Champagne Risotto with Parmesan

Name: Champagne Risotto with Parmesan
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup champagne; 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Balanced Healthy Meals Recipes

When I first experimented with champagne in a risotto, I never expected the result to be this delightful. The bubbly wine not only adds a unique depth of flavor but also enhances the creaminess of the dish. As I stirred the arborio rice, the soothing sound and the rich aroma captivated my senses. The addition of Parmesan at the end creates that perfect, velvety finish that makes every bite simply irresistible. It’s a beautiful dish that pairs wonderfully with celebrations and special gatherings alike.

Created by

Harriet Bloom

Last updated on 2026-01-07T10:41:34.640Z

Making champagne risotto was an adventurous culinary journey for me. The first time I made it, I thought the champagne might overpower the risotto, but instead, it elevated the dish beautifully. Using high-quality bubbly made a significant difference in both flavor and aroma. It seamlessly melds with the creamy textures of the arborio rice and the salty notes of the Parmesan.

I discovered that the secret to a great risotto is patience. It's essential to stir consistently and add the broth slowly, allowing each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This technique not only results in a creamy risotto but also allows the flavors to develop fully.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The sophisticated flavor of champagne elevates a classic dish.
Creamy texture that is both comforting and indulgent.
Great for special occasions or a cozy night in with loved ones.

      

The Art of Risotto

Risotto, particularly when made with arborio rice, requires patience and attention. The key to achieving that iconic creamy texture is all in the stirring. As you add the broth, make sure to maintain a gentle simmer; too much heat can cause the rice to cook unevenly. Stir with a wooden spoon in a circular motion, which helps release the starch from the rice, creating that luscious consistency. Trust your instincts and keep tasting as you go to determine when the risotto reaches that perfect al dente texture, usually around 18 to 20 minutes.

Another critical point is the timing of broth addition. Rather than pouring all the broth in at once, which can lead to a gloppy texture, slowly ladle it in. Wait for the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. This gradual process not only enriches the flavor but also ensures the rice cooks evenly. You want to observe a moist, glossy risotto with a slight bite to the rice; this indicates you've achieved the right texture.

Champagne: A Splendid Ingredient

Using champagne in risotto not only enhances the flavor but also contributes a delicate acidity that balances the richness of the Parmesan cheese. The bubbles in champagne help to coax the starches from the rice, adding to that cream-like texture. If you don’t have champagne on hand, a dry sparkling wine or even a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can effectively replace it, although the dish may taste a tad different. Always opt for a wine that you’d enjoy drinking; quality influences the final taste.

When incorporating champagne, it’s essential to let it cook down until most of the liquid has evaporated before adding broth. This step intensifies the flavor and prevents the risotto from becoming overly liquid. As the champagne reduces, you may notice a lovely aroma wafting from the pot – it's part of the magic that makes this dish so special.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your champagne risotto truly special.

Ingredients

1 cup arborio rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup champagne
4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious champagne risotto.

Sauté Onion

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Toast Rice

Add the arborio rice to the skillet, stirring for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.

Add Champagne

Pour in the champagne and cook until it's mostly absorbed, stirring continuously.

Incorporate Broth

Begin adding the warm vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle.

Finish with Parmesan

Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best texture.

Enjoy your luxurious champagne risotto with friends or family!

Pro Tips

Always use a good quality champagne for the best flavor. Stirring consistently helps to release the starches from the rice, creating that signature creamy consistency. You can also replace the vegetable broth with chicken broth for an alternative flavor profile.

Making It Ahead

While risotto is best served fresh, you can prepare it in stages to save time. Sauté the onion and toast the rice in advance, then refrigerate until ready to finish the dish. When you're close to serving, simply heat the mixture and continue adding the broth as instructed. This can save you about 10-15 minutes during meal preparation, especially for gatherings.

If you have leftovers, be mindful that risotto tends to thicken as it cools. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the texture, and warm it gently over low heat, stirring often to maintain creaminess.

Serving Ideas

Serving champagne risotto can be just as delightful as making it. For a more sophisticated touch, consider pairing it with seared scallops or grilled shrimp, which complements the dish’s rich texture. A light salad with a vinaigrette can also add a refreshing contrast to each bite, enhancing the overall dining experience.

For an extra splash of elegance, sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest over the plated risotto. The citrus notes will brighten the flavors and lend a vibrant touch that elevates the dish. Remember, a simple garnish of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that ties everything together beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make risotto ahead of time?

Risotto is best served immediately, but you can prepare the base ahead of time and reheat it gently with a bit of broth.

→ What type of champagne should I use?

A dry champagne or sparkling wine works best, as it will balance the richness of the dish without added sweetness.

→ Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?

While Parmesan is traditional, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as substitutes for a slightly different flavor.

→ Is it necessary to stir constantly when making risotto?

While it's crucial to stir often to release the starches, you don’t have to stir constantly. Just make sure to keep an eye on it!