Crispy Green Bean Casserole Arancini Bites
Transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delightful treat with these Crispy Green Bean Casserole Arancini Bites! This innovative dish captures the essence of the classic green bean casserole, merging the comforting flavors of sautéed mushrooms, green beans, and gooey cheddar cheese with the crispy exterior of classic Italian arancini. Perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings or a fun twist on a side dish, these arancini are sure to impress both fans and skeptics of traditional casseroles alike. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it's savory gravy or zesty marinara, for an unforgettable bite-sized indulgence.
15
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken stock
3 cups (Simmering)
Salt
1 teaspoon (For flavor in stock)
Arborio rice
1 cup (Rinsed)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup (Fresh)
Frozen cut green beans
1/2 cup (Thawed and chopped)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (For mixing)
Large egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
Finely crushed fried onions
1 1/2 cups (For coating and mixing)
Plain breadcrumbs
1/3 cup (For coating)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring chicken stock and salt to a simmer. Stir in the arborio rice, lowering the heat to moderate. Cook until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, approximately 20 minutes. Transfer the rice to a baking sheet, spreading it out to cool completely.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add sliced mushrooms, sautéing until they begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Mix in the chopped green beans, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, mushroom and green bean mixture, cheddar cheese, beaten egg, and 3/4 cup of crushed fried onions. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
4
With lightly greased hands, form the rice mixture into balls about the size of golf balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5
In a shallow dish, combine remaining crushed fried onions with plain breadcrumbs. Roll each rice ball in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Return to the baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to ensure the balls hold their shape during frying.
6
In a heavy-duty Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the arancini in batches for about 4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with gravy or marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Green Bean Casserole Arancini Bites?
They are a fusion appetizer that combines the flavors of a classic Thanksgiving green bean casserole with Italian arancini, featuring rice, mushrooms, green beans, and cheddar cheese.
What is the main type of rice used in this recipe?
Arborio rice is used because its high starch content creates the creamy texture necessary for forming the bites.
Can I use frozen green beans for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of frozen cut green beans that have been thawed and chopped.
How long should I cook the Arborio rice?
The rice should be cooked in simmering chicken stock for approximately 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
What type of cheese is recommended for the filling?
Shredded cheddar cheese is used to provide a gooey, flavorful center for the arancini bites.
Why do the arancini balls need to be refrigerated before frying?
Refrigerating the balls for at least 1 hour helps them firm up so they hold their shape and do not fall apart during the frying process.
What temperature should the vegetable oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in a heavy-duty Dutch oven.
How do I prepare the mushrooms for the mixture?
Sliced mushrooms should be sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes until they begin to brown.
What is used for the crispy outer coating?
The coating is a mixture of finely crushed fried onions and plain breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 15 servings.
What dipping sauces pair well with these arancini bites?
They are best served warm with savory gravy or zesty marinara sauce.
What is the first step in making the rice base?
Simmer chicken stock and salt in a saucepan, then stir in the Arborio rice and cook until tender.
How do I prevent the rice mixture from sticking to my hands?
It is recommended to form the rice balls with lightly greased hands.
What size should the arancini balls be?
The rice mixture should be formed into balls roughly the size of golf balls.
Is an egg required for this recipe?
Yes, one large lightly beaten egg is used to help bind the rice and vegetable mixture together.
Can I use the fried onions inside the balls as well?
Yes, 3/4 cup of crushed fried onions is mixed into the rice, while the remainder is used for the coating.
How long does the frying process take per batch?
Each batch takes about 4 minutes to become golden brown and crispy.
What should I do after removing the bites from the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving leftovers?
Yes, it is designed as an innovative way to transform traditional green bean casserole components into a new appetizer.
What equipment is needed for frying?
A heavy-duty Dutch oven is recommended for maintaining consistent heat while frying.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
While the recipe calls for chicken stock, vegetable stock can be used as a substitute if preferred.
How should the rice be cooled?
Transfer the cooked rice to a baking sheet and spread it out so it cools completely before mixing with other ingredients.
What is the purpose of the plain breadcrumbs?
They are combined with crushed fried onions to create a more stable and crunchy breading for the exterior.
Does the recipe include salt?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt is added to the chicken stock for flavor.
Should the green beans be cooked before adding to the rice?
Yes, they should be sautéed with the mushrooms for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can form and bread the balls and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to fry them.
Is the rice rinsed before cooking?
The ingredient list specifies that the Arborio rice should be rinsed.
How do I know when the bites are finished cooking?
They are done when the exterior is golden brown and the texture is crispy.
What is the role of olive oil in this recipe?
Olive oil is used to sauté the mushrooms and green beans before they are added to the rice.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as an appetizer, comfort food, and party food, perfect for holiday gatherings.