Easy Slow Cooker Leek and Smoked Bacon Risotto Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more vibrant presentation, you can save a few of the green parts of the leeks to garnish the dish right before serving. This adds a fresh color and a slight textural contrast to the creamy risotto.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the layering phase, which will infuse the entire dish with a subtle warmth that pairs excellently with the smoky bacon and sweet leeks.

If the risotto seems a bit too thick when you first open the lid, stir in a tiny amount of hot water or warm broth until you reach your desired consistency. The starches in the rice will continue to thicken as it cools, so it is better to have it slightly looser when it is piping hot. Always serve on pre-warmed plates to keep the risotto at the ideal temperature for as long as possible during your meal.

Variations

• Mushroom and Thyme: Add one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms and a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves during the layering phase for an earthy, aromatic twist.
• Spinach and Parmesan: Stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach and a half-cup of grated parmesan cheese just before serving for added color and richness.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the rice will change significantly.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool for no more than two hours at room temperature before transferring them into an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator immediately to ensure food safety.

Properly stored, the risotto will maintain its quality for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, ensure the risotto is heated until steaming hot throughout before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture after storage.

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance to speed up the process. Clean and slice your leeks, and store them in the refrigerator in a sealed bag until you are ready to cook.

You can also measure out your water and have your bacon ready to go. By having these components prepped, you can assemble the dish in the slow cooker in less than a minute when you are ready to start cooking.

Serving ideas

Serve this risotto as a comforting main course, accompanied by a simple side salad of bitter greens like arugula or radicchio to cut through the richness of the bacon. The peppery bite of the greens provides a nice balance to the creamy, savory rice. You can also serve it with a crusty piece of sourdough bread to soak up any remaining creamy sauce on the plate.

For a more elegant presentation, serve the risotto in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful texture. A light dusting of fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, can add a pop of color and freshness.

Ensure that each serving gets a good portion of the bacon lardons and leeks, as these are the stars of the dish. Serve immediately while the risotto is at its creamiest and most comforting temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Slow Cooker Leek and Smoked Bacon Risotto

Prep 5 minCook 2 hRest 5 minTotal 2 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 6 oz smoked bacon lardons
• 2 cups sliced leeks, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 packet chicken bouillon, crumbled
• 4 cups hot water

Instructions

1. Place the smoked bacon lardons into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Scatter the sliced leeks evenly over the bacon lardons.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled chicken bouillon over the leeks. Pour the hot water carefully into the slow cooker to combine the ingredients gently without disturbing the layers too much.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for two hours. Once the time is up, stir the mixture to combine the creamy starches and serve immediately on warm plates.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

12.5 g

Carbohydrates

52 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

1.5 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.