Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

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Butternut Squash Arancini, a fantastic Italian appetizer for every party or celebration. Filled with creamy butternut squash risotto and mozzarella, and deep fried to perfection, these golden bites make the perfect finger food. So easy to make, and pretty quick too, these risotto balls taste of Fall.

Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (1)

It's what l call the 2 in 1 food, comfort food at its best, risotto, which gets shaped into balls and coated into golden crispy breadcrumbs. You can either enjoy it as a butternut squash risotto or take it to the very next level as deep-fried risotto balls.

Creamy risotto is a dish many people love. It's fairly simple to make, unlike the popular belief that it's such a hassle making it. Yes and no, l would say. Indeed, the risotto is meant to have a certain creamy texture, which can be achieved by using the right cooking technique, but it's nothing even a beginner can't do.

It certainly uses more liquid than you usually use when boiling plain rice, for example. It's a rather 1 part rice, 4 parts liquid, and arborio rice is the best for making risotto.

Jump to:
  • What are arancini or risotto balls?
  • Ingredients needed to make butternut squash arancini
  • Step-by-step photos and instructions
  • Can the rice balls be baked?
  • Can I use make the arancini without butternut squash
  • What to serve with arancini
  • Butternut Squash Arancini

What are arancini or risotto balls?

Risotto balls, or the popular Italian arancini are rice balls that are deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. The risotto is first cooked, then let to cool down before it's shaped into balls, coated in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs, then fried.

Ingredients needed to make butternut squash arancini

Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (2)
  • leftover roasted butternut squash risotto - you can check my recipes for roasted butternut squash halves and roasted butternut squash risotto as the 3 recipes are interlinked
  • mozzarella cheese - to stuff the risotto balls
  • flour - simple plain flour for coating the balls
  • breadcrumbs - I used golden breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will also work
  • eggs - beaten eggs will help stick the flour and breadcrumbs to the rice balls
  • salt and pepper
  • oil for frying - vegetable oil is the best

Step-by-step photos and instructions

  • take a tablespoon of risotto in your hands, then shape into a patty
  • place a cube of mozzarella cheese and place it in the middle, then close the patty to be shaped into a ball

The rice will be pretty sticky, so have a bowl of water around to wet your hands before shaping another ball, it really does the trick.

  • dip the rice ball into flour, beaten egg, then breadcrumbs
  • repeat with the rest of the risotto
Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (3)
  • heat up the oil in a deep pan, and deep fry the arancini in batches until they are golden and the mozzarella is gooey
  • remove the balls from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with kitchen towel to absorb the excess oil
  • serve hot

You get some delicious arancini that are super nice and crispy, and sinfully hot.

Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (4)

Can the rice balls be baked?

Yes, absolutely. Once they are coated in breadcrumbs, grease a baking tray, arrange the risotto balls, then either drizzle some oil over, or spray some cooking oil over.

Bake at 200 degrees Celsius (390 Fahrenheit) for about 20 minutes or until golden. Do make sure you shake the tray now and again to ensure even baking.

Can I use make the arancini without butternut squash

Absolutely! Just check my post about making butternut squash risotto, and omit the step at the end when the butternut squash is added. In this way you have a plain risotto.

I do recommend using mozzarella though, as it makes the arancini so much nicer! Look at that gorgeous rice ball!

What to serve with arancini

I would definitely add these risotto balls to my Thanksgiving dinner menu as they are absolutely gorgeous, and perfect for this occasion.

And while they will be served as an appetizer, they can also be served with a nice green salad on the side for a touch of freshness.

I like eating them just like that, but you can also add them to a nice tomato sauce to turn this dish into a main meal.

Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (5)

If you’ve tried my BUTTERNUT SQUASH ARANCINI or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can alsoFOLLOW MEonFACEBOOK, andPINTERESTto see more delicious food and what I’m getting up to.

Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (6)

Butternut Squash Arancini

Butternut Squash Arancini, a fantastic Italian appetizer for every party or celebration. Filled with creamy butternut squash risotto and mozzarella, and deep fried to perfection, these golden bites make the perfect finger food. So easy to make, and pretty quick too, these risotto balls taste of Fall.

4.29 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 11 balls

Calories: 219kcal

Author: Daniela Apostol

Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover butternut squash risotto (click on the link "leftover butternut squash risotto" for the recipe on how to make roasted butternut squash risotto)
  • 1 mozzarella ball, cut into cubes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • a pinch of black pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • enough vegetable oil for deep frying the arancini

Metric - US Customary

Instructions

  • Have 3 bowls ready to prepare the arancini: one with flour, one with beaten eggs seasoned with salt and pepper, and one with breadcrumbs.

  • Use your hands to shape the risotto into balls, coat them with the egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs.

  • Refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes, then deep-fry.

  • Dip the ball into flour, shaking off the excess flour, then dip into egg to coat well, then breadcrumbs.

  • Repeat with the rest of the rice.

  • Heat up the oil into a deep pan, and add the arancini in batches - fry until golden.

  • Remove the balls from the pan and transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb the excess oil.

  • Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 44IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg

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Butternut Squash Arancini Fall & Thanksgiving Recipes - My Gorgeous Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can you make arancini the night before? ›

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS: To make the arancini ahead of time, simply let them cool to room temperature on the paper towel-lined baking sheet after frying. Once cool, store in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C).

What do Italians eat with arancini? ›

Arancini are meant to be enjoyed as a finger food, on their own or with Homemade Marinara on the side to bring out the herby flavors. They also go great with a variety of appetizers, from roasted vegetables to bite-sized meatballs.

What to serve with arancini balls for dinner? ›

These deep fried risotto balls pair well with pretty much any Italian-based dish and depending on what's inside them you can serve with vegetables, salads, relish or pasta. Stick with classic Italian flavours and you can't go wrong.

What does "arancini" mean in Italian? ›

Arancini derives from the Sicilian plural diminutive of aranciu ( transl. orange), from their shape and colour which, after cooking, is reminiscent of an orange. In Sicilian, arancini is grammatically plural. The corresponding singular is either the masculine arancinu or the feminine arancina.

Why do my arancini fall apart when frying? ›

If it is not properly chilled, it will fall apart in the hot oil instead of forming crisp, glistening, orbs filled with molten cheese. Serve these arancini with warmed tomato sauce or even pesto, and crown them with a flurry of gremolata or plain lemon zest for brightness.

How to stop arancini falling apart? ›

How do I keep my arancini from falling apart? If your arancini consistently falls apart, you're likely skipping one crucial step: chilling your risotto for long enough. After cooking your risotto, make sure you're chilling in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but up to 6.

What do Romans call arancini? ›

Differences. There are two main recipes of the fried rice balls: the Roman suppli, and the Sicilian arancino. The main difference between the fried rice balls is that suppli are made with arborio rice and mozzarella, while arancini are made with arborio rice, mozzarella, and the addition of beef and peas.

What supermarket sells arancini? ›

ASDA 6 Mushroom Arancini - ASDA Groceries.

What is a Sicilian arancini? ›

May 19, 2019 by Philip Buccellato in food history, sicily. Arancini translates into “little oranges.” The arancini I grew up with were gigantic softball sized balls of rice and filling that could be a whole meal in themselves, although they never were.

Is arancini a starter or main? ›

Some contain a ragu and others remain meat-free, but whatever you choose they are one of the tastiest ways to use up leftover risotto. Arancini are normally served as antipasti but can also be served as a starter; they also make fantastic finger food at a party (just be sure to make them bite size).

What is the difference between arancini and risotto balls? ›

Risotto balls go by many names in Italy, from arancini in Sicily to supplì al telefono in Rome. Arancini means little oranges, a nod to their rotund and golden appearance, while supplì al telefono refers to the long telephone cord-like strings of molten mozzarella that emerge when you bite into the balls.

How many calories are in 2 arancini balls? ›

Pizzaville Arancini (rice Balls) (2 balls) contains 28g total carbs, 28g net carbs, 8g fat, 5g protein, and 210 calories.

Is arancini healthy? ›

No direct scientific evidence links arancini to weight loss; however, broader principles like portion control and a balanced diet apply to it too. Adapting the recipe—using whole grains, reducing cheese amounts, choosing lean protein fillings, and using healthier cooking methods— can make arancini weight loss-friendly.

Who invented arancini? ›

Arancini, the undeniable star of Italian street food, likely originated in Sicily between the 9th and 11th centuries. You know, the name “arancino” comes from its uncanny resemblance to an orange, a fruit that Sicily is well-known for. Its ancestor is actually the timballo, a dish invented by the Arabs.

Is an arancini a croquette? ›

Croquetas are made with flour, or sometimes potato. Arancini di riso are made with rice.”

How long can you keep uncooked arancini in the fridge? ›

MAKE AHEAD. Uncooked, assembled Mushroom Arancini – can be made ahead of time, ready for when needed. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, freeze for up to 2 months. Store in an airtight container with baking paper between the layers to stop the arancini sticking.

Can you refrigerate arancini before frying? ›

Roll the balls in the breadcrumbs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Loosely cover and refrigerate, at least 1 hour or overnight. (If refrigerating overnight, roll in more breadcrumbs before frying.)

Can rice balls be made ahead of time? ›

Brown the rice balls thoroughly on all sides. The rice balls can be made up to this point and then refrigerated until ready to reheat. Reheat in a roasting pan covered with aluminum foil. Or you can move right to plating them if not preparing them ahead.

Can rice balls be made the day before? ›

You can prepare them up to two days in advance, bundle tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Pack them in lunch boxes or a picnic basket and enjoy at room temperature.

References

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