butternut squash risotto

This butternut squash risotto is a gorgeous fall dish. It’s a simple and classic recipe with creamy rice, sweet cubes of butternut squash, and salty fried sage leaves-- but we take small, intentional steps throughout the recipe make it the absolute best. 

Keep reading for to learn why it’s so good, how to make it, some fun variations to the recipe, and what to serve with this delicious butternut squash risotto!

why this is the best butternut squash risotto:

Roasted squash: This is the most important part of the recipe: we roast the squash in the oven for a deeply caramelized and concentration flavor. Butternut squash tends to be watery, and steaming or boiling can make it worse. 

Half now, half later: We cook half of this roasted squash with the risotto to infuse the dish with flavor and color. Then we stir in the remaining squash at the end for added texture. It’s a winning combination to achieve rich flavor and the texture of intact squash. 

The rice: You can’t have true risotto with its glorious trifecta of creamy-saucy-chewiness without using the right rice. Risotto rice is a generic term for 3 main rice varieties that have all the qualities needed for perfect risotto. They have short to medium length grains, they’re high in amyolopectin starch (creaminess!), and they’re strong enough to stay firm throughout the long cooking. Look for arborio, carnaroli or vialone nano.

Fried sage: Sage and butternut squash are meant to be together. Take this risotto to the next level with crispy, salty fried sage leaves. They add an earthy flavor, a beautiful flash of color, and a crispy salty pop of texture. If you want this dish to be remembered, don’t underestimate the small things!

ingredients: 

how to make butternut squash risotto:

1. Roast butternut squash until tender, about 40 minutes.
2. Fry sage leaves until crisp.
3. Heat chicken stock in a small saucepan and keep warm.
4. Lightly caramelize onions in butter. Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
5. Stir in rice, cook until edges are translucent.
6. Add half of squash and the wine, cook until evaporated.
7. Add hot stock, a cup at a time, until absorbed and evaporated. Stir often and add stock until rice is tender, toothsome and saucy, about 20 minutes.
8. Stir in a chunk of butter, grated parmesan, and remaining roasted squash.
9. Top with fried sage leaves and serve.

how to cook butternut squash for risotto:

Roast it in the oven! This is the best way to concentrate the flavor and pick up some rich, caramelized notes.

The next best option would be to sauté it over medium heat, for about 25 minutes. It’s more involved, but you’ll get better flavor.

You can also steam the squash, which won’t cook off any water or add any flavor, but the squash won’t get soggy.

Whatever you do, don’t boil it-- the hot water will leach flavor and make it soggy.

variations to make this your own:

You can add-in or substitute all kinds of ingredients to make this your own! Here's a list of ideas to get you started:

• roasted honey nut squash
• buttery leeks
• crispy sautéed mushrooms
• blanched or sautéed kale
• roasted chopped chicken
• crispy pancetta or bacon
• crumbled sausage or chorizo
• seared scallops
• crumbled blue cheese
• fried shallots

what to serve with butternut squash risotto:

We love to enjoy this risotto with cozy salads and rich braised meats. Here are some great fall-inspired recipes to serve alongside this creamy risotto!

appetizers

• greens and giant beans on toast
• wild mushroom toast
• mixed mushroom tart with goat cheese and thyme

salads

• radicchio salad with oranges and pecorino
• roasted pear endive salad
• warm kale salad with raisins

meats:

• porcini crusted roasted beef tenderloin with red wine sauce
• sausage with grapes, sweet onions and balsamic vinegar

what wine goes with butternut squash risotto?

I love to serve this risotto with lush, rich white wines that have plenty of rounded texture and acidity. They need substance and smoothness to stand up to the creamy risotto and sweet roasted squash, which can come from full-bodied varieties as well as oak aging.

Northern Rhone white wines: blends of Marsanne, Roussane and Viognier that have a plush texture, fragrant notes of stone-fruit and citrus, and lively acidity. Try a Saint-Peray!

Fiano d’Avellino DOCG: Rich, waxy, floral white wines from the Campania, Italy (the shin of the boot!). These elegant wines have plenty of acidity to offset the rich risotto, yet barrel aged versions have sweet nutty aromas, structure and smoothness that complement the roasted squash.

For a red wine, try a cru Beaujolais: Elegant, medium-bodied red wines that are juciy, fleshy and ripe. The light tannins will add some structure to the rice dish and the juicy acidity will balance the richess. Look for a Chénas for a light, floral, delicate red. 

how long does butternut squash risotto last?

Like all risotto, this roasted butternut squash risotto is best enjoyed immediately. The suspension of rice in a creamy starch-based sauce just doesn’t last. As soon as it cools, the rice starches congeal and can’t be returned to their saucy state. You can enjoy it for a few days after, reheated, but it will be more like a sticky rice side dish.

A great use of leftover risotto is arancini! These fried rice balls capitalize on the sticky, moldable nature of the rice starches and make an outstanding appetizer. Here’s an arancini recipe to get you started!

more risotto recipes to try:

apple risotto

asparagus risotto

black truffle risotto

creamy lemon risotto

creamy parmesan risotto recipe

farro mushroom risotto

lobster risotto recipe

mushroom risotto

pea risotto

saffron risotto

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