If you are searching for an irresistible snack that combines creamy comfort with crispy delight, this Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These golden-brown potato balls are packed with cheesy goodness and seasoned to perfection, creating a warm and satisfying bite every time. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply craving a fun twist on mashed potatoes, this dish offers a playful way to enjoy familiar flavors with a crunchy surprise on the outside and a luscious center that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance—from the creamy mashed potatoes that form the base to the crispy breadcrumbs that deliver that coveted crunch.
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes helps the balls hold their shape when frying and keeps them creamy inside.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella adds the gooey, stretchy cheese surprise in every bite.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings a nutty, salty depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 large egg: The egg binds the potato mixture so it doesn’t fall apart.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder introduces a subtle warmth and enhances the savory notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt balances all the flavors perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Flour helps the coating stick and gives a sturdy layer.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): These eggs act as glue for the crumb coating.
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs provide the signature golden crunch and a hint of Italian herbs.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get a crisp finish.
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness at the end.
How to Make Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your cold mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one large egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these together thoroughly ensures that every ball will have the perfect balance of creamy and savory. The cheese not only enriches the taste but helps bind everything. Once combined, you have the delicious foundation ready for shaping.
Step 2: Shape into Balls
Using about two tablespoons of the mixture per ball, scoop and roll into neat spheres with your hands. This step is fun and hands-on, and the cool temperature of the potatoes makes it easier to shape. Try to keep the balls uniform in size so they cook evenly. If you want to get creative, here is where you can stuff each ball with a small cube of mozzarella or a bit of cooked ground meat to surprise your guests.
Step 3: Bread the Arancini
Set up three shallow bowls with flour, beaten eggs, and Italian-style breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball first in flour, tapping off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This classic breading method creates the glorious crunchy exterior that defines arancini. Place the breaded balls on a tray and pop them into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to help them firm up before frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (around 175°C). Carefully lower the arancini in batches into the hot oil, frying for about 3 to 4 minutes. Turn them occasionally to achieve an even golden brown color all over. Once cooked, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. The result is a crispy, delicious outside surrounding a creamy, cheesy center that’s nothing short of perfect.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe with freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and an herbaceous touch that livens up each bite. A light sprinkle of grated Parmesan after frying also adds a nice finishing touch. For an extra zing, consider pairing with a drizzle of marinara sauce or a dollop of garlic aioli to complement the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Arancini make a fantastic appetizer or snack on their own but pairing them with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables adds freshness and balance. A crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. If you’re serving a larger meal, these can also be a fun starter before your main course of pasta, grilled chicken, or seafood.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, consider serving these potato bites on elegant skewers or arranging them on a platter surrounded by colorful dipping sauces like marinara, pesto, or spicy mayo. You can even hollow out mini bell peppers and nestle each arancini inside for a delightful edible serving cup. The possibilities to impress and delight are endless with this versatile recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover arancini, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll maintain most of their texture but may lose some crispiness, which can be restored at reheating.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the breaded arancini balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy fresh-fried potato goodness any time by cooking directly from frozen.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen arancini in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crunchy texture; instead, a quick pan-fry can also bring back that delightful crisp.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly and give you a great way to repurpose them. Just make sure they’re well chilled for easier handling and shaping.
Is it possible to bake the arancini instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter option, bake the breaded balls in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crispy.
What type of cheese is best for the filling?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltability and stretchiness, but you can mix in other cheeses like fontina or provolone for different flavors.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute all-purpose flour and Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to enjoy this dish without gluten.
How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?
The oil should be around 350°F. You can check with a thermometer or drop a small breadcrumb in the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about making and sharing this Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe. The way simple ingredients come together to create a crispy outside with that irresistibly cheesy, creamy inside is pure magic. Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these potato bites will steal the show and keep everyone coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved part of your recipe collection!
Print
Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 arancini
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mashed Potato Arancini are crispy, golden fried potato balls filled with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This Italian appetizer combines creamy mashed potatoes with a crunchy breadcrumb coating, making them perfect for a snack or party bite. They are easy to prepare and can optionally be baked for a lighter version.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Breading and Frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Potato Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, one large egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Form Balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a smooth ball using your hands. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Arancini: Roll each potato ball first in the flour to coat lightly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Place the coated balls on a tray.
- Chill: Refrigerate the breaded potato balls for at least 20 minutes to help them firm up for frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Arancini: Carefully fry the potato balls in batches, turning occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the arancini from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm, optionally garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, stuff each arancini with a small cube of mozzarella or some cooked ground meat before breading.
- To make a lighter version, bake the arancini at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady to avoid greasy or undercooked arancini.
