Skip to main content

Cheese-Filled Risotto Croquettes with Tomato Sauce

These cheese-filled risotto croquettes are a sublime way to transform leftover risotto into a sophisticated vegetarian starter or a decadent snack. Known in Italy as arancini, these crisp golden globes feature a molten mozzarella or Fontina centre that provides a wonderful contrast to the savoury, herb-flecked rice. The addition of fresh herbs and sharp Parmesan ensures every bite is packed with Mediterranean flavour, while the chilled resting time guarantees a perfect, crunchy finish after frying.

Ideal for hosting or a family treat, this recipe serves the croquettes on a vibrant pool of warmed tomato sauce to cut through the richness of the cheese. Using shop-bought or homemade sauce makes this a versatile dish that fits comfortably into a weekend lunch menu or as part of a larger tapas-style spread. Served with a simple green salad, these homemade croquettes are sure to become a seasonal favourite for any lover of Italian-inspired comfort food.

Poursuivre la lecture ci-dessous

Ingredients for Cheese-Filled Risotto Croquettes with Tomato Sauce

  • 450g leftover cooked risotto

  • 120ml grated Parmesan

  • 2 tablespoons double cream

  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, chives, oregano, or basil

  • 1 large egg yolk

  • Salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 140g mozzarella or Fontina cheese

  • Plain flour for dredging

  • Egg wash: 1 large egg whisked with 2 tablespoons cold milk or water

  • 240ml fresh white bread crumbs

  • Vegetable oil for deep-frying

  • 475ml tomato sauce

How to make Cheese-Filled Risotto Croquettes with Tomato Sauce

In a large bowl, combine the risotto with the Parmesan, cream, herbs, and egg yolk. Season with salt and pepper.

Cut the cheese into 16 cubes. Scoop up about 45ml of the risotto mixture and pack it around a cube of cheese to make a croquette, a ball the size of a Ping-Pong ball. Repeat to form 16 croquettes.

Put the flour, egg wash, and bread crumbs in 3 separate bowls. Dredge the croquettes in the flour, dip in the egg wash, and roll in the bread crumbs. Chill thoroughly, 2-24 hours.

Pour oil into a tall pot to a depth of 5 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it registers 191°C on a deep-frying thermometer. Deep-fry the croquettes in batches, without crowding, until they are evenly browned, 4-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain briefly. Serve on a pool of warmed tomato sauce.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Historique de l'article

Les informations contenues dans cette page ont été évaluées par des cliniciens qualifiés.

  • 16 janvier 2026 | Publié à l'origine

    Auteur: :

    UK recipe editors

    Examiné par des pairs

    UK recipe editors
Vérification de l'éligibilité à la grippe

Demandez, partagez, connectez-vous.

Parcourez les discussions, posez des questions et partagez vos expériences sur des centaines de sujets liés à la santé.

vérificateur de symptômes

Vous ne vous sentez pas bien ?

Évaluez gratuitement vos symptômes en ligne

Inscrivez-vous à la newsletter destinée aux patients

Votre dose hebdomadaire de conseils santé clairs et fiables, rédigés pour vous aider à vous sentir informé, confiant et maître de la situation.

Veuillez saisir une adresse e-mail valide.

En vous abonnant, vous acceptez notre politique de confidentialité. Vous pouvez vous désabonner à tout moment. Nous ne vendons jamais vos données.