25 Comforting Christmas Risotto Recipes to Warm Your Holidays

There's something truly magical about the holiday season - the twinkling lights, the heartwarming songs, and the delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen. I always find myself drawn to comfort foods that bring warmth and joy, and risotto has a special place in my heart.

The creamy, velvety texture, the endless possibilities for flavors, and the way it brings everyone together around the table. This year, I wanted to share with you my collection of "25 Comforting Christmas Risotto Recipes to Warm Your Holidays." Whether you're looking for something traditional, unique, or indulgent, you'll find a risotto recipe here that’s perfect for your festive celebrations.

1. Classic Parmesan Risotto

Indulge in the timeless elegance of classic Parmesan risotto, a comfort dish that never goes out of style.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until translucent.
2. Add the Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the wine and stir until absorbed.
4. Gradually add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, allowing each to absorb before adding the next.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

2. Mushroom and Truffle Risotto

An earthy, luxurious treat perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons truffle oil
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
3. Stir in the Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Combine the vegetable broth slowly, letting each addition get absorbed.
5. Mix in Parmesan cheese and truffle oil. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

3. Butternut Squash Risotto

An autumn-inspired dish that’s creamy, sweet, and savory.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup butternut squash, roasted and pureed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, one cup at a time.
4. Mix in the butternut squash puree and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

4. Lobster Risotto

A decadent dish that brings a taste of the ocean to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups lobster broth
• 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually incorporate the lobster broth.
4. Add cooked lobster meat and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy warm.

5. Spinach and Ricotta Risotto

A vibrant and creamy dish that pairs beautifully with holiday roasts.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until softened.
2. Add the Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually incorporate the vegetable broth.
4. Mix in spinach and ricotta cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

6. Prawn and Lemon Risotto

A zesty and refreshing option that highlights the delicate flavor of prawns.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked prawns
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Slowly add chicken broth, allowing each cup to absorb.
4. Mix in cooked prawns, lemon juice and zest, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy.

7. Asparagus and Mint Risotto

A fresh and delightful combination that’s perfect for a light holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup asparagus, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Add the Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Slowly incorporate the vegetable broth.
4. Stir in asparagus, fresh mint, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season and serve immediately.

8. Bacon and Leek Risotto

A savory and umami-packed dish that’s perfect for cooler evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 leeks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon until crisp, then set aside.
2. Sauté the onion, garlic, and leeks in bacon fat and butter.
3. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually incorporate the chicken broth.
5. Mix in cooked bacon and Parmesan cheese. Season and serve.

9. Pumpkin and Sage Risotto

Bring a touch of fall to your Christmas table with this creamy and fragrant risotto.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add the vegetable broth.
4. Mix in pumpkin puree, fresh sage, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season and serve warm.

10. Chicken and Herb Risotto

A comforting classic that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley), chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Slowly incorporate the chicken broth.
4. Mix in cooked chicken, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

11. Shrimp and Pea Risotto

A delightful blend of sweet shrimp and tender peas for a festive dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked shrimp
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add chicken broth.
4. Stir in shrimp, green peas, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy warm.

12. Roasted Red Pepper Risotto

This vibrant and slightly sweet risotto brings a splash of color to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 roasted red peppers, pureed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth.
4. Mix in roasted red pepper puree and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

13. Sausage and Kale Risotto

A hearty and nutritious option that’s perfect for a winter feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled
• 2 cups kale, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage until browned, then set aside.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
3. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add chicken broth.
5. Stir in sausage, kale, and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

14. Zucchini and Lemon Risotto

A light and zesty option that’s refreshing and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 zucchinis, grated
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth.
4. Mix in grated zucchini, lemon juice and zest, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season and serve immediately.

15. Prosciutto and Pea Risotto

A delightful combination of savory prosciutto and sweet peas.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced prosciutto
• 1 cup green peas
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add chicken broth.
4. Mix in prosciutto, green peas, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

16. Artichoke and Lemon Risotto

A sophisticated and tangy dish that’s perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth.
4. Mix in artichoke hearts, lemon juice and zest, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season and serve hot.

17. Beef and Red Wine Risotto

A rich and robust dish perfect for a cozy holiday dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup cooked beef, shredded
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in red wine and let it absorb.
4. Gradually add beef broth.
5. Stir in cooked beef and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy warm.

18. Caramelized Onion Risotto

A sweet and savory risotto that’s a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 large onions, caramelized
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Caramelize onions in butter until golden brown.
2. Sauté garlic in the same pan.
3. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add vegetable broth.
5. Mix in caramelized onions and Parmesan cheese.
6. Season and serve immediately.

19. Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto

A cheesy and satisfying dish that’s great for family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add chicken broth.
4. Mix in broccoli florets and cheddar cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

20. Beetroot Risotto

A visually stunning and earthy dish perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup roasted beetroot, pureed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth.
4. Mix in beetroot puree and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

21. Blue Cheese and Walnut Risotto

A rich and nutty risotto that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add chicken broth.
4. Mix in crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and enjoy warm.

22. Tomato and Basil Risotto

A fresh and aromatic dish that’s a celebration of classic flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth.
4. Mix in tomato sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season and serve immediately.

23. Sweet Potato and Sage Risotto

A creamy, sweet, and savory risotto that’s perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup sweet potato, roasted and pureed
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth.
4. Mix in sweet potato puree, fresh sage, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

24. Eggplant and Tomato Risotto

A hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to please veggie lovers.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced eggplant
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion, garlic, and eggplant in butter until tender.
2. Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add vegetable broth.
4. Mix in tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.
5. Season and serve warm.

25. Cranberry and Brie Risotto

This festive and indulgent risotto is perfect for the holiday season, combining the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries with the creamy richness of Brie cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup diced Brie cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter until fragrant.
2. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next.
4. Stir in the chopped cranberries and let them soften as the rice cooks.
5. Once the rice is creamy and tender, remove from heat and fold in the diced Brie cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Conclusion

These recipes have brought so much joy and warmth to my holiday celebrations, and I hope they do the same for you. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests with a sophisticated dish or simply want a comforting meal to enjoy by the fire, one of these 25 comforting Christmas risotto recipes is sure to hit the spot. Happy cooking and happy holidays!