As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, our kitchens beckon us to create comforting and flavorful dishes.
Risotto, with its creamy texture and endless possibilities, is the perfect culinary companion for autumn.
From the sweet earthiness of pumpkin and squash to the savory depth of mushrooms and the subtle sweetness of carrots, these risotto recipes capture the essence of the season.
Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure, delicious comfort..
Table of Contents
Pumpkin Risotto with Sage
Experience the comforting embrace of fall with this creamy pumpkin risotto, delicately flavored with aromatic sage.
Crafted to be low FODMAP, it cleverly uses garlic-infused ghee for that essential garlicky taste without the tummy troubles.
The natural sweetness of Japanese or Kent pumpkin melds beautifully with the savory notes of Parmesan, making each spoonful a taste of autumn..
Pro Tip: For a low FODMAP option, ensure you use a certified low FODMAP stock or make your own.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto with Sage
Easy Mushroom Risotto
This easy mushroom risotto is a true testament to simple ingredients creating a gourmet experience.
Made with earthy mushrooms, creamy Arborio rice, and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a hearty side dish that can easily steal the show as a main.
The rich, comforting flavors make it perfect for any special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal..
Pro Tip: To reheat leftover risotto, stir in a little extra broth until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mushroom Risotto
Butternut Squash Risotto with Rosemary and Sage
Embrace the quintessential flavors of autumn with this vibrant butternut squash risotto.
The sweet, tender squash is infused with the woodsy notes of rosemary and sage, creating a dish that’s both elegant and deeply comforting.
It’s a celebration of fall's bounty, delivering a creamy, satisfying meal perfect for a chilly evening..
Pro Tip: For an extra touch of richness, stir in a small knob of butter at the very end.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto with Rosemary and Sage
Creamy Parmesan Risotto
Discover the magic of true risotto with this incredibly creamy Parmesan version.
The secret lies in the technique: Arborio rice slowly simmered in warm broth, with constant stirring to release starches that create a velvety texture, all without a drop of cream.
It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with almost any main course..
Pro Tip: Risotto is best enjoyed fresh; avoid freezing as it can alter the texture.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Parmesan Risotto
Instant Pot Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese
Prepare for a stunning visual and flavor experience with this Instant Pot beet risotto.
The vibrant crimson hue from the beets is matched by an earthy sweetness, beautifully balanced by the tang of lemon and the creamy, salty notes of goat cheese.
It’s a quick, easy, and impressively flavorful dish that proves risotto can be both weeknight-friendly and dinner-party worthy..
Pro Tip: Garnish with extra thyme and crumbled goat cheese just before serving for the best presentation and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese
Summer Risotto with Grilled Corn and Tomatoes
While the title says summer, this vibrant risotto is a delightful way to enjoy the late-season sweetness of corn and tomatoes, even as fall approaches.
A classic creamy risotto base is topped with a refreshing medley of grilled corn, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
It’s a perfect example of how risotto can be lightened up with fresh produce..
Pro Tip: Grilling the corn before adding it to the topping adds a wonderful smoky sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Summer Risotto with Grilled Corn and Tomatoes
Sweet Potato Risotto with Brown Butter and Bacon
This sweet potato risotto is the epitome of fall comfort, combining the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory depth of Parmesan, tangy goat cheese, and crispy bacon.
The subtle nutty aroma of brown butter and fragrant sage elevates it to a truly decadent dish that’s both hearty and incredibly satisfying..
Pro Tip: If you don't have sweet potatoes, butternut squash or pumpkin make excellent substitutes in this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Risotto with Brown Butter and Bacon
Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon and Parmesan
This seasonal pumpkin risotto is a flavor powerhouse, featuring a creamy blend of pumpkin puree, fresh thyme, white wine, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.
Topped with crispy bacon and a hint of honey for sweetness, it’s the ultimate side dish that perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall.
It’s wonderfully adaptable, even using convenient store-bought puree..
Pro Tip: Freezing bacon before dicing makes it much easier to cut into small, uniform pieces.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon and Parmesan
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Earthy, rich, and deeply satisfying, this wild mushroom risotto is a vegetarian dream come true.
It harnesses the robust flavors of assorted wild mushrooms, complemented by garlic, Parmesan, and a splash of white wine, all simmered with creamy Arborio rice.
It’s an elegant yet comforting dish perfect for a sophisticated weeknight meal or a dinner party..
Pro Tip: Serve this rich risotto with a light, crisp salad to balance the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Wild Mushroom Risotto
Best Butternut Squash Risotto
Experience the ultimate fall comfort with this butternut squash risotto, elevated by the unique touch of crispy fried sage leaves.
Roasting the squash concentrates its natural sweetness and caramel notes, while half is cooked into the risotto and the other half is stirred in for texture.
The combination of creamy rice, sweet squash, and salty, fragrant sage is simply divine..
Pro Tip: Consider transforming any leftover risotto into delicious arancini (fried rice balls).
Get the Recipe: Best Butternut Squash Risotto
Butternut Squash and Apple Risotto
This delightful risotto beautifully marries the sweetness of butternut squash with the tartness of apples, creating a wonderfully balanced fall dish.
Roasted until tender and caramelized, the squash and apple are simmered into creamy Arborio rice, with hints of sage adding an aromatic touch.
It’s a harmonious blend of autumnal flavors that feels both wholesome and indulgent..
Pro Tip: If apples aren't in season, roasted pears can offer a similar sweetness and texture.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash and Apple Risotto
Bacon and Brussels Sprout Risotto
This hearty risotto proves that bacon and Brussels sprouts belong together, even in a creamy Italian classic.
The savory crunch of crispy bacon and the slightly charred tenderness of Brussels sprouts are folded into a perfectly cooked, al dente risotto base, finished with Parmesan and butter.
It’s a satisfying fusion of fall flavors that’s surprisingly easy to make..
Pro Tip: To reheat risotto on the stovetop for the creamiest texture, add a splash of chicken broth and heat gently.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Brussels Sprout Risotto
Roasted Carrot Risotto with Chili Oil
Add a comforting warmth and a touch of spice to your evening with this roasted carrot risotto.
The sweetness of roasted carrots, pureed and stirred into creamy risotto rice, is beautifully complemented by the smoky, spicy kick of Calabrian chili oil.
It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that requires your attention but rewards you with incredible depth..
Pro Tip: Save the roasted carrot peels to crisp up and use as a delightful garnish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Risotto with Chili Oil
Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage
Elevate simple store-bought ravioli into an elegant fall dish with this recipe featuring a nutty browned butter sauce and crispy sage.
It’s incredibly quick, requiring just five ingredients and 15 minutes, yet delivers a rich, comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
The combination of tender pasta, aromatic butter, and fragrant sage is pure autumnal bliss..
Pro Tip: A squeeze of lemon juice added to the browned butter sauce cuts through the richness and brightens the flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Discover a lighter yet equally creamy take on risotto with this cauliflower version.
Finely riced cauliflower replaces traditional Arborio rice, creating a low-carb, flavorful dish packed with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and shallots.
Finished with cream and Parmesan, it’s a side dish so satisfying, you might just want to make it your main course..
Pro Tip: Using frozen cauliflower rice often yields a softer texture, closer to traditional risotto.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Lemon Cauliflower Risotto
This light and fresh take on risotto swaps traditional rice for cauliflower rice, making it a fantastic low-carb, Whole30, and paleo-friendly option.
It's packed with bright lemon flavor, creamy coconut cream, and tender asparagus and kale for a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes..
Pro Tip: Leftovers are fantastic; the cauliflower rice absorbs the flavors and becomes even more delicious the next day.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Cauliflower Risotto
Miso Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage
Experience the perfect harmony of savory and sweet with this plant-based, gluten-free risotto.
Creamy pumpkin puree infuses the dish with fall's favorite flavor, complemented by the umami depth of miso and topped with fragrant, crispy sage.
It's an impressive yet easy-to-make dish that's ideal as a side or a delightful main course..
Pro Tip: For a complete meal, pair this risotto with roasted chicken or top with crispy baked chickpeas.
Get the Recipe: Miso Pumpkin Risotto with Crispy Sage
Vegan Sweet Corn Risotto
Celebrate the sweet taste of corn in this ultra-creamy, naturally vegan and gluten-free risotto.
The gentle sweetness of corn kernels, especially when roasted for a touch of char, melds beautifully with a rich cashew cream base.
It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly simple to whip up..
Pro Tip: If fresh corn isn't in season, frozen or canned corn (lightly charred in a skillet) works wonderfully.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Corn Risotto
Pear Gorgonzola Risotto with Walnuts
This elegant risotto strikes a beautiful balance between sweet, juicy pears, tangy gorgonzola cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts.
It's a sophisticated yet approachable dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight treat, offering a delightful medley of flavors and textures in every bite..
Pro Tip: Use ripe but firm pears for the best texture; they should be sweet but not mushy.
Get the Recipe: Pear Gorgonzola Risotto with Walnuts
Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon Walnut Topping
Embrace the quintessential flavors of fall with this rich and creamy pumpkin risotto.
Infused with warming spices and topped with a savory, crispy blend of bacon and toasted walnuts, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and a deeply satisfying taste of the season..
Pro Tip: Prepare the bacon and walnut topping a day in advance and reheat briefly to restore crunch before serving.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon Walnut Topping
Sweet Potato Risotto with Bacon
This comforting sweet potato risotto is a fall favorite, combining the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with creamy arborio rice.
Topped with crispy bacon and fresh Parmesan, it’s a soul-warming dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a hearty main course..
Pro Tip: Roasting the sweet potatoes separately before pureeing them significantly enhances their flavor and adds a lovely caramelized note.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Risotto with Bacon