Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish that will impress everyone at your table, then you need to try this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved the day for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s packed with flavor from fresh herbs, sweet apples, and tangy cranberries, making it not only delightful but also a wholesome choice. Plus, it’s vegetarian, vegan, AND gluten-free—perfect for all your loved ones!

This stuffing is more than just a side dish; it can stand on its own as a satisfying main course, especially for those who might want to skip the turkey. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it during every season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Fresh: The combination of herbs, fruits, and nuts brings a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty stuffing—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
• Nutritious & Filling: Packed with protein-rich quinoa and wholesome ingredients that will keep everyone satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is easy with these simple and wholesome ingredients. Let’s gather what we need to bring this dish to life!

For the Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (+ more for greasing the baking dish + more for drizzling over the top)
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped [about 1/2 cup])
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
• 2 medium cloves garlic (peeled and finely minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste

For Cooking

• 1/2 cup dry-ish white grape juice
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

For the Grain Mixture

• 2 cups uncooked wild rice blend (preferably 50% wild rice and 50% brown rice)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed well)

For the Finishing Touches

• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1 cup raw pecans (chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley + 1/4 cup more for topping after baking
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves (minced)

Variations

One of the best things about this stuffing is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Switch Up the Nuts: If pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or sliced almonds would be delicious alternatives.
• Incorporate Different Fruits: Use dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries for a different flavor profile.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with tarragon or rosemary if you prefer other herbal notes in your stuffing.

How to Make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. When it’s hot, toss in the onions and celery. Cook them until they are soft—this should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the apples, garlic, thyme, and salt. Sautéing these aromatics not only enhances their natural sweetness but also builds a flavorful foundation for your stuffing.

Step 2: Bring It All Together

Stir in the grape juice and then add the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil before stirring in the wild rice blend. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer until the rice is tender—this should take around 35 minutes. Now add in the rinsed quinoa and cover again; cook until it’s tender too—about another 15 minutes. Stir in cranberries, pecans, parsley, and sage at this stage. Taste your mixture; if it needs more salt, feel free to add it!

Step 3: Bake Your Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while greasing a large casserole dish with olive oil. Lightly scoop your rice mixture into the dish without mashing it down; instead, let it mound up nicely! Bake until golden brown—around 25-30 minutes should do just fine. Once done baking, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle on remaining parsley before serving.

With these steps completed, you now have an amazing Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing ready to share at your next gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating the perfect Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing can be a delightful experience, and these pro tips will help you elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and sage bring vibrant flavors that dried herbs simply can’t match. They enhance the overall taste of the stuffing, making it aromatic and inviting.

• Don’t rush the cooking process: Allowing the wild rice to simmer until tender is crucial. This ensures that each grain absorbs all the delightful flavors from the broth and vegetables, resulting in a richer taste.

• Adjust seasoning to your preference: Tasting as you go is key! Feel free to add more salt or fresh herbs based on your personal taste. This will make your stuffing uniquely yours.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffing to cool slightly after baking helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to serve. Plus, it gives the flavors time to meld together even more.

• Experiment with add-ins: If you want to mix things up, consider adding chopped dried apricots or other nuts like walnuts. These variations can add extra sweetness or crunch, keeping your stuffing exciting!

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Presenting your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing beautifully can make it even more appealing at meal time! Here are some ideas for how to serve this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
• Toasted pecans: For an extra crunchy texture, toss some toasted pecans on top just before serving. They not only add crunch but also enhance the nuttiness of the stuffing.
• Cranberry sauce: A small dollop of cranberry sauce on each serving plate can bring out the sweet-tart notes in the dish, offering a lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

• Roasted seasonal vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and butternut squash brings warmth and earthiness that pair beautifully with the stuffing.

• Mixed green salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the stuffing while adding a crunch.

• Mashed sweet potatoes: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes provide a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements in your stuffing beautifully.

• Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread slices are perfect for scooping up any leftover stuffing on your plate – plus, who doesn’t love garlic bread?

Whether you’re serving this for a festive occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, these tips will help you create an unforgettable meal around your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it later without losing any of that delicious flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Pack the cooled stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For easier reheating, consider portioning it into smaller servings.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the stuffing in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Optionally, drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for quinoa in Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

If you prefer a different grain, try using millet or farro as alternatives. They will provide a similar texture while still being gluten-free.

Is Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses wild rice and quinoa, both of which are naturally gluten-free. It’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten in their diet.

How long can I store leftovers of Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage!

What dishes pair well with Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

This stuffing complements roasted vegetables, salads, or even a light soup beautifully. It’s versatile enough to accompany many meals!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! It’s a special recipe that combines wonderful flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy experimenting with this dish, and don’t hesitate to share your creations! Happy cooking!

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