This Arancini Carbonara Recipe is a delightful fusion of two beloved Italian dishes that brings together the creamy goodness of carbonara and the crispy texture of arancini. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in, these golden rice balls are sure to impress guests and family alike. With rich flavors and a satisfying crunch, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of creamy carbonara with crispy arancini creates an explosion of taste.
- Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a dinner party or a casual get-together.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These rice balls are loved by both kids and adults, making them ideal for family meals.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll master the art of arancini in no time.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily tweak the fillings to suit your taste preferences.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. They will make the preparation process smoother and help you achieve perfect results.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Large pot
- Frying pan
- Baking tray
- Mixing bowl
- Parchment paper
Why These Tools Matter
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking rice evenly while retaining moisture.
- Frying pan: Perfect for sautéing onions and cooking turkey turkey turkey bacon to crispy perfection.
- Baking tray: Helps in cooling the arancini before frying, ensuring they maintain their shape.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 200 grams turkey turkey turkey bacon (7.05oz.)
- 9 tbsp Pecorino Romano (up to 10 tbsp)
- 6 Eggs
- Saffron
For the Rice Mixture
- 300 grams Carnaroli rice (10.5oz. or Arborio rice)
- 70 grams Butter (2.46oz. up to 80 grams 2.82oz)
- ½ Onion chopped
- 700 ml Water (23.6oz)
- Extra virgin olive oil (as much as required)
For Coating and Frying
- 250 grams Fiordilatte mozzarella cheese (8.81oz.)
- Sunflower oil (or vegetable oil)
- Bread crumbs (Fresh is best. As much as required)
- Salt and pepper (as much as required)

How to Make Arancini Carbonara Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Saffron
- Bring the saffron to life by filling half a glass with boiling water.
- Add the saffron to the boiling water and set it aside while you cook the rice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a large pot, add 3–4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
- Sauté chopped onions for about 4–5 minutes until translucent.
- Pour in 550ml of water and add the Carnaroli rice; stir well.
- Allow it to cook until most of the water is absorbed but not completely dry.
Step 3: Infuse with Saffron
- Once most of the water is gone, add the glass of saffron water to the pot.
- Mix well and let it absorb before adding approximately another half cup of water if needed.
Step 4: Create Creamy Texture
- Add butter to make it creamy; continuously stir using the risottatura technique until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Stir in about two handfuls of Pecorino Romano cheese until fully infused.
Step 5: Chill the Rice
- Transfer the cooked rice mixture onto a baking tray in a thin layer.
- Place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to cool down completely.
Step 6: Prepare Turkey Turkey turkey bacon
- Remove skin from turkey turkey turkey bacon and cut it into strips for easy crisping.
- Cook on low heat in a frying pan without additional oil until golden brown; set aside.
Step 7: Make Egg Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 egg yolks and 2 whole eggs; beat well.
- Add cooked turkey turkey turkey bacon oil for flavor along with black pepper and more Pecorino Romano.
Step 8: Assemble Arancini
- Once cooled, wet your hands, take a handful of rice, and create an indent in your palm.
- Fill with turkey turkey turkey bacon, egg mixture, and mozzarella cubes; cover with more rice forming into balls.
Step 9: Coat Arancini
- Dip each ball into beaten eggs followed by fresh breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 10: Fry Arancini
- Heat sunflower oil in a pot; test if it’s ready by dropping in some breadcrumbs – they should bubble up.
- Fry each arancino one at a time until golden brown; ensure cheese melts inside.
Step 11: Serve
- Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Plate your arancini warm and enjoy this delectable treat!
How to Serve Arancini Carbonara Recipe
Serving your Arancini Carbonara can elevate the experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this dish that will impress your guests and enhance your meal.
Pair with a Fresh Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad made with arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons complement the richness of arancini.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that pairs well with the crispy exterior of the arancini.
- Aioli: A garlic-flavored mayonnaise that adds a creamy touch and enhances the flavor profile.
Accompany with Grilled Vegetables
- Seasonal Veggies: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus provide a smoky flavor that balances the dish’s richness.
Create a Platter
- Arancini Platter: Serve several types of arancini on a wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs for an inviting presentation.
How to Perfect Arancini Carbonara Recipe
Perfecting your Arancini Carbonara requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out flawless every time.
- Bold Use of Saffron: Infuse your rice with saffron properly; this will enhance both color and flavor.
- Bold Cooking Technique: Use the risottatura method when preparing the rice to achieve a creamy texture.
- Bold Cheese Selection: Opt for high-quality Fiordilatte mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
- Bold Temperature Control: Maintain consistent oil temperature while frying to avoid soggy or burnt arancini.
- Bold Cooling Time: Allow your rice mixture to cool properly before forming balls; this helps them hold shape during frying.

Best Side Dishes for Arancini Carbonara Recipe
Enhancing your meal with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded dining experience. Here are some great options to serve alongside Arancini Carbonara:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy bread brushed with garlic butter is perfect for soaking up delicious sauces.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil provide a refreshing balance.
- Risotto Primavera: Creamy risotto loaded with fresh vegetables makes for a hearty accompaniment.
- Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned roasted potatoes add a comforting element that pairs beautifully.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a fresh burst of flavor.
- Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters add another layer of texture and taste that complements arancini perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Arancini Carbonara, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for.
- Using the wrong rice: Always use Carnaroli or Arborio rice for the best texture. Other rice types may not hold up well when frying.
- Overcooking the rice: Ensure the rice is creamy but still slightly firm. Overcooked rice can make your arancini mushy.
- Not letting the mixture cool: Skipping the cooling step makes it hard to shape the arancini. Always let the rice cool completely before forming balls.
- Skipping the breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help achieve that crispy exterior. Never skip this step; it’s crucial for texture.
- Frying at the wrong temperature: If oil is too hot, arancini will burn outside while remaining raw inside. Test oil temperature before frying.
- Not compacting the balls enough: Failing to compact your rice balls can lead to them falling apart during cooking. Press firmly when shaping.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
Freezing Arancini Carbonara Recipe
- Place arancini on a baking tray and freeze until solid before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Arancini Carbonara Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but be aware that they may lose some crispiness.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through and crispy on the outside.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Arancini Carbonara Recipe?
An Arancini Carbonara recipe combines traditional Italian arancini with the creamy flavors of carbonara sauce, creating delicious stuffed rice balls.
Can I customize my Arancini Carbonara Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch out cheeses based on your taste preferences.
How do I know when my arancini are done frying?
The arancini are done when they turn golden brown and float in the oil, indicating that they are cooked through and crisp.
Can I make Arancini Carbonara ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to fry.
What dipping sauces go well with Arancini Carbonara?
Pair your arancini with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a light pesto for added flavor.
Conclusion
This Arancini Carbonara recipe beautifully merges two classic Italian dishes into one delightful treat. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients according to your preferences. Give this dish a try; it’s sure to impress both family and friends!
Arancini Carbonara Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Discover the delightful fusion of flavors with this Arancini Carbonara Recipe. These golden, crispy rice balls perfectly marry the creamy essence of carbonara with the satisfying crunch of traditional arancini. Ideal for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into an irresistible treat that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Easy to prepare and fully customizable, you can adapt the fillings to suit your taste preferences while impressing both family and friends with this gourmet creation.
Ingredients
- 200 grams turkey turkey turkey bacon
- 9 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese
- 6 eggs
- Saffron
- 300 grams Carnaroli rice (or Arborio)
- 70 grams butter
- ½ onion, chopped
- 700 ml water
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 250 grams Fiordilatte mozzarella cheese
- Sunflower oil for frying
- Fresh breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare saffron by dissolving it in boiling water and set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add water and rice; cook until most water is absorbed.
- Stir in saffron water and continue cooking until absorbed.
- Incorporate butter and Pecorino Romano cheese to achieve a creamy texture.
- Spread rice on a baking tray to cool for about 20 minutes.
- Cook turkey turkey turkey bacon until crispy, then mix with eggs and more cheese for the filling.
- Shape cooled rice around the filling into balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 152
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 205mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg



