How to Make an Oven-Baked Risotto

Risotto is a comforting classic, but standing at the hob constantly stirring isn’t always practical. Oven-baked risotto offers the same creamy texture with far less effort, making it a perfect choice for busy cooks. It’s an ideal dish for weeknights or when entertaining guests, as it lets you focus on other tasks while the oven does the work.

Preparing the Ingredients

To make this simple oven-baked risotto, you’ll need a few essentials that are probably already in your kitchen. Gather:

250g of smoked bacon, chopped into small pieces, one onion, chopped, 25g butter, 300g risotto rice, half a glass of white wine, which is optional, 150g cherry tomatoes, halved, 700ml hot chicken stock, from a cube works fine, and 50g grated parmesan.

An ovenproof pan or ovenable tray is also crucial for achieving the perfect texture. For those interested in learning more about ovenable trays, consider checking out a specialist such as https://www.southerncrosspackaging.com/ovenable-trays. These trays simplify cooking and cleanup, making them a handy option for busy households.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Fry the Base Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 200°C,  fan 180°C or gas mark 6. Place the bacon pieces in your ovenproof dish and fry for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Add the chopped onion and butter, stirring for another 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Mix in the risotto rice, ensuring it is well-coated. If using, pour in the wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes until absorbed.

Bake to Perfection

Add the cherry tomatoes and hot chicken stock to the dish, then stir everything together. Cover the dish with a tightly-fitting lid to retain moisture and place it in the oven.

Bake for 18 minutes or until the rice is just cooked. Stir through most of the parmesan, reserving some for garnish.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove your risotto from the oven and give it one last stir. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top before serving. This method ensures a hassle-free yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.