What Sauce Goes with Arancini Balls? (11 Sauces)

Knowing what sauce goes with arancini balls can be tricky.

After all, there are so many delicious options to choose from!

But don’t worry, I’m here to help.

I’ve rounded up 11 of the best sauces to serve with arancini balls.

Whether you are looking for a creamy sauce, a cheesy sauce, or a tomato-based sauce, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these sauces a try the next time you make arancini balls!

What Sauce Goes with Arancini Balls?

The best sauces to serve with arancini balls are romesco sauce, garlic aioli, or tomato sauce. Romesco sauce is a traditional Catalan sauce made from roasted red peppers, almonds, and garlic. Garlic aioli is a mayonnaise-based sauce that is flavored with garlic. Tomato sauce is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce that can be used as a dipping sauce or poured over the top of the arancini balls.

Still looking for ideas?

No worries!

Here are 11 sauces that go well with arancini balls:

1. Bang Bang Sauce

This sauce is known for being great with any meat, but it’s especially delicious with arancini balls.

It’s sweet, slightly spicy, and has a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy fried exterior of the balls.

To add some extra flavor and texture to this sauce, you could:

• Stir in some chopped fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley.
• Add a teaspoon of sriracha for some extra heat.
• Mix in a tablespoon of diced onion or shallot.
• Thin it out with a little bit of water or chicken broth.
• Make it thicker by stirring in a tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

2. Marinara Sauce

To make sure nobody goes home hungry, you’ll want to have a big batch of this delicious marinara sauce on hand.

It’s the perfect dipping sauce for arancini balls, and it’s also great for slathering on pizza or pasta.

This marinara sauce is super easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking by adding in extra spices or herbs.

• For an extra-thick sauce, add a can of crushed tomatoes or tomato paste.
• For more of a kick, mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño peppers.
• And for extra veggie power, stir in some finely chopped carrots, celery, or onion.

3. Sweet Onion Sauce (Subway Copycat Recipe)

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably had Subway’s Sweet Onion Sauce.

It’s that orange-y, slightly sweet condiment that goes so well with their sandwiches… and just about everything else.

This copycat recipe is spot-on, and it’s so easy to make at home.

I like to use it as a dipping sauce for arancini balls, but it would also be great on sandwiches, salads, or really anything else you can think of.

To add some extra flavor and texture to this sauce, you could:

• Stir in some diced onion or shallot.
• Add a splash of vinegar (balsamic or apple cider vinegar would be nice) for some acidity.
• Mix in a tablespoon or two of honey for an extra-sweet touch.
• Thicken it up with a spoonful of cornstarch or arrowroot powder.

4. Chimichurri Sauce

I often like to add some awesome green color to my food. Not only does it make it more appealing to the eye, but it also adds a nutritional boost.

This Chimichurri Sauce is awesome for that!

It’s super flavorful, with a little bit of spice from the red pepper flakes and a nice brightness from the fresh herbs.

And it’s so versatile – you can use it as a dipping sauce, a salad dressing, or even a marinade.

To add some extra flavor and texture to this sauce, you could:

• Add some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Swap out the flat-leaf parsley for cilantro or mint.
• Try using white balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.

5. Mushroom Sauce

This sauce has been one of my favorites since I was a kid. It’s super flavorful, earthy, and a little bit creamy from the addition of sour cream.

I love it on top of arancini balls, but it would also be great on pasta, chicken, or veggies.

To add some extra flavor and texture to this sauce, try:

• Adding a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme.
• Stirring in some diced sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• Mixing in some cooked ground beef, sausage, or mushrooms.
• Thickening it with a tablespoon or two of tomato paste.
• Making it creamier with the addition of more sour cream or half and half.

6. General Tso Sauce

This sauce isn’t just for stir fry’s anymore!

This General Tso sauce is sweet, sticky, slightly spicy, and incredibly versatile.

I like to use it as a dipping sauce for my arancini balls, but it would also be great on chicken, rice, or even in a wraps or sandwich.

To add some extra flavor and texture to this sauce, try stirring in:

• Sesame seeds
• Diced green onions
• Chopped peanuts
• Crushed red pepper flakes

7. Aji Verde (Spicy Peruvian Green Sauce)

Sometimes, I just want my food spicy.

This aji verde sauce is the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and bright – it’s sure to wake up your taste buds!

I love to use this sauce as a dipping sauce for arancini balls, but it would also be great on grilled chicken or fish, mixed into quinoa or rice, or even as a salad dressing.

To add some extra flavor and texture to this sauce, you could:

• Add some chopped cilantro or mint.
• Mix in some diced avocado.
• Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Add some chopped jalapeño for extra spice.

8. Sweet and Sour Sauce

This Asian-inspired sweet and sour sauce is the perfect dipping sauce for your arancini balls.

It’s slightly sweet, tangy, and has a beautiful bright red color that will make your arancini balls look even more appetizing.

To add some extra flavor and texture to this sauce, you could:

• Mix in some diced pineapple or bell peppers.
• Add a teaspoon of sriracha or other hot sauce for some heat.
• Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint.
• Make it creamier with a dollop of plain yogurt or coconut milk.

9. Honey BBQ Sauce

I’m sure you know of BBQ sauce, but have you ever had honey BBQ sauce?

It’s a delicious and unique twist on the classic sauce, and it goes so well with arancini balls.

The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the arancini, and the BBQ sauce adds a lovely smoky flavor.

To make this sauce even better, you could:

• Add a teaspoon of sriracha or diced jalapeño for some spice.
• Mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for extra tanginess.
• Stir in a tablespoon of honey for even more sweetness.
• Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro.

10. Chili Tahini Lime Sauce

This sauce has a little bit of everything – sweetness from the honey, acidity from the lime, and a touch of heat from the chili flakes.

It’s the perfect finishing touch to these crispy arancini balls.

You could also use this sauce as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables, a drizzle over grilled chicken or fish, or even as a salad dressing.

For an extra- flavorful sauce, you could:

• Add a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce.
• Stir in some diced fresh ginger or garlic.
• Mix in a tablespoon of toasted sesame oil.
• Swap out the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup.

11. Honey Mustard Sauce

This sauce is a safe option for those who are looking for a classic flavor pairing, but it’s also easy to jazz up.

Try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for an extra zing, or stirring in some chopped herbs like chives or parsley.

For a bit of texture, you could add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds, or even some diced fruit like apples or pears.

Looking for something a little more indulgent?

Stir in some shredded cheese or crumbled bacon.