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Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto

Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto
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Caramelized Onion, Bacon, and Parmesan Risotto is a creamy, indulgent dish that expertly balances sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Featuring buttery slow-cooked onions, crispy salty bacon, and rich Parmesan cheese stirred into velvety Arborio rice, this recipe offers elegant comfort food perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warmed
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil on low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and deeply sweet without burning.
  2. Cook the Bacon: While the onions caramelize, fry the bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crisp but not hard. Drain excess grease, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
  3. Toast the Rice: In a large saucepan, heat remaining butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the Arborio rice and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until rice edges become slightly translucent.
  4. Deglaze and Add Liquid: Pour in the white wine and stir until mostly absorbed by the rice to brighten the flavor. Then, gradually ladle in warm broth, about half a cup at a time, stirring often and waiting until the liquid is almost fully absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender yet firm to the bite and creamy.
  5. Combine and Finish: Stir in the caramelized onions and crispy bacon. Remove the pot from heat and fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

  • Use warm broth to maintain steady cooking temperature and speed up the process.
  • Stir gently but frequently to help release starch and achieve creamy risotto.
  • Adjust salt carefully as bacon and Parmesan add natural saltiness.
  • Caramelize onions low and slow to prevent bitterness and develop deep sweetness.
  • Always grate fresh Parmesan cheese for optimal melt and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: risotto, caramelized onion, bacon, parmesan, creamy, savory, Italian, comfort food, gluten free

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/caramelized-onion-bacon-and-parmesan-risotto/