Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by Anne-Marie

You’ll love this easy mushroom risotto recipe that can be made in about 30 minutes.

Why this recipe works

You’ll love this Wild Mushroom Risotto dish if you’re searching for an easy risotto recipe. This delicious and elegant recipe is as good as anything you’d get in a restaurant.

Best of all, this easy mushroom risotto recipe doesn’t take forever to make.

Normally I hate making risotto because you have to stand at a hot stove and stir constantly.

Instead, this risotto has to be stirred occasionally and can be made in about 30 minutes.

Of course, it makes the ideal side dish for a variety of meals. See 35 Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Tips to making easy mushroom risotto

What type of rice?

You must use arborio rice when making risotto. You cannot substitute any other kind of rice.

Arborio rice is an Italian short-grain rice. Traditionally grown in Italy, it’s now produced in Arkansas, California, and Missouri.

Due to the due to its higher amylopectin starch content, arborio rice’s rounded grains are creamy, firm and chewy when cooked.

What type of mushrooms?

The first secret to making a delicious easy risotto recipe is the mushrooms you choose.

Feel free to use a variety of fresh or dried mushrooms depending on your budget, what’s available at your store or farmer’s market, or your personal tastes.

For my wild mushroom risotto, I used some of the chanterelles we’ve harvested in our woods and dried. You can find dried chanterelle mushrooms online.

How to use dried mushrooms:

Since I used dried mushrooms, I had to reconstitute them. Here’s how:

1. I measured out about 1 1/2 cups dried mushrooms for every 1 cup of fresh mushrooms the recipe called, or 6 cups total.

2. I put the dried mushrooms in a bowl and covered them with boiling water.

3. I let the mushrooms soak for 20 minutes until they were soft.

4. I then drained the mushrooms and saved the water to use in the recipe.

5. I used 3 1/2 cups of the “mushroom water” and 3 1/2 cups water. If you are using dried mushrooms and have less “mushroom water,” just make sure your final water amount equals 7 cups.

Tips for making mushroom risotto

Make gluten free stock

The trick to making Wild Mushroom Risotto super easy and gluten free is using Massel Bouillon Cubes to make a quick stock.

I ADORE Massel Bouillon products, especially the Massel Bouillon & Seasoning Granules.

Massel bouillon is also terrific for deliciously seasoning soups, stews and vegetable sautés.

Make vegetarian risotto

To make this easy risotto recipe vegetarian, use Massel Vegetable Bouillon & Seasoning Granules.

How to make a dairy free risotto

If you’re dairy free, use a vegan buttery spread instead of butter and leave out the Parmesan Reggiano cheese.

Best way to grate the cheese

If you are using cheese, grate it with a zester-style grater instead of a traditional cheese grater.

A zester will give you a light dusting of cheese that will deliciously melt into your risotto. YUM!

More easy rice recipes

Got an instant pot? Try this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe.

Vegan Rice Stuffing Recipe with Cranberries, Squash & Dates is perfect for Thanksgiving.

This Mexican Picadillo Recipe is served on rice.

This Zesty Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs Recipe is made with red beans and rice mix.

This Easy Mexican Rice Recipe is a wonderful side dish anytime you serve Mexican food.

Originally posted on January 31, 2014. Updated with new pictures and information.