Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game? These Crispy Baked Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Arancini Bites are the perfect fusion of Mediterranean flavors and Italian tradition. Picture this: creamy risotto balls infused with tangy feta cheese and bursts of sun-dried tomato goodness, all encased in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
These bite-sized morsels are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a fancy soiree. Imagine serving these beauties alongside a refreshing glass of white wine or a crisp Italian lager – pure bliss! And the best part? They’re baked, not fried, so you can indulge guilt-free. Trust us, these Arancini Bites will be the talk of the party.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, bring the broth (and wine if using) to a simmer. Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the risotto from heat and stir in the feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the risotto mixture onto a baking sheet and let it cool completely.
- Once cool, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the risotto mixture and roll it into a ball. Coat the balls in flour, then dip them in the beaten eggs, and finally roll them in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Place the breaded arancini balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray them generously with olive oil cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic aioli.
These Crispy Baked Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Arancini Bites are the perfect fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy risotto interior, punctuated by the tanginess of feta and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, is encased in a delightfully crispy breadcrumb coating. Prepare to be transported to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with every bite!