Roman fried rice croquettes with stretchy mozzarella
Supplì al Telefono
Prep Time
25 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
5
10 croquettes
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Budget
$
Supplì al Telefono
Roman fried rice croquettes with stretchy mozzarella
★4.9(10)
Rome's answer to arancini—oblong rice croquettes made with tomato-sauced rice and filled with mozzarella that stretches like telephone wires when pulled apart.
25m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
5
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Supplì are a Roman street food tradition, sold at pizzerias and fritti shops all over the city. The "al telefono" name comes from the strings of melted mozzarella that stretch when you break one open.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups arborio rice
- 2 cups tomato sauce (marinara)
- 4 oz mozzarella, cut into small sticks
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano
Instructions
- 1
Cook arborio rice in tomato sauce and 2 cups water until al dente and liquid is absorbed. Stir in Pecorino and let cool completely.
- 2
Take a handful of rice, press flat, place a mozzarella stick in the center, and shape into an oblong croquette.
- 3
Dip each supplì in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- 4
Fry in 350°F oil for 3-4 minutes until deep golden, turning once for even browning.
- 5
Drain on paper towels, let rest 1 minute, then serve hot so the mozzarella is still stretchy.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Arrange on a platter for easy sharing at your next gathering
Substitutions
Arborio riceCarnaroli or any short-grain rice
Short-grain rice is essential for the sticky texture
Pecorino RomanoParmesan
Parmesan is milder but works well
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
The rice must be completely cool before shaping—spread it on a sheet pan to cool faster.
Serve immediately for the best mozzarella stretch, as the cheese sets as it cools.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store unfried supplì in the fridge for up to 1 day, or freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat in a 400°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (75mg) · 5 servings
Calories310
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein12g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat34g
Fiber480mg
Sugar1g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between supplì and arancini?
- Supplì are oblong, use tomato rice, and are from Rome. Arancini are round, use plain risotto, and are Sicilian.
- Can I air fry these?
- Yes, spray with oil and air fry at 380°F for 10-12 minutes until golden.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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