If you’ve struggled to achieve the perfect risotto, this is the recipe you need. Today, we’re making a delicious simple cheese risotto that serves as the perfect foundation for endless variations. Want to add salmon? Simply fold in cooked salmon at the end of this process. We’re sharing all the pro tips and secrets to help you master a restaurant-quality, creamy risotto at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 6-7 cups vegetable or chicken broth, kept warm
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
How to Make Simple Risotto:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the Arborio rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the edges are translucent.
- Pour in the white wine and stir until completely absorbed by the rice.
- Add a ladle of warm broth, stirring constantly until almost absorbed. Repeat this process, adding one ladle at a time, until the rice is tender but still al dente.
- Once the rice is al dente, remove from heat. Stir in the Gouda, Parmesan, and Mozzarella.
- Stir vigorously until the cheeses are melted and the risotto is silky and creamy.
- Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
- Finish by stirring in the remaining tablespoon of cold butter to give the risotto a glossy, professional sheen.
Pro Tip:
Continuous stirring is essential to release the starches from the rice, creating that signature creamy texture. Always keep your broth warm on a separate burner to ensure the rice cooks evenly without dropping in temperature.
Why You’ll Love It:
The secret to exceptional risotto lies in patience and the gentle agitation of the rice. This cheese risotto is a versatile base, making it the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Mix in your favorite seasonal vegetables or proteins to create your own signature dish!