Orzo Pudding
Pasta for dessert? Yes! Orzo Pudding is a sweet twist on rice pudding with the same creamy texture and warm cinnamon flavour.
I bought some orzo for a soup recipe I was planning to make earlier this year and then never got around to making it. The orzo was sitting there in my pantry and I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to do with it yet. It was when I was going through some boxes in the basement that I uncovered some old recipes that I’d clipped from newspapers and magazines years ago.
In there was a recipe for orzo pudding. It said if you liked rice pudding, you should try orzo pudding. I adore rice pudding and thought why not give this one a try. I had all the ingredients on hand!
If you like raisins, add some in at the end of cooking. Neither my kids nor John like raisins so I left them out. I also sprinkled a dash of cinnamon on top of each dish for presentation.
This recipe tastes just like rice pudding! The only thing that is a little different is the texture of the orzo. I never thought I’d eat pasta for dessert, but I guess there’s a first time for everything.
Creamy Orzo Pudding is the perfect comfort food.
Why You’ll Love Orzo Pudding
- Tastes very similar to classic rice pudding
- Creamy texture
- Versatile recipe
- Few ingredients
- Easy-to-make dessert recipe
Ingredients
- Orzo – Small pasta shaped like rice.
- Milk – For a Caribbean or Thai-inspired twist, replace regular milk with canned coconut milk.
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Orzo Pudding
- Step One: Heat orzo and milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Step Two: Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and stir occasionally for 15 minutes, or until orzo is cooked.
- Step Three: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk, egg, sugar and salt.
- Step Four: Slowly whisk the egg mixture into the orzo mixture and heat over medium-low stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Step Five: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon. Can be served warm or chilled.
Equipment Needed
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What to Serve with Orzo Pudding
Orzo Pudding, also known as Dessert Risotto, is the perfect sweet ending to any meal – especially these classics.
- Grandma’s Goulash
- Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles
- Mushroom Swiss Steak
- Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
- Sunday Meatloaf
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- If the rice mixture doesn’t seem to be thickening, don’t worry. Just keep at a medium heat, and keep stirring until you’ve reached the desired consistency. It will also thicken slightly more if it is chilled.
- If the pudding consistency is a little too thick, you can cut it down with a little milk or water.
- If serving cold, before placing in the refrigerator, press a piece of plastic wrap over the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
Variations and Substitutions
Classic orzo or rice pudding is made using sugar for sweetening with cinnamon and vanilla for flavoring, but it can be flavored with an array of different mix-ins or toppings.
- Fresh fruit
- Chocolate
- Pumpkin spice
- Orange zest
- Dollop of whipped cream
- Crushed cookies
- Raisins
Storage Instructions
The pudding should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I Freeze?
While not ideal, yes. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, if stored in an airtight container. However, you may notice a change in texture. Let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
What is Orzo?
More about orzo, if this is your first time cooking the thin, oval, rice-shaped pasta made from whole wheat flour, semolina flour, white flour, or whole grain flour. It is shaped like rice, and is the perfect substitution for rice in many recipes. Orzo is an Italian staple and is typically used in recipes for soups, side dishes, and salads.
Can this pudding be made in advance?
Orzo Pudding is really best served warm or cooled on the day it is made. However, you may prepare it up to 1-2 days in advance. Serve chilled or gently warm in the microwave or on the stove top, adding additional milk if necessary.
More Pudding Recipes
- White Chocolate Pudding
- Pineapple Rice Pudding
- Cracker Pudding
- Butterscotch Pudding
- Half-Hour Pudding
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Orzo Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo uncooked
- 3 ½ cups milk
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon plus extra for garnish
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat orzo and milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Once simmering, reduce heat to medium-low and stir occasionally for 15 minutes, or until orzo is cooked.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk, egg, sugar and salt.
- Slowly whisk the egg mixture into the orzo mixture and heat over medium-low stirring constantly until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Can be served warm or chilled.
Equipment
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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I have never had Orzo before, but I would try this in a pudding because it looks healthy and delicious. I really like this easy recipe!
Not too familiar with Orzo, I’ll have to look into it a little further. I do love rice pudding, so maybe this would be a good step to be introduced to cooking with it! Thanks for the recipe share.
I’ve never even heard of orzo pudding before. I’ve been interested in trying orzo for awhile but didn’t really think my family would. This is a great idea! My husband isn’t good about eating healthy items but he loves rice pudding. What a way to try orzo!
Tanks for sharing,I think I would enjoy this
Tanks for sharing,I think I would enjoy this
This looks really good. I will add it to my “rice” pudding recipes right next to my quinoa one. Thanks!
This is very interesting. I have never had orzo and I do not like rice pudding, but I would still give this a try. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
This sounds so good would like to try out this recipe soon
I love orzo but I have never had it like this. I can’t wait to make this recipe.
I really like Rice pudding so I bet this would be good too. Thanks for the idea.