Go Back
+ servings
Thanksgiving Wild Rice: Creamy, Flavorful & Easy Side

Thanksgiving Wild Rice: Creamy, Flavorful & Easy Side Delight

This Thanksgiving Wild Rice is a creamy, flavorful, and easy side dish that perfectly complements your holiday table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 cup Wild Rice Blend Substitute with brown rice for a different profile.
  • 4 cups Vegetable Broth Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 medium Onion Substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Celery Feel free to leave it out if preferred.
  • 1 cup Carrots Can be swapped for bell peppers.
  • 1 cup Cremini Mushrooms Can be replaced with shiitake or button mushrooms.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh garlic for a brighter taste.
  • 1 cup Pecans Can be substituted with walnuts or omitted.
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Sage, Rosemary) Dried herbs can be used if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Dried cherries can be a substitute.
  • 1 medium Apple Optional; can be replaced with pears.

Equipment

  • medium pot
  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Rinse wild rice under cold water. In a medium pot, combine rinsed wild rice with vegetable broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45-55 minutes until tender.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet. Sauté chopped onion, celery, and carrots for 8-10 minutes until soft.
  3. Increase heat and add sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook for 7-10 minutes until browned.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and thyme, sage, rosemary. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
  5. Optional: Pour in white wine to deglaze the skillet, simmer for 3-5 minutes until reduced.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with cooked wild rice and dried cranberries. Mix gently.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover for last 10 minutes if crispy top desired.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional cranberries and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is also an option for longer storage.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!