Delicious Sauces for Arancini: BEST Guide!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Serving up arancini, and need some ideas for the most delicious sauce pairings? 

You’re in the right place! 

From classic tomato based sauces, to indulgent cheesy sauces, through to inventive and creative choices like honey lemon olive dip, this guide tells you everything you need to know about making the right choice for serving with your deliciously crispy Italian rice balls… 

Popular Sauces for Arancini

When it comes to enjoying arancini, a good sauce can elevate your experience.

Here are some popular sauce options for you to consider when preparing or serving these scrumptious delights…

Marinara Sauce: A classic favourite, marinara sauce is a simple yet flavourful choice for your arancini.

Made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and various herbs, this sauce complements the rice and cheese in arancini perfectly.

You can make it chunky or smooth, depending on how you like it.

Tomato Sauce: Similar to marinara but slightly thicker and richer, tomato sauce is an excellent option for arancini. You can add a touch of cream or spicy kick with some chilli flakes to create variety in your dipping sauces.

When selecting sauces, consider the following points:

  • Texture: Choose a sauce that has a texture that complements the crispy surface and soft interior of arancini.
  • Flavour: Pick sauces that have strong and vibrant flavours to contrast and highlight the subtle, creamy taste of the rice balls.
  • Quantity: Make sure you have enough sauce for everyone to have at least a few good dips per arancini, as you don’t want to run out mid-feast!

Here’s a list of some other popular dipping sauce options to try with your arancini:

  • Pesto sauce
  • Garlic mayonnaise
  • Aioli
  • Spicy tomato sauce
  • Béchamel sauce

Remember, when it comes to arancini, the sauce is half the fun! Feel free to experiment with these suggestions or create your own unique combinations. 

Tomato-Based Sauces for Arancini

In this section, we will explore three sauces in more depth: Marinara Sauce, Tomato Sauce with Herbs, and Savoury Red Wine Sauce.

Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce is a classic and versatile option for your arancini.

To begin, heat some olive oil in a saucepan and sauté onion and garlic until they become soft and fragrant.

Next, add tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.

To enhance the flavours of your marinara sauce, season it with some salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

You may also add a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the sauce.

Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, and your rich and flavourful marinara sauce is ready to accompany your arancini.

Tomato Sauce with Herbs

Another tasty option for arancini is tomato sauce infused with herbs.

Start with sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.

Then, add a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, along with some thyme and saffron. These herbs will take the dish to a new level of sophistication.

Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

Don’t forget to stir occasionally to avoid burning. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Savoury Red Wine Sauce

For a more indulgent and elegant choice, try a savoury red wine sauce.

This sauce pairs brilliantly with arancini and will leave your guests impressed.

Start by sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for a few more minutes to deepen the flavours.

Now, pour in a generous amount of red wine (preferably a full-bodied variety) and allow it to reduce by half.

This will give the sauce a rich and complex flavour profile.

Finally, add some crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce to the mix, followed by your choice of spices and seasoning, such as oregano and black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cheese-Based Sauces for Arancini

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

If you’re looking for a delicious cheese sauce to pair with your arancini, you can’t go wrong with a garlic parmesan sauce.

Start by melting butter in a saucepan and sautéing minced garlic until fragrant.

Gradually add in grated parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully incorporated and smooth.

If you find the sauce too thick, feel free to add some milk to achieve the desired consistency. This sauce is rich in flavour and is sure to please the taste buds of all your guests.

Creamy Fontina Sauce

Another excellent option for a cheese sauce for your arancini is a creamy fontina sauce.

Fontina cheese is a versatile cheese that melts beautifully and adds a smooth, creamy taste to the sauce.

Here’s how to make this delightful sauce:

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.
  3. Gradually add grated fontina cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts evenly and smoothly.
  4. Add milk, as needed, to reach desired consistency.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Both the garlic parmesan and creamy fontina sauces work wonderfully with arancini, providing a rich and indulgent taste experience.

They complement the crispy exterior and flavoursome filling of arancini, enhancing your enjoyment of this tasty Italian delicacy. 

Cream and Dairy Sauces

Sour Cream and Chive Sauce

Sour cream is the star of this delightful sauce, offering rich creaminess and a gentle tang.

To make this sauce, simply whisk together 200g of sour cream, a handful of minced chives, a pinch of salt, and a dash of cracked black pepper.

The luscious texture of the sour cream and the vibrancy of chives create a harmonious balance that pairs beautifully with the golden exterior of arancini.

This dipping sauce will surely elevate your arancini experience.

Honey Lemon Olive Dip

For a fresh and fruity spin, try the honey lemon olive dip.

This unique combination brings together the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of lemons, and the savoury notes of olives.

Here’s how to make it:

  1. Honey mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  2. Olive mixture: Finely chop 50g of pitted green olives, and mix them with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  3. Assembling: Swirl the olive mixture into the honey mixture, creating a visually appealing marble effect.