Learn all the tips and tricks for freezing and reheating risotto to become an expert at meal prep. Learning how to freeze risotto for side dishes and fast meals is a great way to maximize leftovers.
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With all the delicious risotto recipes out there, it’s a shame to just enjoy it once. If you’ve ever wondered “can you freeze risotto”, the answer is yes! And I’ll show you how.
If you’re looking for some simple and delicious risotto recipes, check out Bacon and Pea Risotto, Asparagus Risotto, Chicken and Bacon Risotto, and Instant Pot Brown Rice Risotto.
Can Risotto Be Frozen?
Yes, risotto can be frozen once it has fully cooled. This type of Prep Once Cook Twice hack might seem familiar…that’s because I wrote an entire book about it!
Risotto is best frozen in smaller quantities because it gives you more flexibility in how to use it. I prefer to use our 1-cup Souper Cubes or 2-cup Souper Cubes when freezing risotto.
Once frozen, we remove the risotto from the Souper Cubes and store it in reusable freezer storage bags.
How to Reheat Risotto
To reheat risotto from frozen: place the risotto in a microwave-safe container. Microwave for 1 minute at a time until heated through (~2-3 minutes). Or, bake covered in an oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
To defrost: Place risotto in an air-tight container with a lid and allow it to fully thaw in the fridge overnight. If the risotto doesn’t contain meat, you can leave it at room temperature on the counter for a few hours to speed up the defrosting process.
Microwave for 1 minute, or, bake covered in an oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Allow the risotto to fully cool before freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming which can cause the risotto to get icy.
- If you need the risotto to cool faster, spread it out on a baking sheet or in a large shallow dish. Place it in the fridge for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Some vegetables will become mushy when frozen and then reheated. Risottos that contain veggies like squash, asparagus, and mushrooms will still be delicious if reheated, but the vegetables will likely not remain intact.
How to Freeze Risotto
Ingredients
- cooked risotto
Instructions
- Allow the cooked risotto to fully cool.
- Divide risotto into individual serving portions (usually 1-2 cups) and place into freezer-proof containers.cooked risotto
- Cover and freeze for 2-3 hours or until fully frozen.
- Store in the freezer for 3-6 months.
Notes
- Allow the risotto to fully cool before freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming which can cause the risotto to get icy.
- If you need the risotto to cool faster, spread it out on a baking sheet or a large shallow dish. Place it in the fridge for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Some vegetables will become mushy when frozen and then reheated. Risottos that contain veggies like squash, asparagus, and mushrooms will still be delicious if reheated, but the vegetables will likely not remain intact.
