Ina Garten Risotto Cakes

Ina Garten’s Risotto Cakes from the “Barefoot Contessa” cookbook is one of the best leftover risotto recipes. These cripsy Risotto cakes are made with leftover risotto, flour, egg, and bread crumbs. 

This fried Risotto Cakes so easy and simple to prepare, Just mix the ingredients, shape them into palm-sized patties, and then fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Feel free to leave feedback about this simple Ina Garten Risotto Cakes recipe.

What Is A Risotto Cake

Risotto Cakes is a crispy appetizer made of leftover risotto, flour, egg, and bread crumbs. It’s a great way to use your leftover risotto from previous meals.

These Risotto Cakes can be cooked using various methods: deep-fried, baked in the oven, or even in an air fryer for a crispier texture.

This crispy Risotto Cakes can be served as an dinner appetizer or side with dishes like meatloaf, baby back ribs, or Pork Riblets.

Risotto Cakes Ingredients

• ¼ cup frying olive oil
• 2 cups leftover risotto
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¼ cup flour
• ¼ cup unseasoned bread crumbs

How To Make Risotto Cakes

1. In a medium pan, warm the olive oil over a medium heat.
2. As the oil warms, set up three dishes: one with flour, one with the whisked egg, and one with bread crumbs.
3. Take the risotto and divide it into 4 even portions, molding each into a round form.
4. Dip each round first in the flour, next in the egg, and lastly in the bread crumbs.
5. In the heated oil, fry each cake for roughly 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden.
6. Once cooked, serve immediately with a side or dipping sauce.

How To Cook Risotto Cakes In The Oven or In The Air Fryer

Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the prepared Risotto Cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Air Fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
2. Place the Risotto Cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are golden brown and have a crispy texture.

Risotto Cakes Variation

• Add Pepper Jack: To make Pepper Jack Risotto Cakes, mix in 1 cup of finely grated pepper jack cheese to the risotto before forming cakes.
• Add Mushrooms: To make Mushroom Risotto Cakes, sauté 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms until browned. Add to the risotto mixture before shaping into cakes.
• Gluten-Free Version: To make a gluten-free version, replace regular flour with ¼ cup gluten-free flour and use ¼ cup gluten-free bread crumbs for coating.

What To Serve With Risotto Cakes 

Serve these Risotto Cakes with sides like a big green salad, meatloaf, shrimp diane, braised beef short ribs, or BBQ chicken. Risotto Cakes go well with dipping sauces such as ranch dip, feta dressing, tomato salsa, aioli, or a simple garlic dip.

How Long Does Risotto Cakes Last In The Fridge

Risotto Cakes can last about 3 days in the fridge. Simply let it cool completely on a plate or cooling rack; then place it in a tightly covered container and store it in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Risotto Cakes 

Yes, these Risotto Cakes can be frozen for about 1 month. To freeze correctly, lay them out on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.

You don’t need to thaw before reheating, just reheat directly from frozen.

How To Reheat Risotto Cakes

If the Risotto Cakes are cold from the refrigerator, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F/176°C for about 12-15 minutes, turning once for even crispiness.

If they are frozen, increase the reheating time to 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Risotto Cakes Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 311
• Calories from Fat: 135
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 65mg
• Potassium: 52mg
• Carbohydrates: 37g 
• Protein: 5g

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten’s Shrimp Risotto
• Cauliflower Risotto
• Ina Garten Sausage Balls
• Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs
• Ina Garten White Bean Dip