Baked Pumpkin Risotto - knedir Recipes

The gentle sweetness of roasted pumpkin melds perfectly with the savory creaminess of risotto in this one-pot wonder. Baked instead of stirred, this dish offers gourmet results with minimal effort—ideal for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings alike.

Finished with a rich touch of brown butter and crispy sage, this risotto not only delights the palate but also brings a pop of golden color to your table. Whether served as a main course or a sophisticated side, it’s a cozy, satisfying dish that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Full Recipe:

3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 ½ cups Arborio rice
1 onion, finely diced
600g (20 oz) pumpkin, peeled, deseeded and diced into ⅔-inch cubes
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup dry white wine (or water or broth)
3 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh sage, roughly chopped
½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional for Garnish:

3 tbsp salted butter
12–20 sage leaves
Extra parmesan for topping

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In an ovenproof pot or Dutch oven, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
Add onion and garlic. Sauté until onion becomes translucent.
Add chopped sage and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in the Arborio rice until the grains are semi-translucent and coated in butter.
Pour in the wine and cook for 1 minute until the liquid evaporates.
Add pumpkin and broth, stir to combine, and let the mixture heat up slightly (do not simmer).
Cover tightly with a lid or foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove from oven. Add remaining butter and parmesan. Stir vigorously until pumpkin breaks down and risotto becomes creamy. Add a splash of hot water if too thick.
For garnish (optional): In a small pan, melt salted butter over medium-high heat. Once foaming, add sage leaves and fry for ~1.5 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towel and reserve butter for drizzling.
Serve risotto topped with crispy sage, a spoonful of brown butter, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 422 kcal | Servings: 5–6 servings

Introduction

Baked Pumpkin Risotto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the creamy texture of traditional risotto with the natural sweetness of pumpkin. This dish offers a rich, comforting flavor that’s perfect for the cooler months. Unlike traditional risotto, which requires constant stirring, this baked version allows you to enjoy the same creamy consistency with minimal effort. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights, cozy gatherings, or even as a side dish for a more formal meal.

What Makes Baked Pumpkin Risotto Special?

Traditional risotto is a labor of love, requiring constant stirring to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. However, Baked Pumpkin Risotto takes a completely different approach. By combining ingredients and placing them in the oven, this dish eliminates the need for constant attention, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of a traditional risotto without the hassle.

The key to this dish’s richness lies in the combination of arborio rice and pumpkin. The rice absorbs the stock and becomes creamy, while the pumpkin disintegrates into a silky sauce that coats the grains perfectly. The natural sweetness of the pumpkin enhances the savory flavor of the rice, resulting in a dish that feels luxurious without being overly complicated.

How to Make Baked Pumpkin Risotto

While the steps to prepare Baked Pumpkin Risotto are simple, the outcome is truly impressive. The risotto is baked in a covered pot, which allows the rice to absorb the flavors of the stock and the pumpkin, creating a creamy and comforting texture. After baking, a vigorous stir breaks down the pumpkin, adding even more creaminess to the dish. It’s topped with crispy sage and brown butter, elevating the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This risotto is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes. You can experiment with different herbs, add extra vegetables, or even incorporate proteins to turn it into a complete meal.

Tips for Customizing Baked Pumpkin Risotto

Baked Pumpkin Risotto is a wonderfully adaptable dish. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Herbs and Spices: While sage is a classic pairing with pumpkin, you can also try thyme, rosemary, or even parsley. If you want to add some warmth, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can complement the pumpkin beautifully.
Vegetables: Add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to give the dish extra flavor and texture. Roasted carrots or sweet potatoes can also be great additions.
Protein: This risotto is great as a vegetarian main dish, but it can also be served with protein to make it more filling. Grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or sautéed shrimp are all excellent options.
Vegan and Dairy-Free: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the parmesan and butter. Use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock and olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Pumpkin Risotto is a perfect standalone dish, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to create a more complete meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside this creamy risotto:

Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled chicken breast or thighs can add a nice protein boost to the meal.
Crispy Fish: Lightly pan-fried fish, such as salmon or cod, pairs beautifully with the creamy risotto.
Salads: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the risotto. Try a kale or arugula salad with lemon dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or cauliflower, make a wonderful complement to the pumpkin risotto.
Wine Pairing: This dish pairs well with a medium-bodied white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Risotto

While risotto is often considered a comfort food, it doesn’t have to be heavy or unhealthy. The inclusion of pumpkin in this dish adds several health benefits, making it a great option for a nutritious meal.

Rich in Nutrients: Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. It’s also high in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
High in Fiber: Pumpkin is a great source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full longer.
Low in Calories: Despite its creamy texture, Baked Pumpkin Risotto is surprisingly low in calories compared to traditional creamy risottos. The dish uses pumpkin to create the creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
Antioxidants: Pumpkin contains beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals in the body and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Pumpkin Risotto is the perfect combination of ease and flavor. The dish is ideal for people who love the comforting nature of risotto but don’t want to stand over the stove stirring for hours. The result is a creamy, savory dish that’s both satisfying and healthy.

The rich flavor of pumpkin combined with the creamy texture of the rice makes this dish irresistible, and the addition of crispy sage and brown butter takes it to a whole new level of gourmet. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it as a special dish for guests, Baked Pumpkin Risotto is sure to impress.

Conclusion

Baked Pumpkin Risotto is a must-try dish for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of risotto but is looking for an easier, hands-off approach. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the oven, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

This recipe is versatile, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall with minimal effort, making it a perfect addition to your regular dinner rotation. Whether you stick to the traditional pumpkin version or experiment with different ingredients, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends.

So, the next time you’re craving something creamy and comforting, give this Baked Pumpkin Risotto a try—you won’t regret it!