Golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor, these Barefoot Contessa risotto cakes deliver a culinary experience that turns leftover risotto into pure magic.
Ina Garten’s ingenious recipe takes simple ingredients and elevates them to a gourmet delight.
Each bite promises a delectable crunch that gives way to a creamy, rich interior packed with savory notes.
The risotto cakes work perfectly as an elegant appetizer or a satisfying side dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
Generous parmesan cheese and fresh herbs provide depth and brightness to these irresistible little morsels.
You’ll find these cakes are surprisingly easy to assemble and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Grab your skillet and get ready to savor a restaurant-worthy dish straight from your own kitchen.
Ideas to Jazz Up Your Risotto Cakes
Experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley to add fresh, vibrant notes to your risotto cakes, transforming the basic recipe into a gourmet experience.
Replace fontina with other melting cheeses like gruyère, gouda, or mild provolone to create unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy rice base.
Prepare the rice mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and making meal prep a breeze for busy home cooks.
Try mixing breadcrumbs with grated parmesan, dried herbs, or finely ground nuts to elevate the panko coating and add extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Pair these risotto cakes with a light arugula salad, marinara sauce, or a zesty lemon aioli to create a complete and satisfying meal that impresses both family and guests.
Ways to Serve Risotto Cakes for Any Occasion
Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy risotto cakes.
Garnish with Herb Sprinkle: Top the golden-brown cakes with fresh chives or parsley for a burst of color and added herbaceous flavor.
Serve with Dipping Sauce: Prepare a tangy aioli or tzatziki sauce as a complementary side for guests to drizzle or dip their risotto cakes, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Present as Appetizer or Side: Arrange these crispy risotto cakes as an elegant starter for dinner parties or as a sophisticated side dish alongside grilled proteins or roasted vegetables.
Making Ahead & Keeping Risotto Cakes Just Right
Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover risotto cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
Reheat Perfectly: Warm chilled risotto cakes in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and keeps the inside soft and creamy.
Freeze for Later: Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked patties between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for up to 1 month, ready to fry directly from frozen with an extra minute of cooking time.
Meal Prep Strategy: Make the rice mixture a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. This technique allows flavors to meld and makes day-of cooking quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 4
Risotto Cakes Ingredient Essentials
For Base Ingredients:
Arborio Rice: Creamy, short-grain rice perfect for creating luxurious texture, choose high-quality Italian variety for authentic flavor.
Water: Helps cook rice to soft, tender consistency, use filtered water for best results.
Salt: Enhances overall taste, select fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
Yogurt, Eggs: Provide structure and richness to rice mixture, opt for full-fat yogurt and fresh farm eggs.
Rice Preparation Discover the art of creating perfectly cooked rice as the foundation of these scrumptious cakes. Boil water and gently introduce the Arborio rice, allowing it to simmer and soften. Once tender, cool the rice completely, ensuring it's ready for the next magical step.
Flavor Fusion Combine creamy yogurt, farm-fresh eggs, delicate chives, and rich fontina cheese in a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the cooled rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.
Crispy Coating Preparation Scatter panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish, preparing for the transformative coating process. Preheat the oven to provide a warm sanctuary for the finishing touches.
Golden Transformation Craft delicate rice patties using a scoop or spoon. Lovingly coat each patty in panko, ensuring a complete golden embrace. Sizzle the cakes in olive oil, watching them turn a beautiful golden brown that promises crunch and flavor.
Serving Sensation Arrange the crispy risotto cakes on a beautiful platter, ready to delight eager guests. These golden treasures are best enjoyed immediately, offering a perfect blend of creamy interior and crispy exterior.
Barefoot Contessa risotto cakes offer a delightful twist on classic leftovers, turning simple ingredients into an elegant appetizer. Crisp exterior and creamy center make these cakes a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to serve at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
200 grams (7 oz) Arborio rice, uncooked
150 grams (5.3 oz) fontina cheese, grated, Italian
Rice Preparation: Bring water to a gentle boil in a large pot, salt generously, and add arborio rice. Simmer for 20 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely.
Flavor Fusion: Whisk yogurt, eggs, chives, fontina, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Fold in cooled rice, ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours to develop flavors and firm texture.
Breading Station: Preheat oven to 120°C. Spread panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish for coating, creating a crisp exterior layer.
Shaping and Frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Using an ice cream scoop, form rice mixture into uniform balls, then flatten into 3-inch diameter patties. Coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
Cooking Process: Fry patties for approximately 3 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown crust. Transfer first batch to a parchment-lined baking tray in the warm oven, continuing with subsequent batches and adding oil as needed.
Serving: Plate the crispy risotto cakes immediately, presenting them while hot and at maximum crunchiness.
Notes
Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the rice mixture for 2-8 hours to enhance flavor melding and ensure structural integrity of the cakes.
Breadcrumb Coating Technique: Gently press panko breadcrumbs onto patties, creating an even, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-low heat to achieve golden-brown crispy edges without burning the delicate risotto cakes.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare rice mixture in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing for quick and easy cooking when ready to serve.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.