize by adding herbs like parsley or adjusting the amount of bacon to taste.
- Leftover arancini can be reheated in a toaster oven to regain crispiness.
