Mushroom Risotto

This Bacon and Mushroom Risotto recipe is rich, creamy, cheesy, made with salty bacon and earthy mushrooms. While this classic dish is usually enjoyed in restaurants with a high price tag, I’ve created this risotto with basic ingredients and fool-proof instructions. Time to treat yourself!

I genuinely don’t think I could get sick of risotto. Creamy rice cooked with herbaceous broth, white wine, parmesan cheese, and, in this case, bacon and mushrooms! What a dream come true. Savor every last bite; you just won’t want it to end.

I’ve mostly seen risotto on menus as an appetizer, but sometimes it’ll be featured as a main dish. Let me tell you, this mushroom risotto recipe is so good I don’t know if you’ll end up with room for a main dish after the seconds or thirds you’ll inevitably dig into. This recipe is a keeper! Homemade risotto is a must for any home cook’s repertoire.

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for a list of FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

• Chicken broth – Use low-sodium. Veggie broth will work too.
• Thyme – Fresh sprigs. You can use dried if needed. This is optional, I use it to infuse the broth with more thyme flavor.
• Bacon – Any type you like best.
• Olive oil – Sunflower, safflower, canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or avocado oils can be used instead.
• Onion – I used a white onion. Yellow onion or shallot will work.
• Cremini mushrooms – Or any type of mushroom you have!
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
• Garlic – Use more or less as you prefer.
• Arborio rice – Also known as risotto rice, this is a short grain and very starchy variety.
• White wine – A dry variety such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay will work best.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated will be much tastier over the powdered type!
• Parsley – For a nice, fresh, green garnish.

How to make mushroom risotto

1. Prep the broth: Add the chicken broth and thyme sprigs to a pot over medium heat. Once the broth comes to a bubble reduce the heat to low just to keep it hot, but barely simmering.
2. Cook the bacon: Add the bacon to a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook until crisp, 5-7 minutes, then remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon. Leave the bacon fat in the pot.
3. Cook the onion & mushrooms: Add the olive oil if needed, I had enough fat rendered from the bacon so I didn’t add it, to the pot along with the onion, mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Cook the rice: Add the rice, stir, then pour in the wine. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the rice cook for 2 minutes, or until it has absorbed the wine. Add 1 cup of the hot broth (avoiding the thyme sprigs) to the dutch oven, stir, and let the rice cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until the liquid has been mostly absorbed. Repeat this step until the rice is cooked through and tender, and you have used all the broth, should take 20-25 minutes.
5. Finish: Stir in the bacon and parmesan cheese. Taste for salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Can I add anything else to my mushroom risotto?

If you’re looking to add some more color or even make your risotto more of a complete meal, I have some great ideas for you.

Mix these ingredients in with the cheese:

• Peas
• Roasted broccoli
• Roasted green beans

Then top your risotto with:

• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Sliced chicken, breast or thighs
• Sliced steak

Voila! Enjoy your risotto as an appetizer, a side dish with dinner, or a main all on its own with these modifications.

What to serve with risotto

Here are some fantastic recipes that will take this already gourmet mushroom risotto and bring it to another level. Mix and match in any of these categories and you’ll be blown away with the results!

Protein

• Chili Garlic Shrimp
• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Firecracker Salmon
• Baked Chicken Thighs
• Instant Pot Chicken Breast

Veggies

• Skillet Green Beans
• Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
• Oven Roasted Carrots
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Salad

• Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta
• Chickpea Salad
• Kale and Quinoa Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Easy Corn Salad

Freshly baked bread

• No Knead Bread
• No Knead Skillet Bread
• Artisan Bread
• Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

How to store leftovers

Your risotto will last up to 5 days refrigerated. To reheat, use the microwave and stir the risotto every 15-20 seconds. If the microwave isn’t an option, you can reheat it in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat on the stovetop. Feel free to add a splash or two of chicken broth or water to avoid having the risotto dry out at all.

Can I freeze risotto?

While it isn’t ideal to freeze risotto, you absolutely can if you need it to last longer than 5 days. Make sure the risotto has fully cooled down to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. It’ll last 2-3 months frozen.

Let the risotto thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind after freezing and thawing, the risotto will have a much more soft texture. You’ll have to be careful when reheating as to not break up the grains of rice.

Check out my favorite Italian inspired recipes:

• Arugula and Basil Pesto
• Instant Pot Risotto
• Instant Pot Baked Ziti
• Aglio e Olio
• Chanterelle Mushrooms with Tagliatelle
• Easy Pasta Alfredo
• Spaghetti Bolognese