Mushroom risotto has been gaining popularity as one of the best healthy comfort foods. It’s filling, flavorful, and uses only a few simple ingredients to create a meal that will become a weekly favorite in your home.
However, since it’s such an easy dish to make, it can also be tempting to dump the mushrooms in the pot and call it good.
That’s where this article comes in! It will give you several side dishes for what to serve with mushroom risotto that is delicious enough.
So you don’t get bored with the same old meal every time!
Mushroom risotto is a creamy rice dish originating from northern Italy. It can be served as a main course or a side dish. And it can be paired with many different types of food, including meats, vegetables, sauces, cheeses, and more.
1. Roasted Broccoli
Mushroom risotto is a very hearty dish that can stand alone, but adding in some different textures and flavors will give your meal a better balance. Broccolini is the perfect accompaniment for the creamy risotto.
Interestingly, the bright green color will add freshness to the dish and provide a little extra crunch. Roasting it first helps bring out its natural sweetness without extra butter or oil.
If you are looking for what to serve with mushroom risotto, roasted broccoli is a great option.
2. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a simple dish that has bold, rich flavors, and it can be the perfect side dish for what to serve with mushroom risotto.
Prosciutto is salt-cured pork, giving off plenty of salty flavors, which complements the umami flavors in the risotto dish very well.
Roasting asparagus brings out more sweetness in the vegetable and will help balance the richness of this dish.
In addition, this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus recipe comes together quickly, so it’s easy to throw on when you want something satisfying but not too heavy.
The result is delicious roasted asparagus wrapped in salty prosciutto fat and ready for serving!
3. Blistered Tomatoes
Blistered tomatoes are a great option if you are looking for what to serve with mushroom risotto.
One of the best ways to serve mushrooms is by roasting them in a hot oven. Start by slicing cremini or portobello mushrooms into thick pieces.
To make things easier, prep the mushrooms beforehand and place them on a rimmed baking sheet before cooking them.
Add an egg beaten with salt and pepper for an egg wash on top of the mushroom slices for extra flavor. Making sure that all surfaces are exposed when cooking them.
Next, place the mushrooms in a hot oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 Celsius) and roast for 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized and roasted.
These additions will give your dish more depth and crunch! The other part of this dish that deserves attention is the risotto itself.
4. Spinach Salad
This is what to serve with mushrooms. There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of mushroom risotto, but it might be even better if you had a great side dish such as spinach salad.
Meanwhile, don’t settle for any old vegetable or starch: try this quick and flavorful spinach salad! In the end, cooking spinach is not much different than cooking most other vegetables – they need some time in boiling water.
Also, add the leaves to the pot along with one olive oil and cook for about six minutes until wilted.
Drain off any excess water, add your favorite dressing (we used balsamic vinegar), garlic, salt, and pepper, and serve alongside your favorite bowl of risotto.
Your greens will also cook in about six minutes; drain excess water and add to your salad.
5. Cajun Honey Butter Salmon
Love salmon? We have the perfect side dish for your next dinner party. Cajun honey butter salmon is not only a tasty dinner but also an easy one.
Meanwhile, you need three ingredients: fresh wild salmon filet, Louisiana-style cajun seasoning (such as Tony Chachere’s), and your favorite honey.
Combine the first two ingredients on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake in a 400-degree oven for 15 minutes or until done to your liking.
6. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is an easy side dish for mushroom risotto and can be made in minutes. Cut or tear a loaf of French bread into pieces and drizzle it with olive oil and salt.
Next, slice some garlic cloves in half, put them on the bread, sprinkle more salt on top, and bake the mixture at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
After baking, move the garlic toast to a platter and add grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Marinated Lamb Chops
Mushroom risotto is a meal that deserves a side dish that complements its flavors. With their earthy and robust tastes, marinated lamb chops create a hearty counterpart.
Also, they have enough fat content to complement the lightness of the risotto without any butter or cream needed.
Make sure they are cooked until well done on the inside!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit -Spread olive oil evenly on each lamb chop.
- Press fresh thyme into both sides of lamb chops
- Season well with salt and pepper
- Place in the oven for 10 minutes
8. Baked Chicken Thighs
Looking for what to serve with mushroom risotto? Baked chicken thighs and garlic bread are one of the best sides you can serve with mushroom risotto.
Add the thigh meat to a tray, then place them in an oven. And again, bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until they have browned on top. You can also mix your favorite herbs into the mixture, like thyme, oregano, or basil.
Meanwhile, cook your garlic bread in a skillet over medium heat for about two minutes per side until it has a nice crust, and cut it into slices once it is done cooking.
For your meal to be complete, you will need freshly chopped parsley as a garnish for both the thighs and bread.
9. Seared Scallops
Seared scallops make an excellent side dish for mushroom risotto. Add butter, salt, and pepper to a heated skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the scallops, cooking each side for about 2 minutes. Next, remove from the pan, and repeat until all the scallops are cooked.
Finally, add lemon juice to the empty pan and deglaze with some white wine until smooth before pouring the scallops into a serving dish.
Scallops are rich in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. Making them a perfect appetizer or light meal on their own! Seared scallops are a great option if you are looking for what to serve with mushroom risotto.
10. Pan-seared Steak
Every good mushroom risotto has a terrific side dish, and a pan-seared steak is usually a great option. It adds some texture and dimension; try pan-searing steak by setting it on top of the risotto as it finishes cooking in the oven.
This will enhance flavor and give your meat a bit of chewiness that compliments the dish’s creamy texture.
And while steak might seem like an odd accompaniment for mushrooms, this traditional Italian combination is so popular it merits its name: Saltimbocca Alla Romana or jumps in mouth, which is likely why James Beard declared this beef version one of his favorite ways to prepare both slices of meat.
11. Roasted Sausage and Peppers
Considering what to serve with mushroom risotto during supper with the family. You need a dish like this sheet pan sausage and peppers.
This one-sheet pan supper can roast in the oven while you multitask by making your mushroom risotto on the stovetop.
If you plan your time well, you’ll be able to complete both dishes on schedule and serve them hot and fresh. However, try using a spicy sausage like chipotle flavored so the dish will have some kick.
12. Shrimp Scampi
Get ready for some tasty seafood! This shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish of breaded shrimp cooked in buttery garlic, lemon, and wine sauce.
Whether you make it traditionally or change the flavors, you will love this recipe either way. It’s a good side dish for mushroom risotto because it has many flavors that go well with mushrooms.
13. Creamed Spinach
One great option for a delicious side dish for what to serve with your mushroom risotto is creamed spinach, and it’s easy enough to make as well.
So if you’re looking for something quick yet flavorful, this may be a perfect choice. The creaminess from the heavy cream makes this a delicious option when paired with any meal.
Conclusion
If you are looking for what to serve with mushroom risotto, make sure to add these delicious options. Each brings something different to the table, from a splash of color to comforting flavors.
Mushroom risotto is a luxurious and creamy dish that makes a satisfying meal for a special occasion. These easy side dishes complement the mushroom risotto well. Have a favorite not listed here? All is well and good.
