This baked carbonara risotto is the perfect solution for those nights you don’t feel like babysitting your risotto. Bake it instead!

baked carbonara risotto in skillet with spoon

Yes, you read that right. Baked Risotto! Now before you think I’m just talking some sort of risotto blasphemy here, let me elaborate. I’m not suggesting that you should ditch the stir/ladle stove-top routine. There’s a reason people have been cooking risotto that way forever and the results speak for themselves. Let’s face it though, some nights, we want the risotto, but not the routine. That’s where this Baked Carbonara Risotto comes in. That and the fact that it’s incredibly delicious!

Beyond the simplicity of this recipe though, is the obvious appeal … carbonara! Pan crisped pancetta, with Pecorino and lots of freshly ground pepper and a creamy egg/creme fraiche addition at the end, is never going to be a bad idea :) I love this risotto on it’s own as a main with a salad or with a simple grilled chicken or fish. It’s flavours and creaminess are going to make it the star of any meal, so no point in trying to complete with it.

Ingredients and Substitution

Rice – you can use carnaroli or arborio rice for this risotto.

Pancetta – pancetta is recommended, but regular bacon will work fine here, as well.

Pecorino – I love the flavour of Pecorino Romana in this risotto, but regular Parmesan will be fine.

Crème Fraîche – if you don’t have on hand, substitute full-fat sour cream or full fat plain yogurt.

Cook’s Notes

This baked risotto is best eaten as soon as it’s cooked. Once you add the eggs and creme fraiche, allow it to stand for just a minute or so, then dig in. While I still really enjoy it after that (or as left-overs), the mixture does become thicker and stickier. Not un-delicious, but just less risotto-like.

Baked Risotto Carbonara

baked carbonara risotto in skillet with spoon

Get the Recipe: Baked Carbonara Risotto

An easy baked carbonara risotto, that channels all the great favours of carbonara, with eggs and pancetta.
5 stars from 2 ratings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup carnaroli or arborio rice
  • 4 1/2 oz diced pancetta or bacon
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 oz finely grated Pecorino Romano (about 1/2 cup well packed), plus some extra for sprinkling
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 Tablespoon crème fraîche, could substitute full-fat sour cream or plain yogurt
  • Salt and freshly milled black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 300° F. (If your skillet isn't oven-proof and you will be transferring the risotto to a baking dish, place the baking dish in to the oven to warm while it's pre-heating).
  • Heat a 10-12-inch oven-proof frying pan over medium heat. Fry the pancetta or bacon in its own fat for 4-5 minutes, until it's crisp and golden, then remove it to a plate.
  • Add the butter to the pan, then the onion. Turn the heat down to medium-low and stirring occasionally, soften the in the butter for 3-4 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the stock in a small saucepan or microwave. Return the pancetta or bacon to the frying pan and stir in the rice. Move the rice around until all the grains get a good coating of the butter. Add the hot stock to the rice, along with some freshly milled black pepper.
  • Increase the heat under the pan to medium and let it come up to a gentle simmer, then transfer pan to the pre-heated oven, without covering, and allow to bake for 20 minutes. (If using separate dish, remove from oven and add risotto to the dish. Stir once and then bake).
  • When the risotto has baked 20 minutes, remove from oven and gently stir in the Pecorino until well combined, then set the timer for a further 15 minutes baking time.
  • Meanwhile, whisk the egg, egg yolk and crème fraîche together. After the additional 15 minutes bake, remove the risotto from the oven and gently stir in the egg mixture, making sure it is well mixed. You may want to taste and add a bit of salt here, if necessary as well. Leave the risotto to stand for only about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, by which time the eggs and crème fraîche will have thickened. Leaving the risotto to sit any longer will cause it to get quite thick and more sticky than creamy. Still good, but best eaten fresh from the oven.
  • Serve on warmed plates with some more Pecorino Romano sprinkled over.
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 352kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 97mg, Sodium: 514mg, Potassium: 227mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 295IU, Vitamin C: 0.9mg, Calcium: 128mg, Iron: 2.1mg
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