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What to Serve with Mushroom Risotto? 10 BEST Options

Do you love the delicious flavor of mushroom risotto but don’t feel confident enough to serve it as an entree?

Don’t fret, because whether you’re hosting a dinner party for friends or just planning a cozy night in with your family, there are plenty of surprisingly tasty side dishes that can complement this flavorful dish.

From creamy cauliflower puree and zesty kale salad to earthy roasted potatoes and aubergine fritters, this article is full of creative ideas on what goes best with mushroom risotto – so be sure to read through the suggestions below!

What to Serve with Mushroom Risotto? 10 BEST Options

1. Sauteed Shrimp

Adding sautéed shrimp to your mushroom risotto is a great way to elevate the dish.

Not only does it add a delicious seafood flavor, but the shrimp also provides a nice contrast in texture.

Plus, shrimp is a relatively quick and easy protein to cook, so it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

When shopping for shrimp, look for wild-caught shrimp that have been sustainably sourced.

If possible, avoid farmed shrimp, as they can be high in chemicals and other pollutants.

When it comes to size, jumbo or extra-large shrimp are best for this dish, as they’ll be nice and plump after cooking.

If you can’t find jumbo shrimp, medium shrimp will work just fine.

To cook the shrimp, simply sauté them in a bit of olive oil until they’re pink and opaque.

Season them with salt and pepper, then add them to your risotto towards the end of cooking.

The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

2. Sautéed Kale

Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients.

It has a slightly bitter taste and a chewy texture.

Kale can be enjoyed cooked or raw.

When cooked, kale becomes more tender and its flavor mellows out.

There are many ways to cook kale, but sautéing is one of the simplest and most popular methods.

To sauté kale, simply heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and add the kale.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted and tender.

You can season your kale with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to taste.

Sautéed kale makes a great side dish or addition to any meal.

It pairs well with grilled meats or fish, roasted vegetables, rice and quinoa dishes, and more.

If you’re looking for ways to elevate your sautéed kale, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit for sweetness or crumbled bacon or goat cheese for extra savory flavor.

You can also use massaged kale in this recipe for a more tender texture.

3. Grilled Chicken

If you’re looking for a protein-packed dish to serve with your mushroom risotto, look no further than grilled chicken.

This classic dish is easy to make and can be tailored to suit any taste.

Plus, the lean protein is a perfect complement to the creamy risotto.

When it comes to taste and texture, grilled chicken is a versatile option.

You can go for a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or try something more adventurous like a spice rub or marinade.

The key is to not overcook the chicken so that it stays juicy and moist.

There are plenty of ways to elevate your grilled chicken dish.

For example, you could stuff the chicken breasts with cheese or top them with a flavorful sauce.

If you’re feeling really creative, you could even try grilling the chicken on skewers with vegetables for a fun and healthy kabob.

4. Crispy Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish.

It’s perfect for those who are looking for something with a little more flavor than plain old ham.

Prosciutto has a salty, savory taste that is complemented by its crispy texture.

There are many ways to enjoy prosciutto.

It can be eaten alone as a snack, or added to salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, and more.

Prosciutto is also commonly used as an appetizer, wrapped around melon or other fruits.

For the best flavor, look for prosciutto that is thinly sliced and has a deep pink color.

Avoid prosciutto that is too thickly sliced or has a pale color, as this indicates that it is not of the highest quality.

When stored properly, prosciutto will last for several months in the fridge.

Here are some tips on how to elevate your dishes with prosciutto:

  • Add thin slices of prosciutto to your favorite salad for a boost of flavor.
  • Wrap chunks of melon or other fruit in prosciutto for a quick and easy appetizer.
  • Layer thin slices of prosciutto on top of your pizza before baking for an extra flavorful pie.
  • Add cooked prosciutto to your pasta dish right before serving for a touch of elegance.

5. Roasted Butternut Squash

Roasted butternut squash is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

This winter squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with savory or sweet dishes alike.

It’s also packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber.

Butternut squash can be roasted in the oven, which brings out its natural sweetness.

The flesh of the squash becomes soft and creamy when cooked, making it a great addition to risottos, soups, and stews.

For a more elevated dish, try roasting your butternut squash with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

The subtle flavor of the herbs will complement the sweetness of the squash without overpowering it.

Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and healthy way to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your meals.

Whether you’re looking for a side dish or an ingredient for a main course, this versatile vegetable is sure to please.

6. Sun-dried Tomatoes

If you’re looking for a little bit of sweetness and acidity to balance out the creamy risotto, sun-dried tomatoes are a great way to do it.

Their intense flavor pairs well with the mushrooms, and their chewy texture contrasts nicely with the creamy rice.

Plus, they look beautiful as a garnish.

To really elevate your dish, consider frying the sun-dried tomatoes in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the risotto.

This will help bring out their flavor and make them even more irresistible.

7. Garlic Bread

Mushroom risotto is a fantastic dish on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it even further, garlic bread is the perfect addition.

The two dishes complement each other perfectly in terms of both taste and texture.

Garlic bread is all about elevating the humble loaf of bread into something truly special.

It’s the perfect side dish for mushroom risotto because it brings out the earthy, umami flavors of the mushrooms, while also adding a lovely crunch.

Plus, who doesn’t love dipping their bread into creamy, cheesy risotto?

If you’re feeling really fancy, you could even try making your own garlic bread.

Homemade bread always tastes better, and it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Just follow a simple recipe and let the oven do its work.

8. Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a delicious, sharp-tasting cheese that pairs perfectly with mushroom risotto.

The taste of Parmesan cheese is both nutty and salty, with a slightly sweet flavor.

The texture of Parmesan cheese is smooth and creamy, making it the perfect topping for your risotto dish.

There are a few things you can do to elevate your dish and make it even more delicious.

First, try grating your Parmesan cheese fresh from a block.

This will give your dish a more intense flavor.

Second, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of cheese.

Aged Parmesan has a more intense flavor, while Ricotta salata is milder and creamier.

Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, try using flavored Parmesan cheeses like truffle or peppered Parmesan.

These cheeses will add an extra depth of flavor to your dish.

9. Fresh Herbs

When it comes to fresh herbs, there are endless possibilities.

But when it comes to mushroom risotto, we think these 9 herbs elevate the dish to new levels.

Parsley: This herb has a bright, earthy flavor that pairs well with the mushrooms in risotto.

It also has a slightly crunchy texture that adds a nice contrast to the creamy rice.

Basil: Basil has a sweet, anise-like flavor that goes well with the other ingredients in risotto.

It’s also very fragrant, so a little goes a long way.

Oregano: Oregano has a strong, pungent flavor that can really stand up to the mushrooms.

It’s also very versatile and can be used in other Italian dishes like pasta sauce or pizza.

Rosemary: Rosemary has a woodsy, pine-like flavor that is perfect for fall and winter dishes like risotto.

It’s also very aromatic, so you don’t need to use much to get the desired flavor.

Thyme: Thyme has a mild, lemony flavor that complements the mushrooms nicely.

It’s also one of the most versatile herbs and can be used in many different dishes.

Sage: Sage has a strong, pungent flavor that can really stand up to the mushrooms.

It’s also very versatile and can be used in other Italian dishes like pasta sauce or pizza.

Marjoram: Marjoram has a sweet, citrusy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in risotto.

It’s also very fragrant, so a little goes a long way.

10. Lemon Wedges

Lemon wedges are a great way to elevate the taste of your mushroom risotto.

The acidity of the lemon will help to balance out the richness of the dish and the zest will add a nice pop of flavor.

The wedges can also be used as a garnish, so don’t forget to save a few for presentation.

When it comes to choosing the right lemon wedge for your dish, you’ll want to consider both taste and texture.

For taste, you’ll want to make sure that the lemon is fresh and not too sour.

For texture, you’ll want to avoid any lemons with tough skins or seeds.

If you’re looking for tips on how to get the most out of your lemon wedges, here are a few ideas:

  • Squeeze the juice into the risotto just before serving. This will help to brighten up the flavors and make the dish more refreshing.
  • Add some zest to the dish by grating the lemon peel over top. This will add a nice citrusy flavor without being too overpowering.
  • Garnish each bowl with a lemon wedge and some freshly chopped parsley. This will brighten up both the look and flavor of your dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of great options to serve with mushroom risotto.

As we have seen, each option boasts unique flavors and textures that are sure to compliment the dish.

So whether you are looking for something light and refreshing or something a little more hearty, there is definitely an option for you.

Be sure to experiment and find the perfect pairing for your next meal.

What to Serve with Mushroom Risotto? 10 BEST Options

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sides
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Sauteed Shrimp
  • 2. Sautéed Kale
  • 3. Grilled Chicken
  • 4. Crispy Prosciutto
  • 5. Roasted Butternut Squash
  • 6. Sun-dried Tomatoes
  • 7. Garlic Bread
  • 8. Parmesan Cheese
  • 9. Fresh Herbs
  • 10. Lemon Wedges

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  • Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  • If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
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