The best sides for Arancini Balls are Eggplant Parmigiani, Radish Salad, Rosemary and Parmesan Polenta Wedges, Tomatoes and Beans, and Aioli.
Eggplant Parmigiani
Talk about vegetarian lasagne, and you have the eggplant parmigiana.
For a lighter option, try Aioli. Aioli
Now, if you simply want a side dip that you can enjoy with Arancini balls, then you cannot go wrong with Aioli.
Arancini balls, those crispy, heavenly bites of Sicilian joy, are a gift to our dinner tables. What can possibly make them better?
The right side dish, that's what.
We've all been there. You make a batch of arancini, and then wonder, "What on earth do I serve with these?"
Our kitchens have seen successes and, uh, learning experiences. And through it all, we figured out the top 10 companions for this Italian masterpiece.
Ready for a solid option in your meal planning?
10 Best Accompaniments for Arancini Balls
Let us look at some of the best side dishes that go well with Arancini balls.
Remember, this list is not exhaustive, and you can experiment with whatever you like.
But the following dishes are tasted and loved by many.
For a different vegetarian fritter, consider falafel ball side ideas for variety alongside the arancini.
1 - Eggplant Parmigiani
Talk about vegetarian lasagne, and you have the eggplant parmigiana - or try eggplant parmesan side ideas that complement the flavors.
This side dish deserved to be on the list because it brings in the sweet and slight tanginess that's much needed with the cheesy Arancini balls.
This Parmigiani is made using layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and molten cheese.
Bake the ingredients until golden brown, and enjoy it with arancini balls.
The soft and mushy texture of the eggplant parmigiana suits the crunchiness of the Arancini balls.
This flavorful combination is sure to satisfy everybody's taste palate.
2 - Radish Salad
Arancini balls are heavy and filling since it contains rice and is cheesy, which can make people stuffy.
A light salad on the side, such as a radish salad, goes perfectly with these balls.
Also, the Arancini ball is a Mediterranean dish, so it makes sense that you add another Mediterranean dish, such as a radish salad, on the side.
Radish has a distinct piquant flavor that blends with the light and cheesy flavor of Arancini balls.
It is best if you can grab fresh radish from the garden.
A bright pasta salad can also lighten the plate - orzo salad side pairings for Mediterranean menus work well with arancini.
3 - Rosemary and Parmesan Polenta Wedges
Nobody can say no to potato wedges.
Try giving your potatoes a little Italian twist by making them in rosemary, polenta, and parmesan - or pair with rosemary chicken side ideas that echo herb flavors.
If you think your Arancini balls have gone too cheesy, then you can skip the parmesan here.
The dish is easy to make and requires only three main ingredients- potatoes, fresh rosemary, and polenta.
This side dish, along with the Arancini balls, can be eaten heartily with a dipping sauce such as tomato sauce or a garlic dip.
You can even add some spice to this dish by sprinkling some chili powder on the wedges.
4 - Tomatoes and Beans
Green beans with tomato sauce are an Italian favorite side dish - similar to macaroni and tomatoes side ideas that bring sweet-tart tomato notes.
Why serve this with Arancini balls, you ask? This side dish will add the much-needed greens or vegetables to your meal.
Green beans are healthy and taste great when cooked in tomato sauce/puree.
Arancini balls do not contain any veggies, so they may be too much for some of your guests.
Adding this side dish will improve the overall flavor of Arancini balls due to the sweetness and tanginess of the tomatoes and Italian seasonings.
You can even use a mix of 2-3 kinds of beans to intensify the flavor even further.
5 - Aioli
Now, if you simply want a side dip that you can enjoy with Arancini balls, then you cannot go wrong with Aioli.
Aioli is very similar to mayonnaise, but just that it's loaded with olive oil and garlic - see aioli dip side dishes for matching tastes and textures.
Arancini balls are made of rice, cheese, and other ingredients, thus making them a heavy dish.
Maybe adding a dip to the side will make a better choice than serving a full dish.
Also, the garlicky flavor of Aioli goes well with the cheesy and crumbly texture of the Arancini balls.
It is easy to make, and the prep time won't be more than 10 minutes.
6 - Mushroom Bruschetta
Mushroom bruschetta will pair well with Arancini balls because it is not very heavy and tastes great - pair it with mushroom soup side pairings for a cohesive mushroom theme.
You can even opt for tomato bruschetta if you are allergic to mushrooms.
Since Arancini balls are devoid of any fresh vegetables, adding this side dish will help in balancing the meal.
You can opt for a thin slice of crusty baguette so that it doesn't make you feel full when eaten with Arancini balls.
The strong garlic and black pepper flavor in mushroom bruschetta will blend well with the cheesiness of Arancini balls.
7 - Pomegranate and Pear Salad
Don't forget the fruits when you are serving Arancini balls to your guests.
We say this because Arancini balls are made of rice and can make your guests full and stuffy.
Adding a fruit salad as a side dish will balance out the food by adding freshness and fresh crunch to the meal.
This salad will hardly take 10 minutes and is a very healthy option.
You can add pear, pomegranate, rocket leaves with olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
You can even top it off with parmesan cheese if you like.
Also, adding nuts like walnuts will alleviate the flavor even more.
A composed green salad can be an alternative fruit-forward side - chef salad side ideas for balanced plates pair well with rich fried bites.
8 - Wilted Baby Spinach
This is another side dish that'll add freshness and make your Arancini balls meal even healthier.
It takes only 5 minutes to prepare this side dish, and you only need three ingredients for it.
Simply add olive oil, garlic, and baby spinach.
Don't overcook but sauté for only 3-4 minutes.
You can even add peanuts to it if you need an extra crunch.
This side dish is light and will taste heavenly with Arancini balls.
9 - Beetroot Relish
Beetroot relish has been used since time immemorial as an excellent side dish.
It is made using beetroot, vinegar, sugar, and other spices.
The earthy flavors of this relish taste great with the cheesy and plain Arancini balls.
It brings sweet and spicy flavors to the table when served with Arancini meatballs.
It is light, easy to make, and improves the Arancini balls' flavors.
Make sure that the beetroots are fresh since old ones tend to have a strong earthy smell.
10 - Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a classic side dish that goes well with any kind of main course meal.
It is light and complements Arancini balls really well because it has a dash of tanginess too.
After grilling the asparagus, you can squeeze lemon, drizzle olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and that's all.
The asparagus gives a smoky taste that tastes unique and blends with the cheesiness of Arancini balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eggplant Parmigiani Talk about vegetarian lasagne, and you have the eggplant parmigiana. radish salad or eggplant parmigiana, you can improve the overall meal experience. Most home cooks pick this because it adds contrast and rounds out the meal.
A leafy green or fiber-rich vegetable balances the meal best. This side dish is a good pick for adding color and nutrients.
Pairing a protein-heavy main with a lighter vegetable side keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
A good side dish either contrasts or goes with the dominant flavor. If the main is rich and savory, something with acidity or crunch balances the plate without competing.
Can side dishes be swapped based on dietary needs?
Yes.
Most classic pairings have easy swaps - substitute roasted vegetables for grain sides, or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option.
Sausage-ball-friendly sides overlap with many arancini choices - sausage balls side dishes roundup shows matching accompaniments. For a different kind of dumpling, see matzo ball flavor and pairing notes to compare textures and flavors.