Arancini, or rice balls, is a classic Italian dish. Make it low calorie, low carb, and packed with protein with this super simple cauliflower version
Cauliflower Rice (Arancini) Balls
Ingredients
- 1 Italian chicken sausage link, casing removed (2 3/4 oz)
- 2¼ cups Riced cauliflower, frozen works great
- ¼ tsp. Kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp. Homemade marinara, plus optional more for serving
- ½ cup Part skim shredded mozzarella
- 1 Large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup Bread crumbs*, or gluten-free crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. Grated Pecorino Romano or parmesan*
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking the meat up with spoon as it cooks as small as you can, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the cauliflower, salt and marinara and cook 6 minutes on medium heat, stirring until the cauliflower is tender and heated through.
- Remove from heat and add the mozzarella cheese to the skillet and stir well to mix. Let it cool 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s easy to handle.
- Spray a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray and fill with cauliflower mixture, leveling the top. Use a small spoon to scoop out into your palm and roll into a ball. Set aside on a dish.
- Repeat with the remaining cauliflower, you should have 6 balls.
- Place the egg in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in another.
- Add the parmesan to the crumbs and mix.
- Dip the ball in the egg, then in the crumbs and transfer to a baking sheet. Spray the top with cooking spray.
- If baking in the oven, bake 425F 25 minutes, until golden. If making in the air fryer, bake 400F for 9 minutes turning halfway until golden.
- Serve with marinara sauce, for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories257
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
11.5g
18%
- Saturated Fat 5g 25%
- Cholesterol 95.5mg 32%
- Sodium 644mg 27%
- Total Carbohydrate
15.6g
6%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Sugars 2.5g
- Protein 21.5g 43%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

