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Creamy Butternut Risotto

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A creamy fall risotto mixing tender butternut squash, crunchy bacon bits, and rich parmesan for a heartwarming and flavorful meal.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 14:51:48 GMT
A bowl of creamy risotto topped with roasted butternut chunks, crispy bacon bits, and grated cheese. Pin it
A bowl of creamy risotto topped with roasted butternut chunks, crispy bacon bits, and grated cheese. | Tastyhush.com

This butternut squash risotto has become my ultimate autumn comfort dish. After years of experimenting, I've perfected the balance between tender squash and crispy bacon pieces. It's the dish I crave most when temperatures start dropping and evening calls for something warming.

A Symphony of Fall Flavors

The way the butternut squash melds with crispy bacon creates an irresistible combination in this risotto. Adding mascarpone at the very end is the secret ingredient that brings an exceptional creaminess to the dish. Everyone always asks for seconds when I serve this.

Essential Ingredients

  • Arborio rice: 300g for ideal texture
  • Butternut squash: 400g, ripe
  • Bacon: 150g, smoked
  • Onion: One large yellow
  • Garlic: 2 fresh cloves
  • White wine: 10cl dry
  • Stock: 1 liter vegetable or chicken
  • Parmesan: 50g freshly grated
  • Mascarpone: 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin
  • Butter: One tablespoon unsalted
  • Seasonings: Sea salt and fresh pepper
  • Parsley: Fresh for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Preparing the Squash
Sauté until tender and fragrant.
Crisping the Bacon
Cook until golden brown and crispy.
Building the Base
Sweat onions and garlic in butter-oil mixture.
Wine Addition
Add white wine for depth of flavor.
Stock Integration
Gradually add stock, stirring constantly.
Final Assembly
Combine all elements for perfect harmony.
Un bol de risotto crémeux garni de cubes de courge, de morceaux de bacon croustillants et de parmesan râpé, entouré d'une serviette. Pin it
Un bol de risotto crémeux garni de cubes de courge, de morceaux de bacon croustillants et de parmesan râpé, entouré d'une serviette. | Tastyhush.com

Final Touches

Finish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Toasted pumpkin seeds add wonderful crunch. Serve with a glass of dry white wine for a truly memorable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should broth be added slowly?
Adding broth gradually lets the rice release its starch, which gives risotto its signature creamy texture. It's a key part of the process.
→ Can mascarpone be swapped out?
Absolutely! You can use heavy cream instead or skip it altogether. The parmesan already adds plenty of creaminess.
→ How can I tell when the rice is done?
The rice should feel soft but still slightly firm in the center. The dish should be creamy but not too runny.
→ Is it okay to prepare the butternut squash ahead?
Sure! Cook the squash in advance and keep it in the fridge. Warm it up a little before mixing it into the risotto.
→ Can leftover risotto be saved?
Risotto is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat it, add a splash of hot broth to bring it back to the right texture.

Butternut Bacon Risotto

A smooth risotto that blends soft butternut squash, crispy bacon, and parmesan cheese for a cozy autumn dish.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Grains & Rice

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 300 grams of Arborio rice.
02 400 grams of diced pumpkin.
03 150 grams of smoked bacon bits.
04 1 onion.
05 2 garlic cloves.
06 100 ml of dry white wine.
07 1 liter of stock.
08 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese.
09 2 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese.
10 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
11 1 tablespoon of butter.
12 Salt and pepper.
13 Fresh parsley.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook the pumpkin cubes in olive oil until soft, about 10 minutes.

Step 02

Fry the bacon pieces until crispy, then drain and set aside.

Step 03

Sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil and butter, stir in the rice, and pour in the wine.

Step 04

Gradually add the stock over 18 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently as the rice becomes creamy.

Step 05

Mix in the pumpkin, bacon, Parmesan, and mascarpone. Add seasoning and garnish.

Notes

  1. Adding the stock bit by bit is key for creamy risotto.
  2. Mascarpone is optional but gives a creamier texture.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pot.
  • Frying pan.
  • Ladle.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy products.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 65 g
  • Protein: 18 g