Name: Homemade Arancini with Peas and Fontina Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups pre-made chilled risotto; 4 ounces fontina cheese, cut into small ½” chunks; ¾ cup thawed peas; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs, whisked; 2 cups breadcrumbs; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil); 2 cups Pomodoro sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

If you have ever wanted to bring a little piece of Italy into your kitchen, this Homemade Arancini with Peas and Fontina Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crispy rice balls stuffed with creamy fontina and sweet peas offer a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, this dish is both comforting and impressive, showcasing how simple ingredients can transform into a mouthwatering delight. Let me walk you through every step so you can enjoy these irresistible treats fresh from your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of several white bowls and containers with various cooking ingredients set on a white marbled surface. From top left and moving right, there is a white bowl with grated cheese, a white bowl filled with uncooked rice, and a white bowl with lightly colored breadcrumbs flecked with green herbs. Below, a small clear glass holds a light yellow oil, next to a glass pitcher filled with golden broth. Three brown eggs rest on a small wooden dish slightly to the right, near a small gray bowl containing salt and pepper. Below, a white bowl holds diced yellow cheese, and nearby a small glass bowl contains fresh green peas. To the left are a white bowl with chopped cooked meat sauce, a white bowl filled with white flour, and a white bowl with thick red tomato sauce. A small gray bowl with fresh basil leaves is also visible. Everything is arranged neatly with a soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each plays a vital role, whether it’s the creaminess of fontina cheese, the fresh pop of peas, or the crispy golden coating that makes every bite incredible.

Pre-made chilled risotto: The base of the arancini, providing creaminess and structure.

Fontina cheese: Cut into small chunks, it melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets inside.
Thawed peas: Add a bright, sweet contrast and a lovely pop of green.
All-purpose flour: Essential for the first coat, helping the breadcrumbs to stick.

Whisked large eggs: Used as a sticky binding layer for a perfect breading.
Breadcrumbs: The key to that golden, crunchy exterior everyone loves.
Sea salt and pepper: To season every layer of the arancini and boost flavors.

Pomodoro sauce: A fresh and tangy tomato sauce, perfect for dipping.
Oil for frying: Needed for golden, crispy perfection – use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.

How to Make Homemade Arancini with Peas and Fontina Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by heating enough oil in a medium-sized pot until it fills about a quarter of the pot. Aim for a temperature of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit — this is important for achieving crispiness without sogginess. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning.

Step 2: Form the Arancini Centers

Take 3 to 4 tablespoons of cold, pre-made risotto into your hand and gently flatten it. This will be the base for your filling. Adding chunks of fontina cheese and about 8 to 10 peas on top ensures each arancino delivers pockets of melty cheese and bursts of sweet peas.

Step 3: Encase the Filling

Cover the cheese and peas with another 2 to 3 tablespoons of risotto, and carefully shape the mixture into a tight ball using both hands. This step seals in the delicious filling perfectly, so none of it escapes during frying.

Step 4: Prepare Your Breading Stations

Season the flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs with salt and pepper in separate shallow bowls or wide tins. This triple-stage breading is crucial for that crunchy coating that’s the signature of homemade arancini.

Step 5: Bread the Arancini Balls

First, roll each ball in the seasoned flour until fully coated. Then dip it in the egg mixture, followed by rolling it thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs. Set the breaded balls aside on a tray. Repeat this process with every arancino until all are prepped.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place a few of the breaded arancini into the hot oil, ensuring they have space to cook without sticking together. Fry them for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until they’re a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese inside has melted. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

How to Serve Homemade Arancini with Peas and Fontina Cheese Recipe

Two round fried rice balls are cut in half and placed on a white marbled surface. Each ball has a golden-brown crispy outer layer that looks crunchy. Inside, there is a soft, creamy rice layer with a light beige color mixed with some melted cheese. In the center of each ball, bright green peas are embedded, adding a splash of color and texture contrast. The whole dish looks warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few basil leaves can elevate the look and flavor of your arancini. A light dusting of parsley also adds freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy filling.

Side Dishes

Serve these arancini alongside a simple fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A zesty Pomodoro sauce, as included here, is a classic dip that brings acidity and brightness, making every bite perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider skewering the arancini on cocktail sticks for a fun finger-food option at parties. You can also slice them in half to reveal the melted fontina and peas, making for a stunning presentation that’s as tempting visually as it is delicious to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover arancini, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without losing their texture or flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked breaded arancini in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them into a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they last up to 1 month and can be fried directly from frozen for convenience.

Reheating

To reheat, the best method is to bake them in a preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy and the cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of fontina?

Absolutely! While fontina melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone can also work well as substitutes, each giving a slightly different but delicious result.

What’s the best risotto to use for making arancini?

Using leftover risotto that is firm and chilled works best because it holds together well. Avoid freshly cooked risotto that’s too moist or hot as it will be difficult to shape.

Is deep-frying the only way to cook arancini?

Traditional arancini are deep-fried for that classic crispy exterior, but you can also bake them as a lighter alternative. Keep in mind baked versions won’t be as crunchy but will still be tasty.

Can I make arancini gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. This way, you can enjoy this Homemade Arancini with Peas and Fontina Cheese Recipe without compromising your dietary needs.

How do I know when the cheese inside is melted?

The arancini should be fried until golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes; the cheese inside melts quickly. If the exterior is crispy and golden, it’s a good sign the center is perfectly melted and gooey.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Arancini with Peas and Fontina Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that brings so much joy—both in making and eating. It’s a true labor of love with simple ingredients that come together to create magic on your plate. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite to share with friends and family. So grab your risotto, get your hands messy, and dive into these crispy, cheesy bites of Italian comfort!