Crispy Risotto Cakes Recipe by Ina Garten That Steal the Show

Savory risotto cakes transform yesterday’s creamy rice into crispy, golden nuggets of pure culinary bliss.

These elegant bites pack a punch of flavor that elevates humble leftovers to restaurant-worthy status.

Chefs and home cooks alike adore how simple ingredients can create such sophisticated results.

The magic happens when cold risotto meets carefully chosen binding elements, creating a perfectly crunchy exterior.

Each cake develops a caramelized golden shell that contrasts beautifully with its tender interior.

Precise techniques turn ordinary rice into extraordinary appetizers that dance between crisp and creamy textures.

Get ready to turn your leftover risotto into a showstopping dish that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Tools to Prep and Shape Ina’s Risotto Cakes

• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for even frying and heat distribution.
• Plates: Three separate dishes for flour, eggs, and bread crumbs coating process.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil and ensuring crispy texture.
• Spatula: To carefully flip and remove risotto cakes from skillet.
• Measuring Cups: For precise ingredient portioning.
• Mixing Bowl: To beat eggs evenly.
• Cutting Board: For shaping risotto cakes with clean, consistent size.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Crispy Risotto Cakes

Transform Leftover Risotto into Crispy Delights

• Prepare Coating Station

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with seasoned bread crumbs. This will be your magic transformation zone for turning bland leftovers into crunchy treasures.

• Shape Risotto Magic

Take your cold risotto and gently mold it into perfect circular cakes. Press firmly to ensure each cake holds together, creating compact discs that will become golden-brown wonders.

• Create Crispy Armor

Carefully coat each risotto cake by first rolling in flour, then dunking completely in egg wash, and finally covering generously with bread crumbs. Press crumbs gently to ensure a complete, even crust that will deliver maximum crunchiness.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Heat oil in a skillet until it dances with heat. Gently slide each breaded risotto cake into the hot oil, cooking until each side turns a gorgeous deep golden brown. This process will create an irresistible crisp exterior that crackles with every bite.

• Serve and Savor

Transfer the hot, crispy risotto cakes to a paper towel to drain excess oil. Plate immediately and enjoy while they’re at peak crunchiness. Consider serving with a zesty dipping sauce to elevate the experience.

Tips to Keep Your Risotto Cakes Crispy and Creamy

Explore exciting flavor twists and smart cooking strategies that elevate this classic dish.

Mix shredded parmesan or pecorino into bread crumbs for extra tangy, rich coating that delivers incredible depth of flavor.

Blend fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley directly into bread crumbs to create aromatic, vibrant crust that transforms ordinary risotto cakes.

Replace traditional bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for a crispy alternative that accommodates dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious crunch.

Freeze uncooked risotto cakes between sheets of parchment paper for up to one month, allowing you to enjoy homemade golden treats anytime without full preparation process.

Serving Risotto Cakes the Ina Way

• Craft a Dipping Delights Platter: Arrange risotto cakes with small bowls of marinara sauce, creamy garlic aioli, and tangy herb dip for a vibrant presentation that invites guests to explore different flavor combinations.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Serve crispy risotto cakes atop a light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, golden-brown texture of the cakes.
• Design a Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Accompany risotto cakes with olives, roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to transform the dish into an elegant appetizer perfect for sharing.
• Elevate Brunch with Egg Pairing: Top risotto cakes with a soft poached egg and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a luxurious morning meal that combines crispy and creamy textures.

Storage Tips for Risotto Cakes You’ll Love

• Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store leftover risotto cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat with Crunch: Revive refrigerated risotto cakes in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the crispy exterior intact.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked risotto cakes. Place parchment paper between each cake in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for up to 1 month.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Make risotto cakes in advance and refrigerate before coating. This technique helps the cakes hold their shape and develop deeper flavor during the breading process.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredient Rundown for Ina Garten’s Risotto Cakes

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a lighter, more delicate coating that clings perfectly to the risotto cakes.
• Large Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for smoother beaten mixture and better adherence.
• Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Opt for panko-style crumbs for extra crunchiness and superior golden-brown exterior.

• Olive Oil: Pick a high-quality, medium-heat tolerant oil that adds subtle flavor and ensures even frying.

• Leftover Risotto: Use cold, day-old risotto for firmer texture and easier cake formation, preferably creamy varieties like mushroom or cheese risotto.

• Marinara Sauce, Garlic Aioli: Select fresh, vibrant sauces that complement the crispy risotto cakes' rich texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Choose bright, aromatic herbs like basil or parsley for a zesty garnish.

Crispy Ina Garten Risotto Cakes Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s risotto cakes blend creamy Italian rice with crispy golden exteriors, creating a delightful appetizer or side dish. Home cooks can elevate weeknight dinners with this elegant yet simple recipe that promises restaurant-quality results.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups leftover risotto
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup unseasoned bread crumbs
• ¼ cup (60 ml) frying olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Set up a three-stage dredging station with flour, beaten egg, and seasoned bread crumbs on separate plates, ensuring smooth coating process.
2. Shaping: Mold cold risotto into four uniform circular patties, maintaining compact and consistent size for even cooking.
3. Flour Coating: Delicately roll each patty in flour, eliminating excess powder to create a light, even base layer.
4. Egg Dipping: Submerge flour-coated patties in beaten egg, allowing complete surface coverage to help bread crumbs adhere effectively.
5. Breading: Thoroughly coat egg-moistened patties in bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure full and consistent coverage.
6. Frying: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing breaded risotto cakes into the sizzling surface.
7. Cooking: Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until achieving a rich, golden-brown crust, maintaining consistent heat for optimal crispiness.
8. Draining: Transfer crispy risotto cakes to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to be absorbed while preserving their crunchy exterior.
9. Serving: Present warm risotto cakes immediately, paired with marinara sauce, aioli, or a fresh green salad for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

• Chill Risotto Completely: Cold risotto ensures compact patties that hold together during breading and frying, preventing crumbling.
• Perfect Dredging Technique: Create an organized three-stage station with flour, egg, and bread crumbs for uniform, crispy coating.
• Gentle Handling Matters: Use light touch when shaping and coating risotto cakes to maintain their delicate structure and prevent breaking.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or undercooking internal texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg