Thanksgiving Rice Stuffing
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Thanksgiving Rice Stuffing
This Wild Rice Stuffing is the ultimate holiday side dish, bursting with nutty, earthy flavors and a celebration of textures. Made from scratch with wild rice, savory mushrooms, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s a vegetarian stuffing option that brings a touch of elegance to any feast. Ready in just over an hour, this easy recipe is perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner or any cozy autumn gathering.
I discovered the magic of wild rice while traveling through the Midwest, and it quickly became a staple in my holiday cooking. There’s something about its chewy texture and deep, nutty flavor that transforms a simple side into the star of the table. This particular wild rice mushroom stuffing has been my go-to for years, especially when paired with a classic Thanksgiving turkey and a spread of other easy Thanksgiving side dishes. It’s the dish my family requests most, a testament to its comforting, unforgettable taste.
What Makes This Wild Rice Stuffing Special
- Made From Scratch Flavor: Toasting the nuts and using fresh herbs creates a complex, aromatic profile that far surpasses any boxed mix.
- Perfect Texture Combination: The chewy wild rice, tender vegetables, and crunchy pecans offer a delightful contrast in every single bite.
- Wonderfully Versatile: It’s a fantastic vegetarian stuffing option that can easily be adapted with sausage or different dried fruits to suit any taste.
- Make-Ahead Ease: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance, which simplifies your holiday cooking schedule tremendously.
Everything for Your Perfect Wild Rice Stuffing
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Cooked Wild Rice: Three cups of cooked rice provides the hearty, nutty base for this holiday stuffing recipe.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the final seasoning of the dish perfectly.
- Yellow Onion & Celery: Finely chopping these creates a flavorful soffritto that forms the foundation of the stuffing.
- Cremini Mushrooms: These earthy mushrooms brown beautifully and release a deep, savory liquid that enhances the overall flavor.
- Fresh Garlic, Sage, Thyme & Parsley: Fresh herbs are essential for the brightest, most aromatic results in this wild rice mushroom stuffing.
- Dried Cranberries: They add a necessary pop of sweet-tartness that balances the savory elements.
- Pecans or Walnuts: Toasting the nuts beforehand will maximize their crunch and rich flavor.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth Using a high-quality broth is key to building a deeply flavorful vegetarian stuffing option.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously to taste, as the rice and vegetables need it.
Wild Rice Stuffing
Try this delicious wild rice stuffing with mushrooms, cranberries and pecans – the perfect Thanksgiving side dish that’s ready in just over an hour.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- knife
- measuring spoons
- oven
- baking dish
- skillet or Dutch oven
- cutting board
- measuring cups
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked wild rice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter plus more for greasing the dish
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery finely chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with unsalted butter or cooking spray and set it aside.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and celery, cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and translucent.
- Stir in the sliced cremini mushrooms and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and started to brown.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the minced fresh sage, minced fresh thyme, chopped fresh parsley, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans or walnuts. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Add the 3 cups of cooked wild rice to the skillet, along with the 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and thoroughly coated with the broth.
- Pour the wild rice mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the stuffing is heated through and bubbly around the edges. Let the wild rice stuffing rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add mozzarella or feta for a cheesy twist. Let dough rise in a warm oven (off) for faster proofing.
Ways to Customize Your Stuffing
- Add Sausage: For a heartier version, brown and crumble a half-pound of mild Italian sausage with the onions and celery.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be certain your broth is certified gluten-free.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in a half-cup of grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese during the final five minutes of baking.
My Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffing
- Use Fresh Herbs: The flavor of fresh sage and thyme is far superior to dried in this holiday stuffing recipe.
- Get the Right Texture: Be sure to cook the mushrooms until all their liquid has evaporated and they begin to brown for the best flavor.
- Avoid Sogginess: Let the finished Wild Rice Stuffing rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this allows the broth to fully absorb.
- Season Properly: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust the salt and pepper, as the rice will absorb a lot of the seasoning.
Keeping Your Wild Rice Stuffing Fresh
- Store: Place cooled stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This stuffing freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag.
- Reheat: Warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the entire stuffing a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use uncooked wild rice for stuffing?
No, you must use fully cooked wild rice. Uncooked wild rice requires a much longer cooking time and significantly more liquid than this baking method provides. I recommend cooking the wild rice separately according to package directions before combining it with the other ingredients for this recipe.
What is the difference between stuffing and dressing?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but technically, stuffing is cooked inside the bird, while dressing is baked in a separate dish. This recipe is a dressing, baked in its own casserole dish, which is a safer and more reliable method for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
How do you keep wild rice stuffing from being dry?
The key is using the correct amount of broth and not over-baking. Ensure you use the full two cups of broth and cover the dish for the first 25 minutes of baking to steam the rice. Letting it rest before serving also allows the grains to absorb any remaining liquid fully.
Can you make wild rice stuffing the day before?
Absolutely. This is an excellent make-ahead side dish. Simply prepare the recipe through step 5, transfer it to the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. The next day, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.
Other Favorite Holiday Side Dishes
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Honey Roasted Carrots
- Corn Casserole
- Homemade Dinner Rolls
- Grandma’s Classic Stuffing
Why This Wild Rice Stuffing Is A Favorite
With its incredible texture and sophisticated flavor profile, this Wild Rice Stuffing is more than just a side dish, it’s a memorable part of the meal. It’s easy to make from scratch and always receives rave reviews from guests. I hope it becomes a cherished part of your holiday traditions, bringing warmth and wonderful taste to your table for years to come.
