Let's talk about arancini balls (Sicilian stuffed risotto rice balls made from cooked risotto, filled, breaded, and fried).
When we stumble upon them at parties or restaurants, it's like an instant ticket to flavor town.
You can't help but love their crispy exterior and cheesy center. If we're being we've probably devoured way too many at that one friend's gathering who insists on serving them every time.
Perfect as a snack or a side, arancini are versatile and oh-so-satisfying.
Now, let's figure out what to serve alongside them to keep the deliciousness flowing. We're here to dish out some tasty ideas that will turn your meal into a spectacle.
Get ready for some inspired pairings!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Arancini Balls
Here are some of the best dishes to serve with your arancini balls:
1 - Marinara Sauce
Let's be real, marinara sauce is our go-to for arancini. It's that perfect balance of tangy and sweet (with bright acidity and savory tomato umami).
The tomatoes come through, while garlic and herbs add depth.
Simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a sprinkle of basil work wonders.
It's not just a dip; it's a celebration of flavor.
We remember those classic dinner nights, slathering our arancini in marinara and just living our best lives!
2 - Lemon Garlic Roasted Vegetables
Lemon garlic roasted vegetables are a fan favourite (with bright citrus and pungent garlic notes). They're a lively, zesty addition for arancini.
We toss veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus with olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. The result?
Crisp-tender goodness!
These veggies are bright, fresh, and perfectly charred. They add a beautiful contrast to the creamy arancini.
We enjoy serving them hot; the garlic aroma is irresistible. It's a classic combo that never disappoints.
3 - Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is that classic summer dish we always look for (with basil (Ocimum basilicum) adding aromatic notes). It's fresh, bright, and makes us think of sunny picnics.
Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil each shine in this dish. The flavors sing together perfectly-juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and aromatic basil unite.
Drizzling olive oil and a splash of balsamic improve everything. This simple combo never fails to impress.
It's perfect alongside arancini, adding that fresh kick we crave - similar ideas include Caprese chicken side options for weeknights.
4 - Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta is like a warm hug on a plate - pair with richer mains using creamy mushroom chicken side ideas for dinners.
To whip up this side, we simply need cornmeal, water, butter, and a touch of cheese for that extra richness (use a 4:1 water-to-cornmeal ratio).
The flavors are versatile; it can be both mild and rich based on additional spices. We particularly enjoy adding garlic or parmesan to improve it.
On chilly nights, we devour polenta as a comfort food with friends, dipping our arancini and feeling all the cozy vibes.
5 - Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Green beans are a classic side (Phaseolus vulgaris) with a sweet, grassy flavor. We love how garlic and parmesan amplify their natural crunch.
Just toss fresh green beans with olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese.
The blend creates a dish that's savory and aromatic. Each bite gives that pleasant garlic zing, while the parmesan adds a nice salty kick.
We often whip these up for dinner; they're quick, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Perfectly paired with arancini, they improve the meal. We remember hosting friends and hearing them rave about this side.
It's simple yet oh-so-delicious!
6 - Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad remains a favorite - also see Caesar salad side pairings for gatherings.
The romaine lettuce shines, tossed with a rich dressing made from garlic, anchovies, egg yolk, parmesan, and lemon juice (anchovies add savory umami and depth).
To amp things up, we love adding croutons for a nice crunch.
The marriage of tangy and salty hits just right. Every bite is a little celebration of deliciousness!
We've enjoyed this salad alongside countless meals, reminding us of summer barbecues with friends.
7 - Roasted Red Pepper Soup
Roasted red pepper soup is pure comfort in a bowl. It's creamy, slightly smoky, and packed with bright flavors (from charred red peppers).
We make it with roasted red peppers, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth.
A drizzle of cream can take it up a notch.
This soup reminds us of cozy evenings with friends, curled up on the couch. It goes well with arancini for a satisfying meal.
Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, and trust us, leftovers taste even better!
8 - Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and artichoke dip is a creamy, cheesy delight that brings people together (often 2:1 cooked spinach to artichoke hearts).
For us, this dip is a party staple. The blend of spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, and parmesan creates a rich flavor.
We love how the garlic adds a nice kick, making each bite irresistible.
It goes well with crispy chips or toasted bread.
One time, we couldn't stop snacking on it during a game night. Deliciousness was the name of the game!
This dip's combination of savory and slight tang makes it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings.
9 - Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Stuffed cherry tomatoes are like mini flavour bombs (cherry tomatoes are small Solanum lycopersicum varieties).
These bites burst with juicy goodness. We hollow out fresh cherry tomatoes and stuff them with a creamy blend of cheese, herbs, and occasionally a bit of bacon or olives.
Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a rich and tangy filling.
We love serving them as a bright appetizer that grabs attention at any gathering. They're easy to pop in your mouth and taste amazing with arancini.
You can't beat that fresh burst of tomato paired with cheesy goodness.
10 - Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms
Balsamic glazed mushrooms are a saucy little side. They deliver a sweet-tangy kick that lifts any plate (from aged balsamic vinegar).
We whip these up with fresh mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of herbs.
The earthy mushrooms soak up that rich glaze, leading to a tempting experience. When we serve them, they vanish quickly!
We remember a dinner party where these were the star. Everyone raved about the explosion of flavor.
11 - Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a bright side that gives our meals a fresh kick. It's easy and quick to whip up, making it our go-to for busy nights.
We use fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan (basil: Ocimum basilicum).
The flavor? It's an earthy, herby punch with a nutty richness.
Each bite bursts with freshness, improving any dish.
We've paired it with grilled chicken and veggies, and it always impresses. It's a crowd-favourite for potlucks and dinner parties!
Each forkful takes us back to sun-drenched summer days.
12 - Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is like the best sidekick to any main dish. It's simple, fresh, and quick to prepare.
We slice zucchini, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper.
Grill until tender, and voilà!
The flavor is mild yet delicious (slightly sweet and vegetal). The char adds depth, while the tender texture is just right.
We love tossing it with some herbs or cheese for an extra kick.
These work perfectly with arancini; we've enjoyed them at family cookouts, and they never last long! The bright green looks fantastic on the plate, and everybody comes back for more.
13 - Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This arugula salad is fresh and zesty (with a peppery, mustard-like bite). We love how peppery arugula pairs with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.
It's simple yet elegant, making it a great side dish.
Ingredients include arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. The vinaigrette brings brightness, lifting the salad's flavors.
We've shared this at gatherings, and it never disappoints.
The crunch of fresh arugula offers a nice contrast with the smooth dressing. It's perfect alongside richer dishes, and we find ourselves going back for seconds!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
