Cozy Baked Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe: Autumn Comfort

Creamy, comforting risotto meets the golden sweetness of autumn with this baked butternut squash risotto that promises pure culinary magic.

Arborio rice absorbs rich, velvety broth while roasted butternut squash adds depth and warmth to every delectable bite.

The gentle oven-baked method ensures each grain becomes luxuriously tender and infused with incredible flavor.

Parmesan cheese melts seamlessly, creating a silky texture that makes this dish irresistibly smooth.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top bring a vibrant, earthy contrast to the rich, creamy base.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same once you experience this simple yet sophisticated meal.

Let’s find out a bowl of pure comfort that celebrates seasonal ingredients with elegant simplicity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 295 kcal

Servings: 9

Baked Butternut Squash Risotto Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: Sweet, nutty vegetable that provides hearty texture and rich autumn flavor, choose firm squash with deep orange color and no soft spots.
• Olive Oil: Helps caramelize squash and adds smooth, fruity undertone, select extra virgin for best quality.
• Coarse Salt: Enhances natural squash sweetness and creates balanced seasoning, use sea salt for deeper mineral notes.
• Fresh Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to overall dish, freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor.

• Yellow Onion: Builds foundational savory depth, select firm onion with papery skin for maximum sweetness.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, pungent flavor that complements squash, choose plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Arborio Rice: Creates creamy risotto texture, look for short-grain rice with pearly white appearance.

• Chicken Or Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid for rice absorption and adds underlying flavor, homemade broth offers best taste.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky consistency, choose high-fat content cream for richest results.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel, European-style butter provides deeper flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty finish, select freshly grated for most intense taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces bright, fresh garnish that cuts through richness, choose vibrant green leaves.

Equipment for Butternut Squash Risotto

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic, toasting rice.
• Roasting pan or baking sheet: Used for roasting butternut squash until soft.
• Casserole dish: Perfect for baking risotto with broth and cream.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, mincing garlic, and preparing squash.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring oil, salt, and pepper.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring rice and mixing ingredients.
• Grater: Helpful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

How to Prepare Baked Butternut Squash Risotto

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to create the perfect cozy cooking environment for your delicious meal.

• Squash Transformation

Coat butternut squash with seasonings and let it roast until tender and caramelized, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.

• Flavor Foundation

Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet, creating a fragrant base that will infuse the entire dish with rich, comforting flavors.

• Rice Awakening

Gently toast rice grains to unlock their nutty essence, then marry them with the onion mixture in a casserole dish, adding creamy broth to create a luxurious texture.

• Baking Magic

Allow the risotto to bake slowly, letting the flavors meld and the rice become perfectly creamy and tender.

• Final Flourish

Stir in velvety butter and sharp Parmesan, then lovingly fold in the roasted squash. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Flavor Enhancing Tips for Butternut Risotto

• Smart Risotto Tweaks
• Experiment with fontina, gruyere, or sharp cheddar instead of Parmesan for unique flavor profiles.
• Mix in roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy sage leaves, or caramelized mushrooms to add extra texture and depth.
• Incorporate crispy pancetta, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sautéed shrimp for a hearty protein upgrade.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a vegan-friendly version of this comforting dish.

Serving Butternut Squash Risotto the Right Way

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy risotto with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Weekend Dinner Party Delight: Serve alongside roasted chicken or pan-seared salmon to elevate your gathering with a luxurious and comforting main course that impresses guests.
• Autumn Harvest Presentation: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds and extra Parmesan on top for a rustic, seasonal touch that adds delightful crunch and rich flavor to the creamy risotto.
• Vegetarian Twist Option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, protein-packed variation that keeps the dish hearty and satisfying.

Storing Baked Risotto Properly

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Pack risotto in freezer-safe containers, leaving small space for expansion. Keeps well for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently with splash of broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm risotto in microwave with tablespoon of extra broth or cream, stirring every 30 seconds. Alternatively, use stovetop method with low heat and constant stirring to prevent scorching.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store roasted butternut squash separately from risotto to maintain individual textures. Combine fresh when ready to serve, ensuring crisp vegetable edges and creamy rice remain distinct.

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

This creamy Butternut Squash Risotto brings Northern Italian comfort to winter dining. Parmesan cheese and sage create a luxurious backdrop for roasted squash, inviting you to savor each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 4–5 cups (0.95–1.18 L, 32–40 oz) butternut squash (cubed)
• ½ cup (120 mL, 4 fl oz) arborio rice
• 2 cups (473 mL, 16 fl oz) chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup (50 g, 1.75 oz) fresh grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g, 2.65 oz) yellow onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3–4 tbsps (45–60 mL, 1.5–2 fl oz) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 mL, 4 fl oz) heavy cream
• 2 tbsps (28 g, 1 oz) butter
• 1 tsp coarse salt
• ½ tsp fresh black pepper
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Squash: Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 50-60 minutes until tender and caramelized.
2. Preparing Base: In a large skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper until translucent and aromatic. Toast arborio rice in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even browning.
3. Baking Risotto: Transfer rice and onion mixture to a casserole dish. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly. Cover with a lid or aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until rice reaches a creamy, al dente texture.
4. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and incorporate unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Gently fold roasted butternut squash into the risotto, creating a marbled appearance.
5. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Roast Squash Carefully: Ensure even caramelization by cutting cubes uniformly and spreading them in a single layer to promote proper browning and prevent steaming.
• Rice Toasting Technique: Lightly toast arborio rice before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and help grains maintain their structure during cooking.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Use warm chicken broth and cream to maintain consistent temperature and prevent rice from becoming tough or unevenly cooked.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add Parmesan and butter off direct heat to create smooth, silky texture without separating or becoming grainy.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg