All of the Best Side Dishes & Mains To Serve With Your Amazing Risotto (2024)

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When you're wondering what to serve with risotto, all you have to do is browse my amazing collection of fabulous sides and more! These are all of the best side dishes for serving with risotto! Plus perfectly hearty proteins to serve up with, over, or in any delicious risotto meal!

All of the Best Side Dishes & Mains To Serve With Your Amazing Risotto (1)

Everything you need to combine the best mains, sides, and more for your risotto meal!

I don’t know who came up with it, but cooking rice in wine and stock was a brilliant creation that has made the world a better place.At least for our taste buds.But what do you serve with the oh-so-creamy dream dish?

If you’re looking for ideas, you’ve come to the right place.There are many ways to make risotto. The key to finding a good, complimentary dish is balance.

Jump to:
  • 1. Scallops
  • 2. Asparagus
  • 3. Sauteed Mushrooms
  • 4. Green Beans
  • 5. Shrimp
  • 6. Oven Baked Chicken
  • 7. Roasted Carrots
  • 8. Reverse Seared Steak
  • 9. Roasted Broccoli
  • 10. Grilled Lamb Breast
  • 11. Smoked Prime Rib
  • 12. Baked Salmon
  • 13. Broiled Lobster Tails
  • 14. Antipasto
  • 15. Caprese Salad
  • 16. Marinated Olives
  • 😋 Best Risotto Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • What To Serve With Risotto: Broiled Ribeye (+More Great Ideas!)
  • IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric
  • Instructions
  • Notes
  • 💬 Reviews

What would elevate the meal for you? A juicy piece of meat? A vegetable?Perhaps you’re more of a seafood enthusiast?

Regardless of your preferences, I have all of the very best side dishes for risotto gathered here for you!

1. Scallops

Scallops are an excellent side dish to a rich, flavorful plate of risotto. It's a common pairing, and for good reason too!

Picture a golden, buttery crust and a soft inside. I’m salivating just thinking about it. Simple and delicious!

Pan Seared Scallops

These pan-seared scallops are easy to make at home, with a delightfully golden crust on tasty restaurant-quality scallops. Cooking your sea scallops to perfection is much easier than you think. They are a real treat to enjoy on special occasions, date nights, or when entertaining guests.

Check out this recipe

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2. Asparagus

Green vegetables also work really well to balance out the risotto carbs.This recipe uses an air fryer, so not only are they bursting with Parmesan flavor, but they’re incredibly fast to throw together.

You can also try them with a drizzle of balsamic, a sometimes overlooked and underrated pairing for asparagus.You won’t regret it!

Air Fryer Asparagus

This air fryer asparagus is roasted to perfection in just minutes. It's an easy vegetable side dish that the whole family will love! All it takes is some asparagus, extra virgin olive oil, and salt & pepper (for extra flavor, you can add some Parmesan cheese)! Give it a try; it will be your new favorite method for cooking asparagus!

Check out this recipe

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3. Sauteed Mushrooms

Speaking of balsamic - these sauteed balsamic mushrooms are to die for!A side of these tasty mushrooms is just what risotto needs!

These rich, cheesy, sauteed mushrooms are the tangy counterpart to your risotto!

Who knew putting a bit of brown sugar on mushrooms could be so good?

SautĂŠed Balsamic Mushrooms

These sauteed balsamic mushrooms are a quick, easy, and amazingly tasty appetizer or side dish that's ready to serve in under 10 minutes! They're perfect for topping your favorite grilled meats like burgers or steaks, or tossing in some cooked pasta or rice! No matter the way you serve them, the balsamic glaze adds a ton of flavor that everyone will enjoy!

Check out this recipe

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4. Green Beans

This classic gets a new spin swapping the typical “boil in broth” for pan-frying.It will leave you with the same great flavor of bacon and garlic with a bit of crunch.And only 25 minutes from start to finish!

Bring some vitamins to the table with a tried and true veggie side dish. It doesn’t even have to be a holiday!

Garlic Green Beans with Bacon

These garlic green beans are a tasty vegetable side dish that goes well with a variety of main dish entrees! With 8 hearty servings, it's a wonderful holiday recipe because it's easy to prepare and great for serving a crowd! After all, who doesn't love buttery pan-fried garlic green beans with bacon?

Check out this recipe

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5. Shrimp

If you’ve never made shrimp in an air fryer, this is a great place to start!Spice it up any way you want, and finish it off in under 10 minutes from a completely frozen state.

Since there are so many different ways to flavor this main course or side dish, you can always find a way to pair tender shrimp with your risotto.

Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp

These air-fryer frozen shrimp come straight out of the freezer and can still be on your table, ready to eat in just 10 minutes. Cooking times are also noted for fresh shrimp, cooked frozen shrimp, and breaded frozen shrimp, so you can have your choice cooked up in no time. Plus, you can also make a tasty shrimp co*cktail in a hurry.

Check out this recipe

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6. Oven Baked Chicken

Not interested in a rich main dish with your deliciously rich and creamy risotto?Baked chicken is a fantastic choice!

This recipe creates tender, moist pieces of chicken breast with nicely seasoned, crispy skin.This easy chicken is a very family-friendly option that won’t sacrifice flavor!

Oven Baked Split Chicken Breasts (Bone-In)

These oven-baked split chicken breasts are an easy, healthy, and delicious choice for dinner any night of the week. My bone-in-baked chicken breasts turn out beautifully with a crispy seasoned skin while retaining their juices for perfect, tender, moist chicken meat. Pair this dish with any of your favorite sides for a well-rounded and complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Check out this recipe

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7. Roasted Carrots

My Honey and Herbs Oven Roasted Carrots are another easy side dish for risotto that the whole family will love! I make this slightly sweet but extremely flavorful side in the oven year-round!

The sweetness of the honey combined with rosemary and thyme are amazing but don’t take my word for it.Try it out!It’s as colorful as it is delicious!

Honey and Herb Roasted Carrots Recipe

This honey and herb oven-roasted carrots recipe is so flavorful and easy to prepare that it's quickly become a new family favorite! Even though I am REALLY looking forward to summer weather for outdoor grilling, oven roasting is simply the way to go when it comes to cooking vegetables to perfection. No more steaming, no more microwavable bags...crank up the oven temps and get roasting!

Check out this recipe

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8. Reverse Seared Steak

When you really want an amazing steak, check out this reverse sear tomahawk steak recipe.Don't let the "reverse-seared” name sound intimidating, all it means is that you start out low and slow, finishing off the process with a high-heat sear. All in the oven!

It doesn’t get better than this: perfect crust on the outside with plenty of juice on the inside. The richness is of my tomahawk steak is the perfect main dish to serve with my Parmesan risotto!

Reverse Sear Tomahawk Steak (in oven)

A reverse sear tomahawk steak is a tasty, tender, and juicy steak that can be cooked to absolute perfection no matter the thickness. This 2-inch thick tomahawk steak was cooked and seared in the oven with amazing results, no matter the fact that I don't have a single pan that the giant cut would have fit into. Find out what the 'reverse sear' buzz is all about!

Check out this recipe

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9. Roasted Broccoli

Here’s another amazing veggie side for you.Roasting broccoli gives it an incredible flavor that you just can’t get on the stove.

Sprinkle it with a little garlic and Parmesan, and you’ve got an unstoppable side dish that goes with pretty much everything.And it's particularly tasty when paired with risotto!

If you’re already making Italian, what’s a little extra garlic and cheese?This recipe even works well when using frozen broccoli!

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic and Parmesan

My easy oven roasted broccoli with garlic and Parmesan cheese combines my favorite flavors in a staple dinner side dish. I love the wonderful garlic flavor and rich Parmesan cheese topping that make this recipe hard to beat. Plus, roasting brings out a different broccoli flavor that's a treat for all veggie lovers.

Check out this recipe

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10. Grilled Lamb Breast

Season this overnight, and you’ll have an impressive main dish that will have people going back for more.Salt, parsley, rosemary, oregano, sage, orange peel, onion powder, and smoked paprika make this lamb outstanding!

I find lamb to be an amazing treat or special occasion food, and this recipe really makes it celebratory.So, if you just got a raise, bought a house, or met up with an old friend, make it a night to remember by serving this with your risotto!

Bone-In Grilled Lamb Breast

This grilled lamb breast recipe is enhanced with a special rub and expertly seared to perfection. This dish is full of Mediterranean flavors, making it a great choice for special events because of its special seasoning. The lamb rub makes the meat taste amazing, and you'll love it so much you'll want to use it on other foods, too.

Check out this recipe

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11. Smoked Prime Rib

Prime rib is another red meat option for those of you looking to pair your risotto with the perfect protein.If done right, it will be the co-star of your risotto meal.

Garlic, onion, paprika, rosemary, and even a bit of chili or cayenne pepper give this some spice!It makes an excellent holiday dish, especially with family in town!

All of the prep work can be done in 15 minutes, so you can visit with your relatives for a few hours after transferring the roast into the smoker.

With the long smoking time, flavors blend in a way that just can’t be done in a pan!

Smoked Prime Rib

This smoked prime rib is sure to be the star of any occasion and a fitting centerpiece to holiday meals and Christmas gatherings! Everyone will be feeling extra joyful with a juicy hunk of smoked beef on the table. Check out all of my tips and walk-through instructions for perfectly smoking your boneless prime rib or standing rib roast this holiday!

Check out this recipe

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12. Baked Salmon

Notes of lemon, garlic, and butter make baked salmon a great choice for those looking for lighter fare.Summer or not, sometimes, you just feel like something a little more refreshing.

This easy, baked salmon recipe does the trick! Cooking your salmon in foil keeps the moisture and the flavor where it should be - in the fish. 🙂

Once your salmon is ready to serve, pair it with a hearty helping of risotto for a family meal that everyone will love!

Baked Salmon In Foil

This Baked Salmon wrapped in Foil is quick and easy. It combines bright lemon, garlic, and sumptuous butter notes wrapped in a foil packet. It creates a dreamy dish that comes together right in your oven! This is the perfect light Sunday supper you can have ready and on the table in no time!

Check out this recipe

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13. Broiled Lobster Tails

Tender, perfectly broiled lobster tails were made for serving with risotto! The classic pairing is one of my favorites to serve with my simple Parmesan risotto. Yum!

The timing of preparing this duo works beautifully as well. Start your risotto while your oven warms to a nice, hot broil.

Broil the lobster in the last few minutes of finishing your risotto and they'll be ready to serve nice and hot!

Broiled Lobster Tail

This broiled lobster tail recipe makes a rich and delicious seafood main dish. They cook super quick in the oven and only take about 15 minutes from start to finish! Follow along to make these fabulous lobster tails that turn out tender, juicy, and perfectly flavored every time!

Check out this recipe

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14. Antipasto

Nothing says traditional Italian like an antipasto platter.Pick and choose your favorites of the classics or have a bit of everything!

You can put together as much or as little as you’d like!

While everyone does things slightly differently, the usual fare on an antipasto platter includes thinly sliced, cured meats, olives, pepperoncini, artichokes, mushrooms, anchovies, a variety of cheeses, and vegetables in vinegar or oil.

Sometimes, a sliced baguette or crackers can be a nice addition.Nuts are atypical but go well on an antipasto platter also.

The best part about this is how beautiful it can look when you put it all together, so be creative and have fun with it!

15. Caprese Salad

Caprese is as good as your ingredients are fresh.Get the best mozzarella ball you can find, and buy fresh basil and tomatoes.Bonus points if you grow your own!

Even taking the time to find a special olive oil can take this dish from good to great! There’s a reason those specialty stores stay in business.Go check them out and explore what they have to offer!

I find that a classic Caprese salad is a great way to enjoy an Italian-themed night! It's a fantastic addition to your risotto dinner!

16. Marinated Olives

For all of you olive fans out there, this is a great time to bring out the marinated options.While gourmet or specialty stores tend to have the most choices, you should be able to find at least one or two brands at your local grocery store.

The salty taste pairs really well with the creamy risotto.I also like to serve these as part of a charcuterie board or an antipasto platter (see above) before dinner is ready if I’m having a party or hosting company.

😋 Best Risotto Recipes

  • Lobster Risotto - This is my number one pick, hands down! The creamy consistency is made unbelievable with a touch of mascarpone and topped off to amazing heights with tender pieces of fresh lobster!
  • Crab Risotto - Sticking with my 'seafood needs risotto' theme, is my family favorite crab risotto! Either one of these amazing risotto recipes will feature your fresh seafood and combine into a hearty meal that everyone will love!
  • Mushroom Risotto - A hearty, filling risotto that the whole family loves to enjoy! This is one of my favorite all-around risottos to serve with anything!

We hope that you enjoy a fabulous, rich, and tasty risotto dinner with these ideas for the best sides to serve with your meal! Be sure to share your favorite sides in the comments below and check back in to let us know what you liked best! Enjoy!

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What To Serve With Risotto: Broiled Ribeye (+More Great Ideas!)

When you're wondering what to serve with risotto, all you have to do is browse my amazing collection of fabulous sides and more! These are all of the best side dishes for serving with risotto! Plus perfectly hearty proteins to serve up with, over, or in any delicious risotto meal!

Author | Angela

Servings: 3 servings

Calories: 317kcal

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cooking 15 minutes minutes

Resting Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz ribeye steak (between 1 ½ to 2 inches thick)
  • ½ tablespoon steak seasoning (see recipe or use your favorite)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

  • If time allows, set your ribeye out to warm to room temperature 30 minutes to one hour before cooking. It helps the steak to cook evenly and quickly.

  • Preheat your broiler to high (or just set to broil if you do not have a high setting option) and move your top oven rack to the second highest position.

  • Season your steak generously, getting the sides of the steak as well. Place onto a broiling pan or in a baking dish on a wire cooling rack. *You can also line a tray or pan with aluminum foil if you do not have a rack that fits your pans or baking sheets.

  • Place your seasoned steak into the center of the raised rack and cook both sides for 7 minutes (for medium-rare) or 9 minutes (for medium) steaks.

  • Remove from the oven and transfer to your cutting board or plate then loosely 'tent' with a sheet of aluminum foil. Allow the broiled ribeye to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Thinner cuts of steak can also be cooked using this method, just reduce the cooking time and keep a close eye on your beefy main!
  • You can (optionally) coat all surfaces of your ribeye steak with a light layer of olive oil before seasoning if desired. However, it really isn't necessary - I've tried it both ways many times, and do not have a preference.
  • Season your steak either well in advance (40 minutes or more) or immediately before cooking (within 3 minutes of going into the oven) to keep your ribeye delightfully moist!

Nutrition

Calories: 317kcal (16%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 30g (60%) | Fat: 21g (32%) | Saturated Fat: 10g (63%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 92mg (31%) | Sodium: 79mg (3%) | Potassium: 410mg (12%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 40IU (1%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 17mg (2%) | Iron: 3mg (17%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

Broiled Ribeye Steak, ribeye steak, tomahawk steak, What To Serve With Risotto

Course Beef Dishes, Dinner Recipes, Main Dish

Cuisine American

All of the Best Side Dishes & Mains To Serve With Your Amazing Risotto (2024)

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