Easy Baked Garlic and Parmesan Risotto
This simplified version of risotto offers the creamy, rich flavors you love without the need for constant stirring. Baked in the oven, this dish pairs the savory essence of garlic and rosemary with the nutty taste of Parmesan cheese. Personalize your risotto by incorporating shredded roast chicken or crispy pancetta. A touch of fresh basil, thyme, or baby spinach brings a burst of freshness to every bite. Serve this as a comforting main course or a sophisticated side dish that will impress family and friends alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 1/2 ounces (divided)
large onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
rosemary sprig
1 (roughly chopped, optional)
risotto rice
8 ounces (none)
chicken stock
3 1/2 cups (or vegetable stock)
parmesan cheese
2 ounces (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 300°F.
2
In an ovenproof casserole dish, melt half of the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and chopped rosemary (if using). Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and golden.
3
Stir in the risotto rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes to coat the grains with butter.
4
Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Cover the casserole with a lid or foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
6
Remove the casserole from the oven. Stir in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese until the risotto is creamy and well combined.
7
Optional: Stir in shredded roast chicken or crispy pancetta for additional flavor.
8
Garnish with fresh basil, thyme, or baby spinach before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Baked Garlic and Parmesan Risotto?
It is a simplified version of traditional risotto that offers creamy, rich flavors without the need for constant stirring by baking it in the oven.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F.
How much butter is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 ounces of butter, which is divided during the cooking process.
Do I need to stir the risotto constantly?
No, this oven-baked method eliminates the need for the constant stirring required by traditional stovetop risotto.
What kind of rice is used for this dish?
This recipe uses risotto rice, which falls under the category of short grain rice.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use either 3 1/2 cups of chicken stock or vegetable stock depending on your preference.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
The onion, garlic, and rosemary should be sautéed for 8-10 minutes until the onion is soft and golden.
How long does the risotto bake in the oven?
The dish should bake for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 3 crushed garlic cloves.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
You will need 2 ounces of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is the rosemary mandatory?
No, the 1 sprig of roughly chopped rosemary is listed as an optional ingredient.
Can I add meat to this risotto?
Yes, you can personalize the risotto by stirring in shredded roast chicken or crispy pancetta for extra flavor.
What garnishes are recommended?
You can garnish the dish with fresh basil, thyme, or baby spinach for a burst of freshness.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of cooking vessel is best?
An ovenproof casserole dish is recommended so you can move it from the stovetop to the oven.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese is stirred in at the end, after the casserole is removed from the oven.
What should the onion look like after sautéing?
The onion should be soft and golden after being sautéed for 8-10 minutes.
Do I need to boil the stock before baking?
Yes, you should pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a boil before transferring it to the oven.
How do I make the risotto creamy?
The creaminess comes from stirring in the remaining butter and grated Parmesan cheese after baking.
Should the casserole dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, you should cover the casserole with a lid or foil before placing it in the oven.
Is this dish a main course or a side dish?
It can be served as a comforting main course or a sophisticated side dish.
How much rice is used?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of risotto rice.
When do I add the rice during preparation?
The rice is stirred in after sautéing the onion and garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes to coat the grains with butter.
Can I use fresh thyme as a garnish?
Yes, fresh thyme is one of the recommended garnishes for this recipe.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before cooking.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the casserole.
Is this an Italian recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an Italian dish and a form of comfort food.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish features the savory essence of garlic and rosemary combined with the nutty taste of Parmesan cheese.
Can I add spinach to the dish?
Yes, baby spinach can be used as a garnish to bring a burst of freshness to the dish.
How do I know the risotto is finished baking?
The risotto is done when the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.