Wild Rice Stuffing

If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on your traditional Thanksgiving spread, this Wild Rice Stuffing recipe is the best addition! It’s full of Fall flavors from fresh herbs, toasted pecans, and cranberries and loaded with meaty mushroom flavor. But, it is still a healthy side dish that gluten-free guests and vegetarians can enjoy!

Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries

Thanksgiving is a LOT of tradition. And often “tradition” gets confused with “boring,” but that doesn’t have to be the case.

In fact, there are SO many different dishes that would be an incredible addition to the Thanksgiving spread, and this Wild Rice Stuffing is the perfect example.

It’s a Fall flavor-packed recipe full of nutritious wild rice, meaty mushrooms, sweet cranberries, and tons of fresh herbs.

You can either serve it up on the side as-is for a vegetarian option or use it to stuff your chicken or turkey.

It’s the perfect side dish if you’re looking for gluten-free stuffing with all the classic flavors.

However you prepare it, I promise you this: your family will be begging you to make this new addition part of your Thanksgiving tradition for years to come!

Ingredients

To make this delicious wild rice stuffing recipe you need:

• Wild rice. A wild rice blend gives an excellent balance of flavor and texture. It should be in the rice and pasta aisle at the grocery store. (You can also use regular wild rice instead of a blend if you’d like! Learn how to cook Wild Rice or Instant Pot Wild Rice.)
• Broth. You can choose between chicken broth or vegetable broth. Look for a regular-sodium option for the best results.
• Butter or oil. Both butter and oil work well. You can go with olive oil or avocado oil, whichever you prefer.
• Vegetables. Just like with traditional stuffing, you’ll want a base of diced onion and celery. You’ll also want some baby bella mushrooms, which go amazingly well with the wild rice.
• Garlic. Check out how to mince garlic so you can easily use it in all your favorite recipes. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but it won’t have the same flavor.
• Herbs. Fresh herbs are key! You’ll want sage, rosemary, and fresh thyme for this dish. Of course, you’ll also need sea salt and black pepper.
• Pecans. Raw pecans are added just before baking. You can use another nut if needed, but pecans have the best taste and texture for this recipe. (Toast pecans before mixing in to add even more flavor!)
• Dried cranberries. Look for an option with low or no sugar for the healthiest stuffing.
• Citrus. You can choose either freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice, whichever you prefer.
• Toppings. Whip up some roasted pumpkin seeds for an irresistible crunch.

How to Make Wild Rice Stuffing

Below are the steps to make this wild rice dressing recipe at home:

Cook the Wild Rice

Preheat the oven to 375℉.

Add the wild rice blend along with the broth to a medium-sized saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high or medium-high heat on the stove top.

Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer the rice for 40-45 minutes, just until the rice is tender. You might need to drain off the excess liquid in a colander.

The cooking times will vary based on whether you choose plain wild rice or a blend. 

Note: you can use a rice cooker, but the cook time will be different.

Sauté the Veggies

While the rice is simmering, add 2 tablespoons of the butter or oil to a large skillet, pot, or Dutch oven. Stir in the diced onion and celery. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the mushrooms and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes. When there is about a minute left, stir the minced garlic into the sautéed mushrooms and veggies.

Mix in Seasonings

Turn off the heat. Stir in the cooked wild rice mixture, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.

After it’s thoroughly combined, sprinkle the pecans on top. Don’t stir them in or they won’t get as toasted when you bake it.

If you prefer, you can transfer the ingredients to an 8×10-inch baking dish before cooking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes. The pecans should just be turning a darker golden brown.

Add the Cranberries

After the stuffing is finished baking, remove the dish from the oven. Then, stir in the cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and citrus juice.

Before serving, top with additional fresh herbs.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: Chop the veggies and cook the rice the day before if needed. Just be sure to keep everything in the fridge.
• How to store: Keep leftover wild rice stuffing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
• How to freeze: You can freeze wild rice stuffing for up to 3 to 4 months in a freezer safe container. However, the mushrooms’ texture will change upon thawing.
• How to reheat: Warm leftover stuffing back up in the oven for the best results. You can also use the microwave.

What is the best way to cook wild rice?

The best way to cook wild rice is with broth in a saucepan. Be aware that wild rice takes around 40 minutes to cook on the stove.

What is the difference between wild rice and a wild rice blend?

Wild rice, which is actually a seed and not rice, can either come by itself or in a blend with regular rice. Depending on the brand, it might have white rice or brown rice included. It has a delicious, nutty flavor and chewy texture. Be careful which you buy as they have different preparation instructions.

Why is stuffing a side dish?

Stuffing is typically considered a side dish because it has a carbohydrate base—like cornbread, bread, or rice—and is intended to pair with a protein.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Dairy-free: Stick with oil instead of butter.
• Vegetarian: Choose vegetable broth rather than chicken.
• Nut-free: Leave the pecans out.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Read the label. Pay attention to whether you’re grabbing wild rice or a wild rice blend, as that affects the cooking time.
• Chop early. You can prep ahead by cutting the onion and celery (and even cooking them!) a day ahead of time.
• Sprinkle on top. Don’t stir the pecans into the stuffing so they get nice and toasty.
• Go fresh. Avoid dried herbs for the most flavor.
• Add some extra. You can include additional herbs, like fresh parsley, for more of a kick in this delicious side dish.

What to Serve with Wild Rice Stuffing

This is the perfect side to pair with any of your favorite protein main dishes. Try one of these healthy recipes with it next!

Wild Rice Stuffing goes excellent with the flavors in this Olive Garden Chicken Marsala or this Chicken Cordon Bleu.

You can also serve it with Baked BBQ Chicken, Glazed Balsamic Chicken, or even Spatchcock Chicken.

And don’t forget to put it on your Thanksgiving Dinner menu!

More Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

If you’re ready to impress all your guests for Thanksgiving (or any holiday meal), whip up any of these tasty side dishes.

For more traditional bread stuffing, go with Cajun Cornbread Stuffing or Sausage Stuffing.

The whole family will love this Corn Soufflé Casserole or Mashed Butternut Squash.

Add some healthy greens with Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts and Green Bean Casserole from Scratch.

Top the turkey with Orange Cranberry Sauce or Orange Cranberry Relish!