Risotto is a creamy, delicious Italian rice dish that is best when freshly made. However, you can reheat leftover risotto to enjoy again another day. With a little care, you can bring leftover risotto back to nearly fresh-made quality. Here are several methods for reheating risotto using a microwave, oven, stove, and other appliances.
Reheating Risotto in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick and easy way to reheat risotto.
- Transfer the risotto to a microwave-safe container. Glass or ceramic work best.
- Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. This helps steam the risotto.
- Microwave the risotto on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through, about 3-5 minutes total.
- Stir the risotto before serving to distribute the moisture evenly. Add a bit of hot water or broth if the risotto seems dry.
- Let the risotto rest 2-3 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors distribute.
Reheating Risotto in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat risotto gently and evenly.
- Transfer the risotto to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bake the risotto for 15-20 minutes until hot and steaming.
- Remove the foil and bake 5 more minutes to create a nice crust on top.
- Stir the risotto before serving and add broth or water if needed.
Reheating Risotto on the Stove
Reheating risotto on the stove brings back the most restaurant-quality taste and texture.
- Transfer the risotto to a saucepan on the stove.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of broth or water.
- Warm the risotto over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until hot, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stir in extra broth 1 tablespoon at a time if the risotto seems dry or sticky.
- Remove from heat once hot and let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Tips for Reheating Risotto
- Only reheat what you plan to eat. Risotto doesn’t hold up well to multiple reheatings.
- Stir frequently when reheating to prevent sticking and add more liquid as needed.
- Heat risotto thoroughly until steaming hot throughout. Check the middle.
- Let reheated risotto rest before serving so flavors redistribute.
- Add freshly grated cheese when serving for best flavor.
- Use broth, water or milk for moisture when reheating. Do not use oil.
Common Questions
Q: Can you reheat risotto?
A: Yes, risotto can be reheated using the microwave, oven or stove. Take care not to overcook or dry out the rice.
Q: How do you keep risotto from getting mushy when reheating?
A: Stir the risotto frequently while reheating and add broth or water to keep it from drying out. Only reheat until hot, not beyond.
Q: Should you add cream when reheating risotto?
A: No, avoid adding cream when reheating as it can curdle or break down. Use broth, water or milk instead for moisture.
Reheating Risotto Recipes
Mushroom Risotto: Reheat day-old mushroom risotto with 2 tbsp broth and 1 tbsp milk or cream (optional). Stir frequently until hot.
Shrimp Risotto: For seafood risotto, add several shrimp when reheating to warm through. Use court bouillon or seafood stock to add moisture.
Butternut Squash Risotto: For veggie risotto, stir in a handful of fresh spinach when reheating to wilt. Use vegetable broth for liquid.
Recommended Products
Microwave:
- Panasonic NN-SN936B – 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave Oven
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1.2 cu. ft. 1100W Microwave Oven
- Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1.1 cu. ft. 1000W Microwave Oven
- GE JES1097SMSS – 1.0 cu. ft. 1000W Microwave Oven
- Farberware FMO12AHBSB – 1.2 cu. ft. 1000W Microwave Oven
Oven:
- GE JB650SFSS – 30″ Free-Standing Electric Range Oven
- Samsung NX58H9500WS – 30″ Slide-In Gas Range Oven
- Bosch HGI8054UC – 30″ Built-in Gas Range Oven
- Whirlpool WFE515S0ES – 30″ Electric Range Oven
- LG LDE4415ST – 30″ Electric Range Oven
Stove:
- Frigidaire FFGF3047LS – 30″ Free-Standing Gas Stove
- GE JGBS30DEKWW – 30″ Free-Standing Gas Stove
- Samsung NX58M6850SG – 30″ Gas Slide-In Stove
- Bosch HGI8056UC – 30″ Gas Built-in Stove
- Thermador PRG304GH – 30″ Gas Professional Range Stove
In conclusion, risotto holds up well to reheating when done carefully on the stove, in the oven or microwave. Pay attention to texture and moisture and you can revive leftover risotto nearly to fresh-made excellence. Follow these guidelines for delicious reheated risotto anytime.
