Irresistible Beer & Bacon Arancini: The Ultimate Fried Rice Balls Recipe
There are some dishes that just speak to the soul, particularly when they involve the magical combination of beer, bacon, and cheese. This recipe for Beer & Bacon Arancini (Fried Rice Balls) is a testament to that powerful trio, originally crafted with a very specific audience in mind: my wonderful husband. However, upon reflection, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser for anyone who appreciates the savory, crispy, and utterly satisfying indulgence that these ingredients bring to the table. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love beer, bacon, and cheese? It’s a combination that universally delights, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.
The true inspiration behind this tailor-made, flavor-packed dish stems from a domestic power struggle that many can relate to: television remote control monopoly. For many months, I’ve held a firm grip on the TV watching in our home, and with hit shows like MasterChef and True Blood now in full swing, my control over the remote isn’t waning anytime soon. This led me to a rather brilliant, albeit slightly mischievous, strategy: if I can distract my hubby with enough incredibly delicious, soul-satisfying food, he might just slip into what I like to call a “satisfied-belly coma.” Yes, it’s a real phenomenon, characterized by a state of blissful contentment where one is perfectly happy to watch anything, as long as the supply of beer, bacon, and cheese holds out.
It’s a perfect plan, really. While I might not be the biggest beer drinker myself, I am undeniably enthusiastic about anything fried, especially when bacon is involved. These arancini, traditional Italian fried rice balls, take a delicious detour into ultimate comfort food territory. Imagine perfectly cooked rice infused with beer, mixed with crispy, savory bacon bits and sharp cheddar cheese, then breaded and fried to a golden, irresistible crunch. And the best part? Once you generously smother them in a rich, creamy cheese dipping sauce… Ugh, it’s truly an experience. The textural contrast between the crispy exterior and the gooey, cheesy interior is simply divine, making each bite an explosion of flavor and satisfaction.
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s the best bribe ever. Beyond its strategic utility, this dish offers a unique twist on the classic arancini, elevating it from a simple Italian snack to an ultimate game-day appetizer or a hearty comfort food side. The subtle hop notes from the beer permeate the rice, adding an unexpected layer of complexity that complements the smoky richness of the bacon and the sharpness of the cheddar. Each component plays its part perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone, even the most stubborn TV remote hog, utterly speechless and fully content.
Making these homemade arancini is a rewarding culinary adventure. While it requires a bit of patience, particularly for chilling the rice, the process itself is straightforward and the results are undeniably worth every moment. From cooking the rice in a beer-infused broth to meticulously forming and frying each golden ball, you’ll find joy in crafting these delectable bites. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a gourmet experience, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable meal.
Beer & Bacon Arancini (Fried Rice Balls)
ingredients
- 5 strips thick cut bacon
- 1 cup beer I used Fat Tire, but any amber ale or lager works well.
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white long-grain rice
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 3 eggs
- 8 oz sharp white cheddar cheese grated, for both the arancini mixture and the dipping sauce.
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups milk
instructions
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The foundation of perfect arancini begins with perfectly cooked rice. For optimal results, select a sturdy 2-quart saucepan, ensuring ample space for the rice to expand without sticking. Combine the water and your chosen beer (a light, malty amber ale like Fat Tire works wonderfully, imparting a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the dish) and bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As soon as bubbles furiously appear, carefully stir in the long-grain white rice along with half a teaspoon of salt. Reduce the heat immediately to a gentle simmer, cover the saucepan tightly, and allow the rice to cook undisturbed for approximately 18 to 25 minutes. This slow cooking process ensures each grain absorbs the flavorful liquid, becoming tender but not mushy. Once cooked, the rice should be tender with no remaining crunch. Transfer the cooked rice to a wide, shallow bowl to help it cool more quickly. This cooling step is absolutely critical for the arancini’s structure: chilling the rice in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or ideally, overnight) allows the starches to firm up, making the rice much easier to shape into balls that hold together during frying. Do not rush this step, as it prevents the arancini from falling apart in the hot oil.
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Next, prepare the star of the show: the bacon. In a hot pan, cook the thick-cut bacon over medium-high heat until it reaches peak crispiness. Achieving truly crispy bacon is key for the texture of the arancini, providing a delightful crunch within the soft rice. Once rendered and golden brown, remove the bacon slices from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool completely, then chop it into small, uniform pieces, roughly the size of bacon bits. Set these aside, ready to be incorporated into the chilled rice mixture.
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Once the beer-infused rice has been thoroughly chilled and firmed up (this is essential for shaping!), it’s time to bring all the flavors together. Gently add the finely chopped, crispy bacon and half a cup of the grated sharp white cheddar cheese to the cooled rice. Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything carefully, ensuring the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the rice without mashing the grains. This creates a flavorful, cohesive mixture that will form the core of your arancini.
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Now, prepare your “dredging stations” – this organized setup makes the coating process smooth and efficient. You will need two separate, wide bowls. In the first bowl, crack the three eggs and lightly beat them until the yolks and whites are fully combined. In the second bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the plain breadcrumbs, stirring them together thoroughly. The panko breadcrumbs contribute a superior crispness, while the plain breadcrumbs help create a more consistent coating, making for perfect golden-brown arancini.
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For frying, select a heavy-bottomed pan, such as a Dutch oven or a deep skillet, and pour in enough oil to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches an optimal frying temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, a simple test can confirm readiness: drop a few grains of the cooled rice into the hot oil. If they immediately begin to sizzle and float to the surface, your oil is ready for frying. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for crispy arancini that are cooked through without being greasy.
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Retrieve the rice mixture from the refrigerator. With slightly damp hands, scoop out portions of the rice mixture and firmly roll them into balls, approximately 1 inch thick. It’s important to pack them tightly to prevent them from breaking apart during frying. Once formed, take each rice ball and first dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, return the ball to the breadcrumb mixture for a second, generous coating. This double-dredging technique creates an extra-crispy crust. Carefully place 3-4 coated arancini into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature. Fry until they are beautifully golden brown on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried arancini and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat this process in batches until all the arancini are fried. Serve these golden delights warm, paired perfectly with the creamy cheese dipping sauce.
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While your arancini are frying or resting, prepare the luxurious cheese dipping sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the flour, half a teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of pepper, and the two teaspoons of smoked paprika. This creates a flavorful roux base. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Return the saucepan to low heat, continuing to stir constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the flour is fully cooked out and the sauce is velvety smooth. Finally, add the remaining grated sharp white cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and thoroughly blended into a rich, creamy sauce.
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Serve your Beer & Bacon Arancini warm, fresh from the fryer, with the delectable cheese dipping sauce alongside. Encourage everyone to dunk those crispy, cheesy fried rice balls right into the warm, gooey sauce. The combination of textures and flavors is utterly irresistible – a true culinary delight that brings together the best of comfort food in every bite. Enjoy!
notes
Whether you’re looking for the ultimate game-day snack, a standout party appetizer, or simply a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy night in, these Beer & Bacon Arancini are guaranteed to impress. The robust flavors of beer, the undeniable allure of crispy bacon, and the creamy richness of sharp cheddar cheese converge in a single, perfectly fried bite. They are more than just fried rice balls; they are little pockets of happiness, designed to bring joy and, perhaps, even a moment of quiet contentment to those who enjoy them. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and experience the irresistible magic of homemade arancini!
From the first savory whiff of bacon cooking to the satisfying crunch of the finished arancini, every step of this culinary journey is a delight. Remember, cooking is an act of love, and sometimes, the most delicious way to express that love is through a dish that combines all the best things in life. So, go ahead, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and prepare to make some unforgettable Beer & Bacon Arancini – a dish so good, it might just earn you full control of the remote, or at least a very happy, satisfied silence.