Supplì: The Irresistible Roman Rice Croquettes You Need to Try



If you’ve ever visited Rome, you’ve likely stumbled upon the famous supplì—delicious, golden, crispy rice croquettes stuffed with gooey mozzarella and served as a beloved street food snack. These bite-sized treats, crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, are a must-try for anyone craving authentic Italian comfort food.


What Are Supplì?

Supplì are traditional Roman rice croquettes made from risotto rice, usually mixed with a rich tomato sauce, then stuffed with a chunk of mozzarella, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The name “supplì” comes from the Italian word “supply,” as these croquettes were originally designed to "supply" a quick snack or meal.

They’re commonly served as an appetizer or snack at Italian festivals, street food markets, or as part of a larger Italian feast.


Why You'll Love Supplì

🧀 Cheesy and gooey interior

🍅 Tomato-flavored, savory rice

🥄 Perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer

🔥 Crispy, golden, and satisfying

Ingredients for Supplì

To make supplì at home, you'll need:

2 cups arborio rice (or any risotto rice)

3 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 small onion, chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 cup mozzarella, cut into small cubes

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)

1 egg, beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Tip: For an extra creamy texture, add a bit of butter to the rice after it’s cooked.


How to Make Supplì

  1. Cook the risotto rice: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil, sauté the chopped onion until soft, then add the rice. Stir for 1–2 minutes. Gradually add the warm broth, a little at a time, stirring until absorbed. Once the rice is al dente and the liquid is absorbed, add the crushed tomatoes, Parmesan, and salt and pepper. Let it cool to room temperature.

  2. Shape the supplì: Take a small amount of rice and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center and mold the rice around the cheese to form a ball or oval shape.

  3. Coat the croquettes: Dip each croquette in the beaten egg, then coat it in breadcrumbs.

  4. Fry the supplì: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the rice croquettes in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes).

  5. Drain and serve: Remove the supplì from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and gooey on the inside.


Serving Suggestions

Supplì is often served on its own as a snack or appetizer, but you can also pair them with:

A light salad or vegetables

Tomato sauce or pesto for dipping

Grilled meats or pizza as part of a larger Italian meal

A glass of Italian wine to complete the experience

Variations of Supplì

While the classic version of supplì features a mozzarella filling, there are a few regional variations:

Supplì al Telefono: The traditional version where the mozzarella melts so much that it forms a “telephone wire” effect when you break open the croquette.

Supplì with Meat: Some recipes include ground meat (like beef or pork) mixed with the rice and tomato sauce for a heartier version.

Supplì al Ragù: Incorporating a meat ragù sauce instead of just tomatoes for a deeper flavor.

FAQs About Supplì

Can I make Supplì ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the croquettes ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry. This also helps the croquettes hold their shape better during frying.

Can I bake Supplì instead of frying them?
Although frying is the traditional method, you can bake the croquettes at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until golden. You won’t get the same crispy texture as frying, but they will still be delicious.

Can I freeze Supplì?
Yes! You can freeze un-fried supplì for up to 1 month. Just make sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a container or bag. When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the frying time.


Final Thoughts

Supplì are the quintessential Roman snack that’s crispy on the outside and stuffed with a gooey, cheesy surprise on the inside. Whether you're enjoying them at a Roman trattoria or making them at home, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, fire up your frying pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in one of Italy's most delicious street foods!

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