Whether placed alongside salty appetizers on the snack table or in the middle of a dessert spread after a formal dinner party, our elaborate Sweet Arancini will surely wow your guests. This dessert board is fun, festive, and flavorful — it just might steal the show.
Step 1
In large saucepan, combine water, milk, sugar and salt; bring to boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Stir in butter and vanilla. Transfer rice to baking tray; let cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or until well chilled.
Step 2
Roll 2 tbsp of rice mixture into ball. Press your thumb into center to create a divot. Place one piece of chocolate into center, reshaping rice ball to enclose chocolate completely. Repeat to make five rice balls. Repeat with caramels to make 5 rice balls with caramel in center. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes or until firm.
Step 3
Place flour in small shallow bowl. In separate small shallow bowl, beat eggs lightly. Place bread crumbs in separate shallow bowl. Dredge rice balls in flour, then dip into beaten eggs and roll in bread crumbs until well coated. Return to baking sheet.
Step 4
Meanwhile, pour enough oil in large saucepan to come three inches up side. Heat over medium heat until instant-read thermometer reaches 350˚F. Working in batches, carefully drop rice balls into hot oil; fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Using slotted spoon, transfer rice balls to paper towel-lined tray.
Step 5
While still warm, roll rice balls in cinnamon sugar or freeze-dried berries.
Step 6
Arrange warm sweet arancini on large board or platter. Spoon whipped topping, chocolate sauce and caramel sauce into individual bowls; arrange on board. Fill board with caramel corn, pretzels, shortbread cookies, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Serve immediately.
Let your creativity run wild for this dessert board – change up the fresh fruit, sauces, cookies and sweet treats with your favorites. Use nuts, dried fruit, chocolate hazelnut spread, dulce de leche, tropical fruit, brownies, mini cupcakes or gourmet candies. The sweet possibilities are endless!
While these sweet arancini are an incredibly delicious variation, if you’re looking for something more traditional, look no further because Carolina® has you covered. Perhaps these rich Air Fryer Rice Balls with Arroz Rojo are more what you had in mind. These decadent treats are filled with an Italian-inspired creamy cheesy tomato center but have that spicy Mexican kick— perfecto! These enticing Israeli Fusion Rice Balls — a cross between conventional Italian technique and delicatessen ingredients — aren’t exactly traditional; however, with a crispy outer layer and gooey center, you will surely satisfy your arancini craving!
This board can be brought out after a meal or served alongside other party appetizers. Desserts that you can simply pop in your mouth are great for mixers, so get rolling on these Rice Truffles with Matcha Green Tea and White Chocolate too! Or if you want to offer both sweet and savory options, make these treats along with other Game Day Snacks and Appetizers. Stick to the Italian technique theme and wow your guests with our Italian Sushi with Arborio Rice — they taste just as delicious as they look!