I don’t know about you, but as much as I love summer, by the time August rolls around, I’m practically daydreaming about the cozy comforts of fall. The idea of trading in the relentless heat for soft sweaters, crisp air, and hearty meals has me counting down the days. If you’re like me, craving that autumn vibe before the leaves even start to turn, then this Butternut Squash and Apple Risotto is exactly what you need.
Picture this: tender butternut squash bringing that earthy sweetness, crisp apples adding a juicy pop, salty pancetta for a savory bite, and all of it wrapped up in the creamy, dreamy goodness of risotto. This isn’t just your everyday risotto—it's a full-on flavor experience that takes the comfort of a classic dish and gives it a seasonal twist. It's the perfect way to welcome fall with open arms (and a very happy belly).

Butternut Squash and Apple Risotto
Recipe from What Should I Make For
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb butternut squash, halved and seeds/pulp scooped out
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 cups chicken stock
1/4 lb pancetta, diced
1 apple (I like Gala or Braeburn), peeled, cored and cut into a 1/4 inch dice
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 cup parmesan, grated
1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1 Tbsp fresh thyme, minced
minced thyme for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place a sheet of nonstick foil on a half sheet tray.
Peel and cut one half of the squash into a 1/4 inch dice. Scatter squash chunks on one half of the sheet tray and toss with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Rub the other half of the squash with 1 Tbsp olive oil and lay cut side down on the other side of the tray. Season with salt and roast until browned and tender, about 30 mins.
When the half of squash is slightly cooled, scoop out, and puree in a food processor until smooth. Add a tablespoon or two of stock to thin if needed. Set aside.
Pour chicken stock into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
In a large wide skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Add pancetta to the skillet and cook, stirring often until browned, about 10 mins. Remove from pan using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Reserve 2 Tbsp pancetta drippings and set aside. Pour out the remaining grease, but don’t wipe pan.
Place pan over medium heat and add apples and cook until browned, about 10 mins. Remove apples and reserve.
Place the same skillet over medium heat and add the reserved pancetta drippings to the pan.
Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook until soft and golden, 5-8 mins.
Pour some salt in a small dish near the stove so you can season the risotto throughout the cooking process.
Add the rice to pan and stir well to coat. Toast the rice for about one min and then add the white wine.
Add about 1/4 – 1/2 cup of warm stock at a time and stir until fully absorbed. Repeat the process, seasoning throughout with salt, until almost all of the liquid is added and absorbed (will take about 20 mins).
Taste the risotto. You want the rice to be tender, but with a slight bite. Add a little more stock if needed. Stir in the pureed squash.
Stir in the nutmeg, parmesan, butter, and thyme until incorporated.
Fold in half of each of the roasted diced squash, apples, and pancetta.
Spoon into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with the reserved squash chunks, apples, pancetta, and minced thyme.
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