Risotto Croquettes

These Risotto Croquettes are the perfect Italian food appetizer. You might have spotted them on an Italian restaurant menu!

Ingredients · Servings 12

3 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ medium onion, (chopped)
1¼ cups (8 to 9 ounces) arborio rice ((risotto))
⅓ cup dry white wine
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, (beaten)
¼ cup all purpose flour
1 large egg, (beaten)
2 cups finely ground fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless Italian or French bread
⅔ cup finely diced whole-milk mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup finely chopped prosciutto
vegetable or canola oil

Method · 4 h 15 min

In a heavy, small saucepan, bring the broth to boil. Remove from heat and cover.
In a heavy, medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté 4 minutes. Add the rice; stir 1 minute. Add the wine and stir until absorbed, about 1 minute. Add ½ cup of broth and simmer until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often. Cook until the rice is just tender and the risotto is creamy, adding the broth ½ cup at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next, about 25 minutes.
Stir in the Parmesan. Season the risotto with salt and pepper.
Cool completely. Stir in the egg. Cover and chill.
Place the flour in 1 bowl, and place the egg in another bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Using moistened hands, shape ¼ cup (packed) cold risotto into a ball. Poke a hole in the center. Fill with 1 rounded teaspoon of mozzarella and 1 teaspoon of prosciutto. Press the risotto over the filling. Coat the rice balls in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Place on a rack to dry. Repeat with the remaining risotto, filling and coating. Let the rice balls stand at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.
Pour 1½ inches of oil into a heavy medium-sized pot. Attach a deep-fry thermometer and heat the oil to 360°F. Fry the risotto balls, 3 at a time, until golden and crusty, turning once, after about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot or at room temperature.

Fried risotto balls stuffed with melted mozzarella and prosciutto… what could be better?! This is a great recipe to make for a dinner party. Your guest will be super impressed with this one. Each croquette can be served on a plate puddled with marinara sauce. Serve with a fork because things could get quite messy if you’re trying to serve them as a finger food. They’re so delicious!