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Bacon Risotto Recipe

4.7 from 125 reviews

This creamy Bacon Risotto recipe features crispy bacon, tender Arborio rice, and a rich blend of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, creating a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 4 rashes of bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 4 cups chicken stock (broth)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter (optional, see notes)

Instructions

  1. Fry Bacon: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the bacon pieces. Fry them until they become crispy and nicely browned, then remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Onion: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and season with salt. Fry until golden. If the pan lacks enough bacon fat, add 2 tablespoons of oil or butter to help cook the onion well.
  3. Cook Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir well. Let the rice cook for about 1 minute until it becomes translucent, allowing it to absorb flavors and toast slightly.
  4. Add Stock Gradually: Pour the chicken stock one ladle at a time into the pan, stirring continuously and waiting until most of the stock has evaporated before adding the next ladle. This process helps the rice release its starch and creates a creamy texture.
  5. Combine Bacon: Once all the stock is absorbed and the rice is cooked through, add the crispy bacon back into the pan and mix well to combine flavors evenly.
  6. Season & Garnish: Season the risotto with black pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top for added richness and freshness.
  7. Serve Hot: Serve the risotto immediately while warm to enjoy its creamy consistency and rich flavors.

Notes

  • Use a non-stick pan to prevent rice from sticking and ensure the risotto cooks evenly without burning.
  • If your bacon is fatty enough to leave sufficent fat in the pan, you may skip adding oil or butter for sautéing the onion.
  • Stirring continuously while adding stock is key to achieving a creamy risotto texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit bacon.

Keywords: bacon risotto, creamy risotto, Italian risotto, Arborio rice recipe, easy risotto, bacon recipe