Crispy Ham and Cheese Risotto Balls
Indulge in these delicious Crispy Ham and Cheese Risotto Balls, a delightful twist on the traditional Italian arancini! Each golden-brown ball is packed with creamy, melty cheese and savory bites of ham, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. I developed this recipe after enjoying a similar dish at a quaint tapas bar that has sadly closed its doors, and now you can savor the flavors in your own kitchen. The combination of flavors and textures—crispy exterior with a gooey cheese center—will make these a favorite at any gathering. Perfect for parties, game day, or as a cozy comfort food, they are fantastic served with your favorite dips like ranch or marinara. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these gourmet-style treats, which can easily be customized with different cheeses and herbs.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
cooked sticky rice
2 1/2 cups (starchy and somewhat sticky)
ham
1/4-1/2 cup (finely diced)
butter
1/3 cup (melted)
butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing onions)
parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (grated)
onion
1/4 cup (minced)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped or 1-2 teaspoons dried)
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon
garlic salt
1/2-1 teaspoon
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
extra-sharp cheddar cheese
3 ounces (cut into small cubes)
oil
for deep-frying
eggs
2 (beaten for breading)
flour
1 cup (for coating)
dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
Instructions
1
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent and lightly browned, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat 2 eggs. Add the cooked sticky rice, diced ham, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, sautéed onions, seasoned salt, garlic salt, fresh parsley, and ground black pepper. Mix until well combined.
3
Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up the mixture, making it easier to handle.
4
Once chilled, take a portion of the rice mixture and roll it into a ball about 1.5 inches in diameter. Insert a small cube of cheddar cheese into the center of the ball, reshaping the rice around the cheese to enclose it completely. Repeat this process until all the mixture is formed into balls.
5
Set up a breading station: place flour in one bowl, whisk the remaining 2 eggs in a second bowl, and pour dry breadcrumbs or panko into a third bowl.
6
Coat each rice ball first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
7
In a deep pot or fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drop the rice balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy all around. If shallow frying, ensure to turn the balls for even browning.
8
Once fried, transfer the arancini to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them hot and crispy, with dips of your choice or simply enjoy them on their own!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Ham and Cheese Risotto Balls?
They are a delightful twist on traditional Italian arancini, featuring a golden-brown crispy exterior and a melty cheese center.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of cooked sticky rice that is starchy and somewhat sticky to help the balls hold their shape.
How much ham is needed for the filling?
You will need between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of finely diced ham.
What kind of cheese is placed inside the risotto balls?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese cut into small cubes for the center.
How do I prepare the onions for the mixture?
Mince 1/4 cup of onion and sauté it in 1 tablespoon of butter until translucent and lightly browned.
Why must the rice mixture be refrigerated?
Refrigerating the mixture for 30 minutes allows it to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls without falling apart.
What size should the risotto balls be?
The rice mixture should be rolled into balls approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.
How do I incorporate the cheddar cheese into the ball?
Take a portion of the rice mixture, roll it into a ball, and insert a small cube of cheddar into the center, then reshape the rice to enclose it.
What are the three steps of the breading station?
Coat each ball in flour, dip it into whisked eggs, and finally roll it in dry breadcrumbs or panko.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to 375°F (190°C) before frying.
How long do the risotto balls need to fry?
They should be cooked for about 4 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones?
Yes, the recipe allows for either dry breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for the coating.
How many eggs are required for the entire recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 eggs for the rice mixture and an additional 2 eggs for the breading process.
What should I do if I am shallow frying instead of deep frying?
Ensure you turn the balls frequently to achieve even browning on all sides if shallow frying.
How do I remove excess oil after frying?
Transfer the fried arancini to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
What seasonings are used in the rice mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with seasoned salt, garlic salt, and ground black pepper.
Is fresh or dried parsley used in the recipe?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley or 1-2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The mixture includes 2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What dipping sauces are recommended for serving?
These risotto balls are fantastic served with ranch dressing or marinara sauce.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Yes, you can easily customize these balls with different types of cheeses and herbs to suit your preference.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was developed after the creator enjoyed a similar dish at a quaint tapas bar that is now closed.
How much butter is added directly to the rice?
1/3 cup of melted butter is mixed into the rice along with the other ingredients.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients used to make these crispy ham and cheese risotto balls.
Are these risotto balls suitable for parties?
Yes, they are described as perfect for parties, game days, or as a gourmet snack.
How many eggs are beaten for the rice mixture specifically?
Two eggs are lightly beaten and added directly to the large mixing bowl with the rice.
What should I do before rolling the rice into balls?
You should mix the rice, ham, butter, cheese, onions, and seasonings in a bowl and then refrigerate it.
How much flour is needed for the breading station?
The recipe requires 1 cup of flour for the initial coating of the rice balls.
What is the purpose of the paper towel-lined plate?
It is used to drain any excess frying oil from the arancini before they are served.
Can I use different types of ham?
While the recipe specifies finely diced ham, you could likely use any variety of cooked ham you prefer.
Should the risotto balls be served hot?
Yes, for the best flavor and a gooey cheese center, they should be served hot and crispy.