What to Serve with Arancini : 8 Tasty Ideas

Arancini is one of my favorite dishes. It’s a ball of rice that is stuffed with different kinds of fillings and then deep-fried. The great thing about arancini is that you can serve it with pretty much any side dish you like.

Here’s the thing, I once made a batch of arancini and needed a side dish to go with it. I didn’t have anything prepared, so I had to get creative. I ended up making a simple side dish of steamed broccoli. I wasn’t sure how my husband would react, but he ended up liking it! In fact, he liked it so much that he asked me to make it again the next time I made arancini.

If you’re looking for a side dish to go with your arancini, you’re in for a treat! Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite side dishes for arancini.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Best Side Dishes for Arancini

1. Tomato Bruschetta
2. Cheese Platter
3. Minestrone with Garlic Rolls
4. Radish Salad
5. Classic Panzanella
6. Green Beans with Tomatoes
7. Grape Tomatoes and Basil
8. Pita Bread and Hummus

Tomato Bruschetta

Y’all know I love me some good comfort food. And there’s nothing more comforting than a big plate of crispy arancini smothered in Marinara sauce. But every now and again, I like to mix things up and switch out the Marinara for a nice Tomato Bruschetta.

Frankly, the acidity of the tomatoes helps to cut through the richness of the arancini, and the herbs add a nice flavor dimension. Plus, it’s just so darn pretty to look at!

Now, to prepare the Tomato Bruschetta, simply combine chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then spoon over your arancini. Trust me, your taste buds will scream their heads off!

Cheese Platter

My husband always jokes that I think that Cheese platters are the perfect side dish for any meal! And for the most part he’s right. From my experience, cheese platters are versatile, easy to prepare, and go with just about anything. But why does cheese go so well with arancini?

For one thing, the rich creaminess of the cheese helps to balance out the crunchiness of the fried rice balls. But more importantly, cheese is a delicious way to add a little extra protein and fat to your meal.

Typically arancini are made with white rice, which is less nutrient-dense grain than brown rice. Adding a cheese platter as a side dish helps to boost the overall nutritional value of the meal.

Plus, who doesn’t love cheese? A cheese platter is a surefire way to please kids and adults alike. So next time you’re making arancini, be sure to include a cheese platter as a side dish!

Minestrone with Garlic Rolls

Following that line of thinking, another great side dish for arancini is a hearty bowl of minestrone soup. Minestrone is a chunky vegetable soup that is typically made with tomatoes, beans, and vegetables.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that adding a hot soup as a side dish to already fried arancini is just too much. But trust me, it’s not! The soup helps to cut through the richness of the dish and the garlic rolls add a nice touch of sweetness.

To prepare the minestrone, simply combine chopped tomatoes, beans, vegetables, and chicken broth in a pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then simmer for a few minutes. Serve with a side of garlic rolls and arancini ball!

Radish Salad

One of my personal favorite side dishes for arancini is a simple radish salad. I know, I know. Radishes are not typically what comes to mind when you think of a delicious salad ingredient. But surprisingly, they’re actually really good in a salad!

The key to making a delicious radish salad is to use a combination of fresh and pickled radishes. The fresh radishes add a nice crunch to the dish, while the pickled radishes provide a nice acidic balance.

So, to prepare the salad, simply combine chopped radishes, diced red onion, chopped parsley, and pickled radishes in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Give it a good mix and serve alongside your arancini.

Classic Panzanella

Next up is the classic Panzanella. Panzanella is a bread and tomato salad that is typically made with stale bread, tomatoes, onions, and herbs.

The fact of the matter is that arancini are already pretty carb-heavy. So, to avoid overloading on the carbs, I like to serve a light and refreshing salad like Panzanella as a side dish.

Now, to prepare the Panzanella, simply combine diced tomatoes, chopped onion, stale bread, and fresh herbs in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Give it all a toss and serve alongside your arancini.

Green Beans with Tomatoes

Following closely is a simple yet delicious side dish of green beans with tomatoes. This side dish is healthy, flavorful, and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.

Basically, the reason why green beans and tomatoes go so well together is that they share a lot of the same flavors. Both are acidic and have a slight sweetness to them.

So, to make the dish, just combine green beans, diced tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil in a pan. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then cook until the green beans are tender. Serve alongside your arancini balls, and Boom, you’re in for a treat!

Grape Tomatoes and Basil

Yet another great option for a side dish are grape tomatoes and basil. This dish is light, refreshing, and takes less than five minutes to prepare.

The sweetness of the grape tomatoes pairs perfectly with the richness of the arancini, while the basil provides a nice pop of flavor.

As for how to prepare it, simply combine grape tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl, then give it all a good mix. Dish it up and chow down!

Pita Bread and Hummus

Lastly, pita bread and hummus is a good side dish for arancini. The hummus provides a delicious and healthy dipping sauce for the fried arancini, and the pita bread is a perfect vessel for scooping up every last bit of hummus.

Plus, the combination of fried rice balls and creamy dipping sauce is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

In any case, to make this side dish, just warm some pita bread in the oven and serve it with a side of store-bought or homemade hummus. You can also garnish the hummus with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of chopped herbs. Either way, this simple and tasty side dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

And if arancini aren’t on the menu, no worries. this side dish goes equally well with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes like spanakopita or dolma.

FAQ

What is the best way to eat arancini?

There is no one correct answer to this question. Some people like to eat arancini plain, while others prefer to dip them in sauce or eat them with a side dish.

What is the best side dish for arancini?

There are many different side dishes that can be served with arancini. Some popular options include salads, vegetables, and breads.

Do you have any tips on how to make arancini?

There are a few things to keep in mind when making arancini. First, be sure to use short-grain rice, as it will hold together better than long-grain rice. Second, be sure to cook the rice until it is al dente, as you don’t want it to be too soft. Lastly, be sure to use enough oil when frying the arancini, as you don’t want them to stick to the pan.

Can you serve arancini balls cold?

Yes, arancini balls can be served cold. However, they are typically served warm to enjoy the gooey cheesy center.

What is the best way to reheat arancini?

Arancini can be reheated in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. However, they are typically best when reheated in the oven, as this will help to crisp up the outside of the balls.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many different side dishes that can be served with arancini. Whether you’re looking for something healthy, flavorful, or easy to prepare, one of these options is sure to fit the bill.

But don’t just take my word for it.

Give them a try for yourself and see which one is your favorite. After all, the best way to know what goes well with arancini is to experiment. So, what are you waiting for? The kitchen awaits!