Andy Montoya
Risotto is a northern Italian rice dish cooked in a broth to a creamy consistency. The broth can be derived from meat, fish, or vegetables. Many types of risotto contain butter, wine, onion, and Parmesan cheese. The type of rice used is important, with Arborio being a popular choice due to its large grain size and ability to absorb liquids easily. When it comes to serving cheese risotto, it can be a delicious side dish or main course. For a side, serve it with scallops, steak, or fish. For a main course, try adding mushrooms or meat such as bacon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Dish | Mushroom Risotto |
| Cheddar Cheese Risotto | |
| Chicken Broth | |
| Stuffed Red Peppers | |
| Roasted Vegetables | |
| Scallops | |
| Steak | |
| Fish | |
| Mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese risotto as a side dish
Cheese risotto is a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cheese risotto:
Scallops
Cheese risotto, with its creamy texture and rich flavour, pairs well with scallops. The risotto can serve as an elegant and indulgent bed for the scallops, creating a well-rounded and luxurious dish.
Steak
A classic combination, cheese risotto is a perfect match for steak. The creamy risotto complements the juicy steak, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal. Try a pan-seared steak for a beautiful sear that will add a depth of flavour to the dish.
Fish
Cheese risotto is a versatile side that can be served with a variety of fish dishes. Whether it's a simple grilled salmon or a more elaborate preparation, the risotto will add a creamy and cheesy element to the meal.
Mushrooms
For a vegetarian option, pair cheese risotto with mushrooms. Sautéed mushrooms, especially a mix of varieties like cremini, shiitake, and portobello, provide a rich, earthy flavour that complements the creaminess of the risotto. This combination makes for a hearty and flavourful vegetarian dish.
Chicken
Cheese risotto can also be served as a side dish with chicken. Consider adding some chopped bacon or chicken broth to the risotto to enhance the flavours and create a heartier dish.
When serving cheese risotto as a side dish, remember to consider the portion size and adjust the recipe accordingly. The key to a successful cheese risotto side dish is to let the flavours complement each other without overwhelming the main course.
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Wine pairings
When it comes to wine pairings, a good dry wine that you would drink on its own is a great choice to offset the richness of a cheese risotto. A dry white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio, will complement the creaminess of the risotto without being too overpowering.
If you prefer red wine, a lighter variety such as a Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais would work well. These wines have fruity notes that will enhance the flavour of the cheese without being too heavy.
For a more indulgent option, a sparkling wine or Champagne would be a delightful choice. The bubbles and acidity in these wines will cut through the richness of the risotto, providing a refreshing contrast.
If you want to stick to Italian wines, a crisp and dry Soave or a full-bodied Chianti would be excellent choices. Soave is a white wine with citrus and almond notes, while Chianti is a robust red with hints of cherry and spice that can stand up to the strong flavours of the cheese.
Remember, when pairing wine with a dish like cheese risotto, it's essential to consider the types of cheese used and their intensity. For milder cheeses, a lighter wine may be preferable, while stronger cheeses can stand up to more robust wines.
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Main course ideas
Cheese risotto is a versatile dish that can be served as a first course, side dish, or main course. Here are some ideas for main course options to serve with cheese risotto:
Meat Options:
- Pan-seared steak: A classic combination that offers a contrast of flavours and textures.
- Chicken: Chicken dishes like roast chicken or chicken breasts can complement the cheese risotto.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top of the risotto or incorporated into the dish can add a savoury touch.
Fish and Seafood Options:
- Scallops: Scallops and risotto is a common pairing, offering a sophisticated and elegant meal.
- Pan-seared fish: A mild-flavoured fish like tilapia or sole can be a good option to serve with the risotto.
- Shrimp or prawns: These seafood additions can turn your risotto into a hearty and flavourful main course.
Vegetarian Options:
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms, especially a mix of varieties like cremini, shiitake, and portobello, can be a delicious vegetarian option to pair with cheese risotto.
- Roasted vegetables: Hearty roasted veggies like peppers, aubergine, or courgette can be a tasty and colourful addition to the dish.
- Grilled halloumi: For an extra cheesy experience, grilled halloumi skewers or slices can be a fun and unique pairing.
Remember, when creating a main course with cheese risotto, it's important to consider the type of cheese used in the risotto and choose complementary flavours for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Meat and vegetable additions
When it comes to meat and vegetable additions to serve with cheese risotto, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas:
Meat Additions
- Pan-seared steak
- Scallops
- Bacon
Vegetable Additions
- Mushrooms: Cremini, shiitake, portobello, oyster, chanterelle, and maitake mushrooms are all great choices for adding texture and flavour to your risotto. You can use a single variety or experiment with a mix of different mushrooms to find your perfect combination.
- Leeks: Baby leeks can be cooked until softened and added to your risotto for a subtle onion flavour.
Remember, you can get creative and choose any kind of protein or vegetable you like to add to your cheese risotto. These suggestions are just a starting point, and you can always experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings.
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Toppings and seasonings
When it comes to toppings and seasonings for your cheese risotto, the options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great way to add colour, texture, and flavour to your cheese risotto. You could try serving it with grilled asparagus, which can be seasoned with garlic, lemon, or Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, sauteed zucchini or eggplant makes for a tasty and healthy side dish that pairs well with the creaminess of the risotto. For something a little heartier, you could try roasting Brussels sprouts with a balsamic reduction and cranberries, or shaving them raw into a salad with mustard, apples, pecans, and Parmesan. Other vegetable-based salads that would make great toppings or sides include a fennel and orange salad, a snap pea salad, or a kale Caesar salad with homemade croutons.
Meat
If you're looking to add some protein to your cheese risotto, consider browning some crumbled sausage or cooking a couple of links in the pan before making your risotto. You can then stir the cooked sausage into the risotto or serve it sliced on top. For an Italian-style meat option, try making some crispy prosciutto in the oven or air fryer, which can be crumbled on top of the risotto for a crunchy texture and savoury flavour.
Cheese
As the saying goes, "you can never have too much cheese." While your risotto will likely already be cheesy, you can take it to the next level by adding a generous dollop of ricotta to each bowl. This adds creaminess and just the right amount of protein to make the dish feel more complete. If you're serving the risotto as a side, consider pairing it with a protein-rich main course like steak or scallops, which will also complement the cheese nicely.
Herbs and Spices
When it comes to herbs and spices, parsley, pepper, and thyme are all popular additions to risotto. However, be mindful of the salt content, as the stock you use may already be quite salty. If you're looking for a bright, citrusy flavour to complement the creaminess of the cheese, consider adding some lemon zest and juice to your risotto or serving it with lemon escalopes (slices of veal cooked with lemon juice).
Eggs
While it may seem unconventional, adding an egg to your cheese risotto can take it to the next level. Try frying or poaching an egg and sliding it on top of the risotto. The runny yolk will add a delicious creaminess that will blend perfectly with the cheese and rice.
Wine
While not technically a topping or seasoning, choosing the right wine to accompany your cheese risotto is important. If your risotto includes fish, try pairing it with a classic Pinot Grigio or Franciacorta. On the other hand, if your risotto includes meat or cheese, a good red wine like a Lambrusco or Barbera will complement the flavours nicely. For a vegetable-based risotto, a Merlot might be a better option.
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Frequently asked questions
If you want to serve cheese risotto as a main course, you could serve it with chicken, such as garlic and herb chicken, chicken marsala, or grilled chicken. You could also serve it with cheese-stuffed meatloaf or shrimp.
If you want to serve cheese risotto as a side dish, you could serve it with a light salad, such as an arugula salad, pear salad, or Caprese salad. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini.
If your cheese risotto includes meat, you may want to serve it with a good red wine, such as Lambrusco or Barbera. If your risotto includes vegetables, you might pair it with a Merlot.
If you would prefer not to serve wine with your cheese risotto, you could serve a drink with a high acid content, such as lemonade or a citrus juice.
