Creamy Gluten-Free Risotto (Easy Baked Recipe)

Learn how to make the creamiest gluten-free risotto with this extra easy, no stir, oven baked recipe! Here you will find important tips for making risotto gluten-free, like which brands are safe, what to watch out for in risotto recipes, and many exquisite flavor additions and modifications!

Risotto is a traditional Italian dish made with arborio rice, cooked slowly in broth until creamy and tender. Typically it is simply flavored with parmesan cheese, butter, or wine and served as a side or main dish.

Traditional risotto recipes can be fairly labor intensive. Broth is warmed separately and gradually stirred into the arborio rice to absorb slowly, a process that can take up to 30 minutes at the stove. However, this gluten-free risotto recipe yields the same ultra creamy and decadent results, using an effortless, hands-off method.

After sautéing the shallots and rice together, the broth is poured in the same pan to heat. Once it comes to a boil, simply cover the pan, move to the oven, and bake until perfectly cooked with no stirring!

Risotto may be served as gluten-free side dish, making a great accompaniment to other highly-reviewed recipes, such as gluten-free focaccia or soft gluten-free breadsticks.

Alternatively gluten-free risotto recipes are hearty and filling enough to serve on its own, just like foolproof gluten-free lasagna. If you would like to add protein to the dish, serve alongside shrimp, scallops, roasted vegetables, seitan, or chicken.

Is Risotto Gluten-Free?

Arborio or carnaroli are a short-grain white rice. Since it is a high-starch grain, some people may mistake it for pasta. So, you may be wondering does risotto have gluten and is it safe for those with celiac or gluten sensitivities?

Like any other rice varieties, in its natural form risotto is gluten-free. However, there are some instances of when it is not safe to consume, like if it has been mixed with other gluten-containing grains, cooked with unsafe flavorings or sauces, or processed on equipment that has had cross-contact with other grains.

What to watch out for

Now that we have determined risotto is rice (not pasta), does that mean all risotto recipes are safe for a gluten-free diet? Not exactly. There are some things to be aware of if you have celiac disease or gluten-sensitivities.

1. Although arborio rice is naturally gluten-free, it is a grain and may have been packaged on shared equipment. Refer to the gluten-free risotto brands below for safe options.
2. Risotto is prepared with broth and some brands are not GF. Homemade broth or stock will be safe, but if using a store bought broth refer to this recipe for gluten-free gravy for safe options to purchase.
3. Sometimes restaurants may add additional grains to the dish, such as wheatberries, orzo, or pearled barley to add texture to the dish. Double check that only risotto rice has been used.
4. When purchasing risotto there is plain arborio risotto rice and then there are “shortcut” options which include the rice with flavorings added. Be sure to read labels carefully before preparing.

Ingredient Notes

Typically I share recipes with affordable and accessible ingredients. Unfortunately risotto rice can be an exception and is more expensive than other rice varieties. However, my gluten-free cookbook provides a frugal alternative for using brown rice and an alternative cooking method.

• Arborio rice – See labels to make sure the risotto is safe from cross-contamination. Common gluten-free brands are listed below.
• Shallots – Located by the onions in the produce section. They are milder and sweeter than yellow or white onions and aren’t as overpowering. Alternatively, substitute two minced garlic cloves.
• White wine – Adding a small amount of dry white wine gives depth and flavor to the dish. If you would prefer to not use it, add an equal amount of broth.
• Broth – If using store-bought broth or stock, be sure to read labels carefully, as some brands are not gluten-free. Use chicken broth or vegetable broth to make a vegetarian side dish.
• Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan cheese elevates the creamy texture of the dish and also adds flavor. To make vegan risotto, substitute dairy-free parmesan.
• Butter – I stir in a pat of butter before serving for richness. For a dairy-free or vegan side, replace with plant-based butter.

how to make Risotto Gluten-free

(Below shows step-by-step photos and modified instructions. For the complete recipe, along with ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card.)

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Begin by heating an oven-proof deep skillet or saucepan (at least 3 quarts) over medium-high heat. If you do not have an oven-proof pan, simply transfer the risotto into a baking dish before transferring to the oven.
2. Add butter (or olive oil), then stir in the minced shallots. Sauté for 3 minutes, or until tender.
3. Reduce to medium heat and add risotto and wine to the pan. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
4. Stir in broth, salt, and black pepper. Raise the heat and bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, remove from the heat and cover the pan securely with aluminum foil or a lid.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and the liquid will mostly be evaporated and the rice should be soft. Stir in the remaining butter and parmesan cheese. Season additionally to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, herbs or see suggested additions below.

Gluten-Free Risotto brands

Want to know which arborio rice brands are gluten-free and safe to prepare for this recipe? Look for the certified GF label, meaning it wasn’t processed on shared equipment. Some “ready-made” risotto mixes are also safe to consume if their packages are clearly labeled GF.

• Rice Select
• Thrive Market
• Right Rice
• Riso Scotti
• Lundberg
• Alessi

Flavor modifications and additions

Although lovely on its own, risotto also makes a great canvas for turning a simple side into a gourmet dish. Below you will find popular ideas if you are looking for what to add to risotto.

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Peas (fresh or frozen)
• Shrimp (roasted, broiled, grilled, or sautéed)
• Asparagus (steamed or roasted)
• Butternut squash (steamed or roasted)
• Lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice

Reheating tips

Refrigerate leftover risotto in an airtight container up to 5 days. When ready to reheat, it’s best to have some additional broth on hand. Using low-sodium broth will ensure the dish doesn’t become overly salted, or use water.

Stovetop Method: Add 2-3 tablespoons broth or water for every cup of leftover risotto. Heat the liquid in a saucepan. Once it’s simmering, add the risotto, stirring gently until hot and creamy.

Microwave Method: Place leftovers in and microwave-safe dish and sprinkle with 1-2 tablespoons broth or water for every cup of risotto. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power until heated through, stopping to stir every 30-45 seconds.

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