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Creamy Caramelized Onion Bacon Risotto

Featured in Tasty Ways with Grains and Rice.

This luscious dish, made with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and Parmesan, takes risotto to another level. Start by cooking bacon in olive oil until crisp, then sauté garlic and shallots in the flavorful drippings. Toast the Arborio rice in the pan before deglazing it with white wine. Slowly stir in warm chicken broth, adding it bit by bit as you'd traditionally do. Sweetened caramelized onions and smoky bacon bring boldness, while Parmesan and butter make the final product rich and creamy. Follow the process carefully, and you'll get perfectly tender rice with a silky finish every time.
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:24:23 GMT
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Risotto with Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan | thefamilycooks.com

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Bacon Parmesan Risotto. This classic Italian dish combines tender Arborio rice with crispy bacon and aged Parmesan for a luxurious dish that rivals any restaurant version while being surprisingly achievable in your own kitchen.

The secret to this risotto's success lies in the patient addition of hot broth and constant stirring, which creates the signature creamy texture while maintaining each grain's integrity.

Key Ingredients

  • Arborio rice: Creates signature creamy texture
  • Thick-cut bacon: Provides rich flavor base
  • Fresh shallots: Adds subtle allium notes
  • Dry white wine: Enhances depth
  • Aged Parmesan: Freshly grated only
  • Chicken stock: Unsalted preferred
  • Fresh herbs: For garnish

Cooking Method

Stock Preparation:
Warm stock. Monitor temperature. Keep nearby. Taste for seasoning. Prepare extra.
Bacon Process:
Slice evenly. Render until crisp. Reserve fat. Set aside. Keep warm.
Rice Preparation:
Toast in pan. Maintain stirring. Watch color. Control heat. Listen carefully.
Stock Integration:
Begin with wine. Allow absorption. Add stock slowly. Keep stirring. Monitor texture.
Final Steps:
Mix in cheese. Add butter. Adjust seasoning. Check consistency. Serve hot.
Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto Pin it
Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto | thefamilycooks.com

This recipe represents a modern twist on traditional risotto, incorporating the rich flavors of bacon while maintaining authentic Italian technique.

Heat Control

Perfect risotto requires precise temperature management. Medium-low heat creates the ideal environment for the rice to release its starches gradually while absorbing the hot stock. Watch for a gentle bubble around the edges of the pan.

Preparation Tips

While risotto should be served fresh, several components can be prepared ahead. Cook bacon, measure ingredients, and warm stock before beginning. This organization ensures smooth execution when cooking.

Achieving Perfect Texture

The signature creamy consistency comes from adding hot stock gradually, allowing each addition to absorb before adding more. This method ensures the rice releases its starches properly while staying al dente.

Serving Recommendations

Present risotto in preheated bowls topped with extra Parmesan, bacon crumbles, and fresh herbs. A simple green salad makes an excellent accompaniment, balancing the richness.

Recipe Variations

This versatile dish welcomes thoughtful additions. Try incorporating roasted mushrooms, fresh spring peas, or asparagus tips. Special occasions might warrant a drizzle of white truffle oil.

Common Solutions

Adjust consistency with additional hot stock if too thick, or continue cooking if too loose. The finished risotto should flow gently when plated, neither stiff nor soupy.

Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto Pin it
Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto | thefamilycooks.com

This Bacon Parmesan Risotto delivers restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. The combination of creamy rice, smoky bacon, and nutty Parmesan creates an impressive dish perfect for any occasion. Each spoonful offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does slowly adding broth do?
It helps the rice release starch in stages, giving the risotto that signature creamy texture.
→ Can onions be caramelized earlier?
Definitely! Keep them in the fridge for a few days until you're ready to use them.
→ What wine fits best for this recipe?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that you’d enjoy drinking.
→ Can any type of rice replace Arborio?
No, Arborio is essential since it has the right starch content for risotto’s creaminess.
→ How can I make a vegetarian version?
Just skip the bacon and swap the chicken broth for vegetable stock.

Onion, Bacon & Parmesan Risotto

A mouthwatering risotto made with bacon, caramelized onions, and Parmesan cheese, offering a cozy twist on classic Italian cooking.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Grains & Rice

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 cup of Arborio rice
02 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
03 1/4 cup dry white wine

→ Proteins & Aromatics

04 2 thick bacon strips, chopped into 1/2 inch bits
05 1/2 small shallot, diced really fine
06 2 garlic cloves, chopped small
07 4 tbsp caramelized onions, minced

→ Finishing Elements

08 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
09 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
10 1 tablespoon top-quality olive oil
11 Chopped chives (for sprinkling on top)
12 Pinches of salt and black pepper to your liking

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the chicken broth over medium-low on the stovetop until it’s steaming; keep it warm through cooking.

Step 02

Fry bacon in a drizzle of olive oil until it's crisp (this should take around 10 minutes), then move it to some napkins to soak the extra fat.

Step 03

Sauté the chopped shallots with a little salt until soft—takes 1-2 minutes. Toss in garlic and cook for just another minute.

Step 04

Mix rice in with the aromatics and stir for a couple of minutes until you see that white spot at the center of each grain.

Step 05

Pour wine into the pan and cook it off until it’s disappeared into the rice, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 06

Pour a ladle of warm broth into the rice, stir, and wait until it absorbs before adding more. Keep this going for 20-25 minutes.

Step 07

Mix bacon and onions into the rice. Give it one last stir, take off the heat, and fold in butter and parmesan. Sprinkle with chives and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Notes

  1. Keep the broth hot while cooking.
  2. Don’t let the shallots burn; stir constantly.
  3. Rice should still be a little firm in the middle (al dente) when done.
  4. Serve it right away—hot and fresh tastes best!

Tools You'll Need

  • A medium-sized pan for warming broth
  • A wide sauté pan for the risotto
  • A spoon with slots for draining bacon
  • A ladle to scoop the broth

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy from butter and parmesan cheese

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 201
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~