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With Salt and Wit

Laugh Often. Eat Well.

67 December 21, 2017 30 Minute Recipes

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, holiday side dish!

Goat Cheese & Mushroom Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, side dish!

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, side dish!

If there is one dish I turn to when I need to pull out the big guns in terms of dinner, risotto is king. It is adored by all (or please tell me you all love it, too?) and is one dish that says you really care! It is rather labor intensive after all…

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, side dish!

But for that same reason (oh the stirring!), most people turn their shoulder to it. The constant attention and time it takes to create the velvety dish is not appealing to all. While I personally love it, my time and patience is rather limited these days. Hey, lack of sleep will do that to a gal. In my efforts to create a date night menu for the hubs and I, I started looking for an easier route to our favorite side dish. I knew there had to be another way. That is when quinoa popped into my head. It still creates a smooth finish with a fluffy finish, plus there is goat cheese!

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, side dish!

This healthy quinoa risotto starts the same way as the classic risotto; sautéing a shallot and garlic in a bit of fat. I chose the fat from bacon. Always a good idea. Right? Right. Then I add a bit of white wine in. I chose Pinot Grigio. They always say cook with the one you enjoy drinking. While it was hard to give up a glass of my beloved wine, I knew it was going to a good cause. My dinner. Plus, there’s still plenty to enjoy with dinner.

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, side dish!

This risotto style quinoa is not only a perfect stand in for risotto, but it finishes off that date night menu perfectly. No need to spend hours in the kitchen while you should be spending quality time with your loved ones! Lately, we have chosen to make dinner in for date nights rather than venturing out. After the babe is asleep, we pour a glass of wine and get cooking! It is much more intimate to spend quality time whipping up our favorite dishes. Simply crisp up the bacon, sauté the shallot and garlic, then add the quinoa and wine. Let it simmer a bit and add the chicken stock. Once that boils, set it and forget it! Or you can stir it every now and then if you really want that risotto feel. I can’t help but stir! Once most of the liquid is absorbed, add the creamy goat cheese and viola! Risotto’s easy button to the date night dinner rescue!

Not only is this quinoa risotto perfect for date night, but is an excellent choice for holiday menu’s! Everyone is going to think you are masterchef level once you bring this goat cheese and bacon filled dish to the holiday table! See below for meal prep tips!

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, side dish!

meal prep ideas:

  1. this quinoa tastes great reheated, making it ideal for holiday menu side dish! Simply add a touch more chicken broth while reheated and stir in to fully incorporate.

  2. since this quinoa risotto reheats well, it makes it ideal for make-ahead lunches! Store in individual glass containers and you are set for the week.

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto

Goat Cheese & Bacon Quinoa Risotto is a shortcut version of the classic risotto! Creamy goat cheese, bacon and quinoa come together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal hands on time; making this the perfect healthy, side dish!

10 minPrep Time

20 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

Yields 6

Author:

Megan

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Ingredients

  • 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed with cold water
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 4 cups low-sodium, fat free chicken broth
  • 4 ounces goat cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon. Cook until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the minced shallot and garlic. Cook until soft, 2 minutes.
  3. Add the quinoa and wine. Bring to a boil and let cook 1 minute.
  4. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Add the goat cheese and stir to incorporate.
  6. Top with bacon and serve immediately.
7.8.1.2
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https://withsaltandwit.com/goat-cheese-bacon-quinoa-risotto/

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If you make this recipe, make sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #WITHSALTANDWIT. I’d love to see what you are cooking up in your kitchen!

67

Categories: 30 Minute Recipes Tags: bacon, cheese, Date Night, gluten free, goat cheese, healthy, make ahead, Meal Prep, quick, quinoa, side dish, thanksgiving, wine

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katerina @ Diethood says

    February 16, 2016 at 9:17 am

    Ugh. The stirring!! It's why I go straight for the 5-minute rice. haha :-D But the quinoa deal is brilliant!! And healthier. Besides, there's BACON in here. YASSS!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 16, 2016 at 9:54 am

      Yes! We sure do love our instant rice too ;) Thanks Katerina!
      Reply
  2. London || Gluten Free with L.B. says

    February 16, 2016 at 9:39 am

    Megan, this is a wonderful idea! Quinoa in a creamy risotto form?! Simply life changing. Just the list of ingredients get my taste buds dancing... bacon, goat cheese, wine... :) Pinning!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 16, 2016 at 9:54 am

      I like the dancing ;) Thanks London!
      Reply
  3. michelle @ blackberry babe says

    February 16, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    I had never thought about using quinoa in risotto. This is brilliant! Plus wine and bacon, yes!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 18, 2016 at 3:10 pm

      Isn't everything better with wine and bacon?! Thanks Michelle!
      Reply
  4. Annie says

    February 16, 2016 at 4:43 pm

    I have made risotto about a million times this winter, I just cannot get enough!! I am LOVING the goat cheese in this! I can't wait to try this next!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 18, 2016 at 3:10 pm

      Girl this has your name all over it! Thanks Annie!
      Reply
  5. Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says

    February 16, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    I have to agree...the ingredients are simply mouth watering.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 18, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Why thank you Becky!
      Reply
  6. Megan {Country Cleaver} says

    February 16, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    This under 30 minutes?! YES PLEASE!!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 18, 2016 at 7:57 am

      Yes to that! Thanks Megan!
      Reply
  7. Cookin Canuck says

    February 19, 2016 at 11:44 am

    I adore the process of making risotto - a labor of love. That being said, I'd love to have a recipe like this on hand when I want the taste and texture of risotto without all of the stirring!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 21, 2016 at 7:06 am

      I am so glad there is someone else out there that loves making risotto! Thanks!
      Reply
  8. Kristyn says

    February 19, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    This is such a beautiful dish! And so fast to make! Thanks for sharing! :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      February 21, 2016 at 7:04 am

      My pleasure ;) Thanks Kristyn!
      Reply
  9. Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says

    November 14, 2016 at 8:03 pm

    Can you believe I've never made risotto before, mostly because I'm totally intimidated by it? This looks easy, and approachable. I love that you can make it ahead for easy lunches!
    Reply
    • Meg says

      November 17, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Oh man, you need to! It's a favorite of ours for sure. Thanks Denise!
      Reply
  10. Vickie says

    April 16, 2017 at 10:49 am

    This is a beautiful dish! And so fast to make! Thanks, Meg :)
    Reply
    • Meg says

      April 17, 2017 at 12:52 pm

      Why thank you Vickie!
      Reply
  11. Glenjamin says

    April 16, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    5 cups of liquid (4 cups of broth, one cup of wine) for 1 cup of uncooked quinoa? That ratio doesn’t sound familiar.
    Reply
    • Meg says

      April 16, 2018 at 7:34 pm

      I promise it works! I have made this many times :)
      Reply

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Hi There!

I'm Megan! A wife, mama and have a serious love of nutritious, time-saving meals with a knack for meal prep hacks. I crave simple, wholesome and balanced meals with a bit of humor on the side! Welcome to my kitchen. Read More…

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