Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by Lisa Keys
This Sunday is Super Bowl LV. Are you cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Honestly, it makes no difference to me who wins. All that matters are the party snacks and appetizers, so let’s dance in the end zone with The Best Cheesy Arancini Egg Rolls.
First, Twin Dragon Wrappers is hosting this holiday/game day appetizer contest and were kind enough to send me packages of their Won Ton and Egg Roll Wrappers. These wrappers are vegan, non-gmo and contain no artificial preservatives. They store well in the freezer and I simply thawed them overnight in the fridge. Further, the individual wrappers do separate easily! I recommend keeping them under a damp towel while working with them. Finally, I'm thrilled to say that they fry up perfectly crisp with this fun, fine bubbly appearance on the outside. These innovative wrappers really do make this recipe the best cheesy arancini egg rolls.
What is an arancini
Tapping into that Sicilian side of me and wanting to create a never-seen-before game day appetizer a lightbulb immediately went off in my head. Have you ever had an Italian rice ball known as “arancini”? They are incredibly delicious served with a marinara sauce. Made with leftover cold risotto that is filled with cheese, breaded and fried they are a party staple. However, that 3-step breading (flour-egg-bread crumbs) process is always so messy. Let’s skip that part and stuff our rice mixture into an egg roll wrapper. Genius!
Typically, arancini are made with plain risotto, but I like to add petite peas and mushrooms to mine. I think adding a little shrimp or crab in the mix could be good, too. It’s your choice. No matter the results of the game. You will come out a winner with this easy recipe for Cheesy Egg Roll Arancini on the menu.
Cheesy Arancini Egg Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked risotto*, chilled
- ½ cup shredded fontina cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese plus additional for garnish
- ¼ frozen baby peas, thawed
- 5 cheese sticks, sliced in half lengthwise
- 10 Twin Dragon Egg Roll Wrappers
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup marinara sauce, warm
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oven 425F. In bowl, combine risotto, shredded cheese and parmesan; blend well. Gently fold in peas. Place egg roll wrapper on work surface with one corner point facing you. Moisten all 4 edges with water. Place two tablespoons of risotto mixture just below center of the wrapper. Top with a piece of cheese stick. Fold bottom corner over the filling, fold left and right corners in, and roll up tightly. Heat oil in deep skillet (I use cast iron) to 350F. Fry egg rolls, turning to brown all sides, for 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a rack lined baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes or until egg rolls are crisp and golden brown. While still hot sprinkle with additional grated parmesan. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- cooked 1 cup chopped onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat until softened
- add 1 cup arborio rice, stirring for 2 minutes to coat grains with oil
- add ½ cup wine, chicken broth or water, stirring, until liquid is absorbed
- add 1 cup of hot broth, stirring constantly, until broth is absorbed. Repeat 3 more times for a total of 4 cups of broth. This will take about 20 minutes.
- Off heat, stir in ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Reserve 1 cup of risotto for egg roll arancini; cover and chill
- Serve remaining risotto for dinner or lunch. Serves 4
Nutrition
Check out more of my appetizers and snacks using Twin Dragon Wrappers here Wonton Caramelle Pretzel Egg Rolls
You can purchase Twin Dragon Wrappers at: Walmart, Albertsons, Shaw’s, Von’s, Stater Bros, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Associated Stores, Giant Stores, Shop N Shop, Winco, and Price Chopper!
Louis Matino
I would have never thought to use wrappers traditionally used in Asian cooking as a breading substitute for an Italian classic. Very clever and shows how cooks and chefs like yourself are really thinking outside the box. Well done!
Lisa
What a wonderful and thoughtful comment. Yes, we were challenged as bloggers to think outside the box and create a fusion showstopper. I hope you give this a try.