National Dish Italy: Supplì (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Supplì, the crisp little rice croquettes that crowd the counters of every good Roman pizzeria and street stall. Golden and crunchy on the outside, they hide a soft, savoury heart of risotto rice and a string of melting mozzarella that pulls away in the most satisfying way. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they are the perfect starter, snack or party nibble — a true taste of Rome you can bring straight to your own kitchen.
About Supplì
Supplì are a much-loved street food from Italy, served as a snack or a starter and prized for the contrast between their crunchy crust and their soft, cheesy filling. These small, deep-fried rice balls are built around risotto rice bound with cheese and seasoning, with a cube of mozzarella tucked into the middle. Originally from Rome, the recipe has spread across the whole of Italy and is now prepared in many regions with their own variations on the filling. The hallmark is the stretchy thread of cheese that appears when you pull a warm supplì apart.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200g risotto rice
- 500ml vegetable stock
- 50g grated Parmesan
- 2 eggs
- 100g mozzarella
- 120g breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for deep-frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients it is well worth paying attention to quality. Use fresh Parmesan and mozzarella to bring out the full flavour, and choose a good risotto rice with plenty of starch — that starch is what holds each croquette together once it is shaped. Most of what you need is easy to find in any supermarket, and an Italian deli is a good place to pick up a really characterful cheese.
Preparing the dish
Begin by cooking the risotto rice in the vegetable stock until tender and creamy. Let the cooked rice cool before stirring in the grated Parmesan and one egg, which binds everything together. Cut the mozzarella into small cubes, ready to sit at the centre of each rice ball. Having all your ingredients prepared and within reach makes the shaping and frying go smoothly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Shape the cooled risotto rice into small balls.
- Press a hollow into the centre of each ball and add a cube of mozzarella.
- Close the rice carefully around the cheese and roll it back into a neat round shape.
- Coat each ball first in beaten egg and then in breadcrumbs.
- Heat the oil in a pan and deep-fry the rice croquettes until golden brown.
- Drain the finished supplì on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Supplì are easy to adapt for special diets. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs so the dish suits anyone with a gluten intolerance. If you prefer a lactose-free result, use a lactose-free cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative free from lactose. Either way, everyone can enjoy this delicious snack without missing out on its crunch and flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
The classic recipe is already vegetarian, so vegetarians can enjoy it just as it is. For a vegan version, replace the cheese with plant-based alternatives such as vegan mozzarella and use an egg substitute for coating. Double-check that every ingredient is suitable so you can prepare the supplì entirely without animal products while keeping that all-important molten centre.
More tips and tricks
Experiment with different herbs and spices to tune the flavour of your supplì — oregano, basil or a pinch of smoked paprika all work beautifully. You can also enrich the rice with a little tomato purée or a thread of saffron to give the croquettes a special note. Chilling the shaped balls briefly before frying helps them hold together and crisp up even better.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Supplì are wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tailor them to your own preferences. Try different cheeses, or add extras to the filling such as mushrooms or ham. You might even stir a spoonful of tomato sauce through the rice for the classic Roman al telefono style. Let your creativity run free and discover your own favourite version of these Italian rice croquettes.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have no risotto rice to hand, you can use another rice variety, though the result will be a little different in texture. For a lighter take, quinoa or bulgur are both worth a try. The same playful spirit of swapping ingredients works well in dishes like Frittelle di Zucchine, where simple changes give a fresh result. Experiment freely to give your supplì a personal touch.
Drink pairing ideas
Supplì go wonderfully with a glass of Italian white wine such as a Pinot Grigio, or with a lively Prosecco. A freshly poured beer also makes a fine companion to their crisp, savoury crust. For an alcohol-free option, a sparkling homemade lemonade or a cold herb-infused water keeps things refreshing alongside the fried croquettes.
Serving and presentation ideas
Arrange the supplì on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. A small bowl of tomato sauce on the side makes an ideal dip and pairs naturally with these little fritters, much as it does with Carciofi Fritti. A pretty presentation is part of any successful dish and turns a simple snack into something memorable.
A bit of history
Supplì have their roots in the city of Rome, where they began life as a humble snack. The name “supplì” is thought to derive from the French word surprise, a nod to the unexpected cheese filling hidden inside the rice croquette. They grew popular in the 19th century when they were sold in trattorias and at street markets, and they remain a cornerstone of Roman Italian cuisine to this day.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Supplì
Supplì are a tasty and versatile Italian starter that never fails to please. With their moreish mix of risotto rice, mozzarella and a crisp breadcrumb coating, they win people over in every form. Whether classic, gluten-free or vegan, these golden rice croquettes are simple to make and endlessly adaptable. Let this easy recipe inspire you and enjoy a little piece of Italy at home.
