Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe
If you have some leftover mashed potatoes and a craving for something crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, crunchy bites are like little pockets of comfort, blending creamy mashed potatoes with mozzarella and Parmesan, then fried until perfectly crispy. They’re delightful as an appetizer, snack, or party treat, and once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on the satisfying contrast of the crunchy exterior and soft, cheesy interior.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the best Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe is all about using simple, familiar ingredients that come together in harmony. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that beautiful golden crust.
- Cold mashed potatoes: Using cold mashed potatoes helps the balls hold their shape during frying and adds creamy softness inside.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty pockets of cheese inside every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together firmly.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the first layer of coating, helping the egg and breadcrumbs stick better.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Create the crunchy, golden coating essential to arancini.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle flavor depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the mashed potato mixture perfectly, balancing the cheese and spices.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Essential for that deep fry crispiness that makes these arancini stand out.
How to Make Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
Start by combining your cold mashed potatoes with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything well so that the cheeses and seasonings are evenly distributed, ensuring every arancini bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Take about two tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form compact balls. This step is key to getting that perfect round shape that fries evenly. Repeat until all the mixture is used up, and set the balls aside.
Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with a beaten egg, and the third with Italian-style breadcrumbs. The flour coats the potato balls first, which helps the egg stick better, and finally, the breadcrumbs give the incredible crunch after frying.
Step 4: Bread the Arancini
Roll each potato ball first in flour, making sure it’s lightly dusted, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This triple-layer breading ensures that signature crispy golden exterior.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the breaded arancini in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
How to Serve Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your golden arancini with a little extra grated Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a welcome little kick.
Side Dishes
These arancini go wonderfully well with a simple marinara sauce for dipping, which adds bright acidity that cuts through the richness. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal or party spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stuff the center of each arancini with a small cube of mozzarella or a spoonful of cooked meat before breading. You can also serve them skewered with fresh basil leaves as an elegant appetizer for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place the cooled arancini in an airtight container and refrigerate up to two days. They’ll keep their crispy exterior reasonably well, especially if reheated properly.
Freezing
Freeze any uncooked, breaded arancini on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can have a quick snack ready to fry anytime! They freeze well for up to a month.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the arancini in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy and lose that coveted crunch.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover mashed potatoes is perfect for this Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe and actually makes the process easier since they’re already cooked and cooled.
What cheese is best to use inside arancini?
Mozzarella is the classic choice because it melts beautifully and creates that gooey center everyone loves. Parmesan adds flavor, but mozzarella is key for the melty texture.
Can I bake the arancini instead of frying?
You can bake them for a lighter version, but frying gives the best crispy exterior. If baking, spray generously with oil and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Use a kitchen thermometer to check for 350°F, or drop a small breadcrumb into the oil—it should sizzle and float to the top quickly without burning.
Are these arancini vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat. However, you can add cooked meat inside for a non-vegetarian variation if you like.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into warm, crispy, cheesy Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re transforming leftovers or creating these beauties from scratch, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike. Dive in, eat with enthusiasm, and enjoy every golden, melty bite!
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Mashed Potato Arancini Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 arancini 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mashed Potato Arancini are crispy, golden-fried balls made from leftover mashed potatoes blended with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and pepper. They make a delicious Italian-inspired appetizer that’s perfect for snacking or serving with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cold mashed potatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep in skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a smooth ball using your hands. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Set aside the formed balls.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs. This will be used to coat the arancini before frying.
- Bread the Arancini: Roll each potato ball first in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumbs. Ensure each ball is well coated on all sides.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to about 2 inches depth. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for deep frying.
- Fry the Arancini: Carefully add the breaded potato balls to the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per batch.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried arancini using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
- For variations, stuff the center with a cube of mozzarella or a spoonful of cooked meat before breading.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
