This Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is cooked all in one pot for a quick and easy family meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to utilize any leftovers you have hanging around! Trust me, you’re going to want to add this one to your weeknight dinner repertoire!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 slices Bacon, Chopped
- 1 Medium Onion, Thinly Sliced
- 2 Cups Arborio Rice
- 4 Cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Dry White Wine (Optional)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Pepper, to Taste
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped (Optional, for Garnish)
Let’s Get Cooking!
How to Make Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to pull this all together. Trust me; it’s truly a simple and enjoyable cooking process!
Combine and Cook (15-20 minutes):
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, giving them a gentle stir so they’re coated in the oil. Here’s where the magic happens let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they become translucent and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
- Once they’re beautifully caramelized and sweet, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
Bring on the Bacon (5-7 minutes):
- In the same skillet, let’s get that bacon crispy! Add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy. Remove it with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.
Toast the Arborio Rice (1-2 minutes):
- In goes the Arborio rice to the same skillet! Toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, allowing it to get a bit cozy in that wonderful bacon fat. It’ll soak up all those flavors!
Wine Me Up (optional, 2-3 minutes):
- Here’s where the fun starts! If you’re using wine, slowly add it now and stir constantly until most of the liquid is absorbed by the rice. It’s going to smell so good, get ready to savor that aroma!
Stir in the Broth (20-25 minutes):
- Slowly add the chicken broth, one ladleful at a time. Stir often, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. You’re creating a creamy masterpiece here! Keep tasting your rice as you go; you’re aiming for that creamy, yet al dente texture. This should take about 20-25 minutes. You might not even need all of the broth, so trust your instincts!
Finish it All Off:
- Once the rice reaches your desired texture, stir in the caramelized onions, crispy bacon, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined. The cheese will melt into the risotto, making it even more creamy and comforting.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, don’t hold back!
Serve Up:
- Spoon that risotto onto plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and enjoy the warm hug of flavors!
Why I Love This Recipe
Let’s get real, folks. This is my go-to recipe when I want something both comforting and easy to throw together after a busy day. The rich, creamy texture paired with the salty bacon and sweet caramelized onions? It’s honestly unbeatable. I’m a real sucker for dishes that fill up my family and bring us together at the dinner table!
The best part is, you can customize this recipe however you want! Have some leftover veggies? Toss them in. Extra cheese? Please! This risotto becomes whatever you want it to be, and that’s what makes it my favorite!
If you loved this Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto, be sure to check out my French Onion Butter Rice, my Southern Style Dirty Rice, or my Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Risotto!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish is a weeknight miracle that comes together all in one pot in under 30 minutes! Minimal prep means less time spent cooking and more time enjoying dinner with your family.
Creamy Comfort
Every bite is loaded with tons of flavor think buttery risotto, crispy bacon, and sweet caramelized onions. It’s that ultimate comfort food you crave after a long day, combining lovely textures and tastes.
Customizable
With ingredients that can be swapped to suit your preference or to clear out the fridge, this recipe adapts beautifully. Got a few veggies lying around? Toss ’em in! Just make sure to keep that creamy risotto base intact.
Crowd-Pleaser
Kids and adults alike will be begging for seconds! Who could resist that combination of savory and sweet all wrapped up in a creamy dish? It’s a guaranteed hit!
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Risotto
Pair this risotto with a light salad, some crusty bread, or even roasted veggies for a balanced meal! It also makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
Storage
This risotto will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
Reheating Instructions
For the best results, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, stirring frequently. You can also reheat in the microwave, just cover it and check every minute or so to avoid drying it out!
Freezer Friendly?
Unfortunately, risotto doesn’t hold up well in the freezer due to its creamy nature. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers you can try freezing individual portions, though the texture may change.
And that’s it! Delicious, easy, and family-worthy, this Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto will undoubtedly become a staple in your home. Now, what are you waiting for? Time to get cooking and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.
Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, stir to coat in oil, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until translucent and golden brown.
- Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- If using wine, slowly add it now and stir constantly until most of the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
- Slowly add the chicken broth, one ladleful at a time, stirring often and allowing each addition to be absorbed before the next.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- Once the rice is at the desired texture, stir in the caramelized onions, crispy bacon, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon risotto onto plates, garnish with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve hot.