Nicola’s Marketplace Is Pleased to Announce the Launch of Arancini Rice Balls

Nicola’s Marketplace, an online destination for authentic Italian specialty foods, is pleased to bring this beloved Italian specialty to its growing selection of handcrafted foods, giving customers a convenient way to enjoy arancini at home.

A Taste of Sicily in Every Bite

Arancini, also called arancine in parts of Sicily, are traditionally made by shaping cooked rice around a savory filling, coating the rice, and frying it until golden. Regional versions can vary considerably in shape and filling. The official tourism site for Sicily describes traditional fillings including ragù as well as combinations featuring béchamel and ham.

That flexibility is part of what makes arancini so appealing. They can work as an appetizer before dinner, a satisfying snack, or part of a larger Italian-inspired meal featuring fresh Italian pasta, traditional sauces, and other favorites.

Introducing Nicola’s Marketplace Arancini

Nicola’s Marketplace now offers four arancini options in its Heat & Eat collection:

• Sicilian Arancini (Rice Balls)

• Mini Sicilian Arancini (Rice Balls)

• Mozzarella Arancini (Rice Balls) 

• Mini Mozzarella Arancini (Rice Balls) 

The collection gives customers the opportunity to choose between traditional Sicilian-style options and cheese-filled varieties, with both standard and mini formats available.

The Sicilian version features saffron risotto filled with beef ragù and peas, then breaded and fried until golden brown.

For cheese lovers, Nicola’s mozzarella arancini combine risotto and Parmigiano Reggiano with a mozzarella center. The result is a crunchy outside surrounding a creamy, cheesy interior. Customers can explore the cheese collection to discover additional Italian cheese selections for their next meal.

An Easy Addition to Your Next Meal

One of the biggest advantages of arancini is their versatility. Serve them as the centerpiece of an appetizer spread, place a few alongside a salad for lunch, or make them part of an Italian dinner with tomato sauce and other favorites.

The mini varieties are particularly suited to entertaining. Their smaller size makes them easy to arrange on a platter alongside dipping sauces, cheeses, cured meats, or other appetizers. Explore Nicola’s selection of Italian charcuterie to create a more complete appetizer board.

For a more traditional presentation, tomato sauce makes an excellent accompaniment. Nicola’s Marketplace specifically recommends enjoying its mini Parmigiano-style arancini with tomato sauce for dipping, with fresh whipped ricotta as another option. Pairing these favorites with other Italian specialty foods makes it easy to create a spread for family gatherings and special occasions.

Made With Italian Tradition in Mind

Arancini have deep roots in Sicilian cuisine. Visit Sicily notes that the dish has historical connections to saffron-scented rice preparations and developed into a portable, breaded and fried food. The island also has its own regional preferences for shapes and fillings.

Nicola’s Marketplace follows that spirit while making the experience more convenient for today's home cook. The company's arancini are hand-rolled, and its product information emphasizes traditional preparation and premium ingredients.

Founded by Chef Nicola DiGiorgio, Nicola’s Marketplace offers a growing selection of Italian favorites, including handcrafted ravioli, fresh pasta, specialty cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet foods. Customers can browse the online store to discover more products inspired by Italian culinary traditions.

Discover the New Arancini Collection

Whether you're planning a family dinner, preparing appetizers for guests, or simply looking for something different to keep in the freezer, arancini offer an easy way to bring a taste of Sicily to the table.

Explore the complete Arancini Rice Balls collection at Nicola’s Marketplace and discover Sicilian and mozzarella varieties in both regular and mini sizes.

With a crisp golden exterior, flavorful rice, and satisfying fillings, these Italian classics are ready to become a new favorite for everything from casual weeknight meals to special gatherings.

About Nicola’s Marketplace

Nicola’s Marketplace was founded by Chef Nicola DiGiorgio to bring authentic Italian flavors and artisanal food products to customers across the country. Inspired by traditional Italian recipes and a passion for quality ingredients, the marketplace features a diverse selection of handcrafted ravioli, fresh pasta, specialty cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and other gourmet foods. Visit Nicola’s Marketplace online to explore its selection of Italian specialties.