Arancini Balls with Cilantro Avocado Dip

Amazingly delicious baked arancini made with cilantro, parmesan and cheddar cheese. Rice balls served with creamy avocado cilantro dip.

Take a new twist on Italian arancini balls served with homemade avocado dip with lots of cilantro. While traditional rice balls are deep fried, these are baked in the oven, made with 2 types of cheeses and green onion.

Baked Arancini Balls Recipe

Texture: crunchy outer layer and soft inside.
Taste: savory, cheesy.
Simplicity: simple to make, just mix all ingredients together and roll balls.
Meal Type: appetizer, savory party food.

What are Arancini Balls

Arancini rice balls are traditional Sicilian – Italy dish, often dipped in bread crumbs and deep fried in oil. They can be stuffed with meat, cheese or tomato sauce. Some parts of Italy have their own variations.

How to make Baked Rice Balls

1. (Detailed recipe below). Prepare ingredients: water, arborio rice, egg, parmesan & cheddar cheese, cilantro, salt and breadcrumbs. For the sauce gather: avocado, oil, water, cilantro, green onion and salt.
2. Cook arborio rice for 20 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl combine cooked arborio rice, egg, 2 types of cheeses, cilantro and salt. Use your hands to roll a ball. You might have about 12-15 balls, dip in bread crumbs.
4. Place on parchment paper, bake for 20 minutes.
5. To make the sauce combine avocado, water, oil, cilantro, green onion and salt in a blender, mix well.

Tips to make Arancini with Avocado Dip

• You can make the appetizer more flavorful by cooking arborio rice in vegetable or chicken broth. However, it is not necessary, the dish will still be delicious.
• You can substitute cheese for other type, for instance Mexican cheese or mozzarella cheese.
• Add more water to cilantro avocado dip if you’ll notice the consistency of the sauce is too thick. Start with adding 1 tablespoon of water, increasing gradually.
• You can broil appetizer for the last 2 – 3 minutes, just be careful not to burn these.
• What to serve arancini with? You can serve it with Oven Baked Chicken Thighs or Oven Baked Basa Fillets.

Baked Rice Balls Faq’s

How do you shape arancini? Using you hands roll balls, if the rice will stick to your hands, wet your hands with water. This will help to roll rice balls easily.

Can I make arancini ahead of time? Yes, you can make arancini ahead of time. First option: unbaked arancini store overnight covered in the refrigerator. Second option: store baked arancini balls in refrigerator, to make them crispy again, place in the oven at 350 F for 5 to 10 minutes.

Can you eat arancini balls cold? Yes you can, they are delicious cold as well.

Other Appetizers

• Baked Zucchini Fries with Garlic Dipping Sauce
• Carrot Fries with Greek Yogurt Dip
• Baked Chicken Meatballs

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Arancini Balls with Cilantro Avocado Dip

Baked arancini rice balls with cilantro avocado dip.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Total Time55 mins

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: arancini, rice balls

Servings: 14

Calories: 175kcal

Author: Ilona

Ingredients

Baked Rice Balls

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 3/4 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Avocado Cilantro Dip

• 2 avocados
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 cup cilantro bunch
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup green onion chopped
• 1/8 tsp. salt

Instructions

Baked Rice Balls

• In a medium pot combine rice and water.
• Cook on medium heat until rice will be cooked, about 20 minutes.
• Set aside and cool off completely.
• Preheat oven to 400 F. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl combine rice, cheddar cheese, parmesan, cilantro, salt and egg, mix together. Using your hands make 12-15 balls.
• Place breadcrumbs on a plate or bowl. Dip each rice ball in breadcrumbs. Place on baking sheet. Optional: Spray each ball with cooking oil.
• Bake for 20 minutes. You can also broil in the end for 2 - 3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the balls.

Cilantro Avocado Dip

• In the blender combine avocados, avocado oil, cilantro, water, green onion and salt. Blend all ingredients very well.

Notes

• You can make the appetizer more flavorful by cooking arborio rice in vegetable or chicken broth. However, it is not necessary, the dish will still be delicious.
• You can substitute cheese for other type, for instance Mexican cheese or mozzarella cheese.
• Add more water to cilantro avocado dip if you'll notice the consistency of the sauce is too thick. Start with adding 1 tablespoon of water, increasing gradually.
• You can broil appetizer for the last 2 - 3 minutes, just be careful not to burn these.
• What to serve arancini with? You can serve it with Oven Baked Chicken Thighs or Oven Baked Basa Fillets.

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 281IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 1mg

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Update Notes: The recipe was originally posted in March 2016, it was updated with tips and faq’s in May, 2020.