Arancini Balls Recipe Vegan: Easy & Delicious Guide

Arancini balls are a beloved Italian street food, traditionally made with risotto rice, cheese, and often meat, all coated in breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. But what if you’re vegan or simply looking for a plant-based twist on this classic dish?

Our vegan arancini balls recipe delivers all the crispy, creamy, and comforting flavors you crave without any animal products. These delightful little rice balls are stuffed with a savory vegan filling, coated with crunchy breadcrumbs, and fried until irresistibly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful inside.

They’re perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course paired with a fresh salad or dipping sauce.

Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just curious about trying something new, these arancini balls are sure to impress. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that brings the warmth of Italian comfort food to your vegan kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, this recipe is completely vegan yet packed with flavor and satisfying textures. The creamy risotto base is infused with herbs and garlic, while the filling combines mushrooms and vegan cheese for richness.

Coated in crispy breadcrumbs and perfectly fried, these arancini balls offer the ultimate contrast between crunchy exterior and soft interior.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or vegan proteins.

They’re also ideal for making ahead and freezing for quick snacks or party appetizers.

Finally, this recipe is approachable even for beginner cooks, with straightforward steps that guarantee success every time. If you want to explore more vegan recipes, you can check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe or try the Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked Arborio rice (preferably cooled; leftover risotto works great)
• 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded or small cubes
• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond or soy)
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Frying pan or skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels (for draining oil)
• Deep frying pot or deep fryer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and chopping board

Instructions

1. Prepare the mushroom filling: Heat a drizzle of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their moisture and become browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Mix the rice ball base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked Arborio rice, nutritional yeast, and chopped parsley. Mix well. Add the cooled mushroom mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
3. Form the arancini balls: Take a small handful of the rice mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small cube or a spoonful of vegan mozzarella in the center, then mold the rice around the filling, shaping it into a firm ball about 2 inches in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
4. Prepare the coating stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Pour the plant-based milk into a second shallow bowl. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Coat the balls: Roll each rice ball first in the flour, then dip in the plant-based milk, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each ball is evenly covered for maximum crispiness.
6. Chill the balls: Place the coated arancini balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps them hold their shape during frying.
7. Fry the arancini: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add a few arancini balls at a time, frying for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve warm: Enjoy your vegan arancini balls immediately with your favorite marinara sauce or vegan aioli for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For the crispiest arancini, make sure your oil is hot enough. If the temperature dips too low, the balls will absorb more oil and become greasy.

If you want to bake instead of fry, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the balls on a lined baking tray, spray with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

You can customize the filling by adding finely chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or vegan pesto for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños.

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs if you need to keep this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegan arancini balls are fantastic served with a tangy marinara or a garlicky vegan aioli for dipping. Pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

They also make wonderful finger food for parties or gatherings.

For a Mediterranean twist, serve alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad with lemon vinaigrette. You might also enjoy them with a side of Half Runner Beans Recipe or a warm loaf of Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe to soak up any extra sauce.

Conclusion

Vegan arancini balls are a delightful way to bring the flavors of Italy into your kitchen without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. This recipe proves that vegan comfort food can be just as rich, satisfying, and delicious as traditional versions.

With a crispy golden crust and a savory, cheesy mushroom filling, these arancini will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a snack, or a main dish, they are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, they’re perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

For more vegan inspiration, try our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe or indulge your sweet tooth with the Lazy Cookie Cake Recipe.

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