Pumpkin Parmesan Risotto with Bacon

I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #PumpkinWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

Pumpkin is not just for sweets, pies, and baked goods. My Pumpkin Parmesan Risotto with Bacon is savory, smokey, salty, herby, earthy, and hearty. Packed with flavor from white wine, Parmesan, sharp, cheddar, and pumpkin. This is one indulgent and delicious risotto!

Oh, how I love risotto. It is one of my go-to dishes when I see it on a menu. I love it as a side and as a main dish! One of the things I like the best about risotto is the versatility. I have made so many different types of risotto, and I am always reassured knowing that it is a dish that allows for a lot of adaption and personalization.

This recipe is a little different because I stir pumpkin puree right into the risotto. I also ad bacon, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan. This risotto is so decadent and creamy. It is certainly rich enough to enjoy as an entree, but it is the perfect side for a simple grilled pork tenderloin or oven roasted chicken.

Risotto needs a little love as you make it, and some people will say that is is not a weeknight dish. I typically disagree because it cooks in one pan and is typically ready in 30-minutes. To me that is weeknight friendly. Sure, it required a little more stirring, but keep the protein simple and it is an excellent option. However, it is equally an impressive dish to make for a dinner party- like I said versatile!

One of the sponsors of #PumpkinWeek is Cabot Cheese. I opted to use their Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese. I wanted a nice sharp cheese to offset some of the richness of this risotto. I loved the sharp flavors from the cheese, and it made my risotto so beautiful and so creamy! Cabot Cheese is an award winning and in business since 1919- their products are delicious and they have a large variety of products.

The beautiful hand-crafted wooden spoon pictured is compliments of our sponsor Dixie Crystals. Dixie Crystals allowed us to choose a few things for this event, and when I found this beautiful hand-crafted risotto spoon! I knew that it had to be mine. I love the design, and I will show you more fun goodies I found for #PumpkinWeek as the week goes on!

What do I need to make Pumpkin Parmesan Risotto with Bacon?

• Butter
• Olive Oil
• Onion
• Bacon
• Arborio rice
• White wine (or use extra chicken stock)
• Chicken stock
• Fresh sage
• Parmesan cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Black pepper
• Risotto Spoon
• Skillet
• Cheese grater

Frequently Asked Questions?

Where can I find Arborio rice?

It is typically located by the other rice at the grocery store, but sometimes I find it in the natural foods section.

I don't drink- what can I use in place of wine?

The wine can be subbed for extra chicken stock.

Can I use coconut oil in place of the olive oil and butter?

Yes! The flavor might be a little nuttier, but it will be delicious

My risotto is not absorbing the liquid- what do I do?

Your heat is likely not height enough. Turn it up slightly till you see a different.

Can I make risotto in advance?

I typically say no because the liquid gets absorbed, and it gets a bit thick for my liking.

Looking for more delicious pumpkin treats?

The Best Easy Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Chocolate Layer Cake

Instant Pot Pumpkin Cinnamon Applesauce

Pumpkin Banana Muffins

Pumpkin French Toast

Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

Pumpkin Parmesan Risotto with Bacon

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people (main dish)

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ tbsp butter
• ½ white onion, diced
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 cup arborio rice
• ⅔ cup dry white wine
• 4 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup pumpkin puree
• 3 sage leaves, diced fine
• ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup granted Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil  and butter to pan; swirl to coat.
• Add onions and bacon; cook 4-5 minutes till bacon is crispy and onion tender. Stir in rice, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. 
• Increase heat to medium-high and add wine and stir. Add stock ½ cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of stock is absorbed before adding the next. With the last portion of stock stir in the pumpkin and sage.
• Remove from heat and add the cheddar and Parmesan.
• Season with black pepper.

Tried this recipe? I'd love to see it! Mention @CheeseCurdInParadise or tag #cheesecurdinparadise on Instagram!

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

PRIZE #1 DIXIE CRYSTALS

Dixie Crystals is giving one winner a Marble Rolling Pin and Board Set.

Since 1917, Dixie Crystals® has been the South’s choice for high-quality sugar and sweeteners. For generations, Dixie Crystals has been at the heart of family traditions and celebrations. Our pure cane, non-GMO sugar products guarantee that treasured family recipes will turn out right every time. Bake with love and Dixie Crystals.

PRIZE#2 SWEETS & TREATS

 

PRIZE#4 CABOT CREAMERY CO-OPERATIVE

Cabot is giving one winner a gift box of assorted Cabot cheeses.

The farm families that own Cabot Creamery Co-operative love what they do. And they’ve been doing it for a long time—every single day since 1919. Almost 100 years later, we’re proud of our thriving farms, strong communities, and happy, healthy cows that produce the rich, buttery milk that we use to make Cabot’s award-winning cheese and dairy products. We like to think those awards mean we’re doing something right. Of course, you’re a big part of this too. If you love eating our cheese as much as we love making it, then we’ll get to keep doing what we do for generations to come.

 

Thank you to #PumpkinWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Sweets & Treats, Torani, and Cabot Creamery Co-operative for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for #PumpkinWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The #PumpkinWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Four (4) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. Winners have 48 hours to respond once chosen, or they forfeit the prize and alternate winner(s) will be chosen. The #PumpkinWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #PumpkinWeek posts or entry.

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.