Sweet Corn Risotto Recipe
Sweet Corn Risotto
If you love creamy comfort food with bright, fresh flavors, this Sweet Corn Risotto will quickly become one of your favorite dishes. Smooth, velvety Arborio rice is simmered in a homemade corn-infused broth, then finished with butter and parmesan for the perfect richness. Sweet corn kernels add bursts of natural sweetness, while crispy pancetta provides a savory crunch that balances everything beautifully. Whether you’re craving something cozy, planning a special dinner, or looking for a stunning meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, this risotto delivers every single time. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavor of fresh summer corn even when it’s not in season. For another comforting and flavorful dinner idea, don’t forget to check out my Cajun Shrimp Pasta as well.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Corn Risotto
- Creamy and luxurious without needing heavy cream
- Packed with natural sweetness thanks to the corn-infused broth
- Uses the whole corn cob, reducing waste and boosting flavor
- Restaurant-quality dish, but easy enough for weeknights
- Versatile — serve it as a main or pair it with chicken, shrimp, or steak
- Customizable for vegetarian or vegan diets
If you love risotto, corn, or cozy meals that feel like a warm hug, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Sweet Corn Risotto
Notes
- 7 cups vegetable stock – the base of the broth
- 3 ears sweet corn, cobs reserved – kernels removed and divided
- 1 dried bay leaf
- Optional: 1 parmesan rind – boosts umami
- 4 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped (divided)
- 1¼ cups Arborio rice – essential for creamy risotto
- ½ cup chicken broth – adds savory depth
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup grated parmesan
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 oz pancetta, diced – adds crisp, salty richness
- Sweet corn kernels (remaining from 3rd cob)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Add diced onion and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add 2 cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant. This creates a flavorful base that elevates the entire dish. 3. Toast the Rice Add the Arborio rice and stir for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast it.
This step enhances flavor and helps the grains absorb liquid more effectively for that signature creamy texture. 4. Deglaze and Build Flavor Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up flavorful browned bits.
Let it reduce, then add:
- kernels from 2 ears of corn
- diced orange bell pepper
Finish with:
- fresh herbs (optional)
- cracked black pepper
- extra parmesan
- Use warm stock cold liquid stops the cooking process.
- Stir often, but not constantly enough to release starch.
- Don’t rush it risotto rewards patience.
- Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano are ideal rice choices.
- Don’t rinse the rice this washes away essential starch.
- Vegetarian: Replace pancetta with roasted mushrooms or skip entirely.
- Vegan: Use olive oil or vegan butter + nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a diced jalapeño.
- Herby: Stir in basil, parsley, or chives at the end.
- Cheesy: Mix in pecorino Romano for an even sharper flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of stock or water to loosen it.
- Freezing is not recommended the texture becomes mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare risotto ahead of time?
Yes! Par-cook it halfway until the rice is still firm, cool it, refrigerate, then finish cooking before serving.
How do I reheat leftover risotto?
Warm it slowly on the stovetop with broth or water. Stir until creamy again.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best to enjoy fresh. Risotto tends to lose its texture once frozen.
Can I skip the chicken broth?
Absolutely use vegetable broth or even water. Just adjust seasoning and consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
What rice should I use?
Arborio rice is ideal thanks to its starch content, which creates the creamy consistency risotto is known for.
Conclusion
This Sweet Corn Risotto is the ultimate celebration of fresh, bright corn flavor wrapped in a warm, creamy, comforting dish. With its rich texture, sweet pops of fresh corn, and irresistible pancetta topping, it brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special dinner, this recipe is destined to become a new go-to favorite.
