If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish to warm you up this fall, look no further than this Apple Cider Risotto with Bacon and Butternut Squash. This ultra-rich and creamy risotto combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the tartness of Granny Smith apple to create a perfectly balanced dish. The addition of bacon drippings adds a smoky and savory flavor that infuses every grain of arborio rice.
To make this delicious risotto, you’ll start by roasting butternut squash and apple until they’re tender and caramelized. Half of the mixture is then pureed and stirred into the risotto, adding even more depth of flavor. Parmesan cheese and butter are added at the end to make the risotto glossy and extra creamy.
One of the unique aspects of this recipe is the use of apple cider instead of wine. The cider adds a subtle acidity, sweetness, and fruitiness to the dish, making it a perfect pairing for fall flavors. Just make sure to use a dry or off-dry cider to prevent the dish from becoming too sweet.
When making risotto, it’s important not to overcook the rice. Contrary to popular belief, risotto doesn’t have to take hours to make. In fact, the arborio rice should only be cooked for about 20 minutes to ensure it’s tender but still has a bite to it. Cooking it any longer will result in mushy risotto.
While this recipe calls for butternut squash, feel free to experiment with other types of winter squash such as honeynut, kabocha, or pumpkin. The key is to use a squash that will hold up well when cooked and add a creamy texture to the dish.
To make sure everything comes together perfectly, start cooking the risotto as soon as your butternut squash goes into the oven. This will ensure that everything is ready to be combined at the right time. And remember, don’t rinse your rice before using it in risotto – the starch on the rice is what gives the dish its creamy texture.
For the perfect pairing, serve this Apple Cider Risotto with a crisp, artisanal apple cider like Austin Eastciders Original Dry. The combination of flavors will elevate this fall side dish to a whole new level.
This recipe was developed by Nicole Hopper and the text was written by Breana Killeen. So if you’re ready to elevate your fall cooking game, give this Apple Cider Risotto with Bacon and Butternut Squash a try – you won’t be disappointed!
