Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

If you’re looking for a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, then you’ve found it in this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress—whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner, a festive family gathering, or even just because you deserve something delicious. The combination of fresh herbs, apples, cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful medley that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, making it a great option for diverse dietary needs!

This stuffing is not just a side dish; it’s hearty enough to stand on its own. You can enjoy it alongside your favorite main course or as a comforting meal all by itself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The combination of wild rice and quinoa gives this stuffing a unique texture and taste that’s simply irresistible.
• Family-friendly: With its wholesome ingredients and delicious flavors, everyone at the table will love digging in.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare this stuffing in advance and bake it when you’re ready to serve—perfect for busy days!
• Versatile: This recipe is flexible enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand or prefer.
• Health-conscious: Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa and cranberries, this stuffing is as good for you as it is tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing. Each one plays an important role in building the flavor and texture of the dish.

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

The Grains

• 2 cups uncooked wild rice blend (I prefer a blend of 50% wild rice and 50% brown rice)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed well)

For Added Flavor

• 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 parts about this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is how flexible it is! Feel free to experiment with different flavors or add your favorite ingredients.

• Add some spice: Mix in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño if you love a little heat.
• Incorporate seasonal veggies: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted butternut squash for extra richness.
• Switch up the nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work beautifully too!
• Make it fruity: Toss in some chopped dried apricots or figs for an added layer of sweetness.

How to Make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. When hot, add the onions and celery. Cook them until they soften, which takes about 5 minutes. Then stir in the apples, garlic, thyme, and salt. This step builds a fragrant base that adds depth to your stuffing!

Step 2: Add Liquids & Grains

Stir in the white grape juice and then add the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil! Once boiling, stir in the wild rice blend. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer until the rice is tender—this usually takes about 35 minutes. Afterward, stir in the rinsed quinoa and cover again to cook until it’s fluffy—around another 15 minutes.

Step 3: Mix In Flavorful Extras

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in dried cranberries, chopped pecans, half of the parsley, and sage into your cooked grains. Give it all a taste; feel free to adjust seasoning with more salt if needed before removing from heat.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease your casserole dish with olive oil. Scoop your flavorful mixture into the dish without mashing it down—lightly mound it instead! Bake until golden brown for about 25-30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Drizzle with just a little more olive oil once out of the oven and sprinkle with remaining parsley before serving. Enjoy every bite of this delicious Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating a delicious Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is all about the little details—follow these tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and sage bring vibrant flavors that dried herbs simply can’t match. Their aroma will fill your kitchen and make your stuffing irresistible.
• Soak your wild rice: If time allows, soaking wild rice for a few hours can help reduce cooking time and improve texture. This step ensures that your rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t be afraid to taste your mixture before baking! Adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the overall flavor profile, making it truly memorable.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffing to rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more cohesive dish that’s easier to serve.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients such as chopped mushrooms or roasted butternut squash. These additions can provide different textures and flavors that make the stuffing uniquely yours!

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Serving your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is just as important as preparing it. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dish at your table!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkling some fresh green onions on top adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the stuffing beautifully.
• Pomegranate seeds: A handful of pomegranate seeds not only adds a burst of freshness but also brings an attractive visual appeal with their jewel-like appearance.
• Toasted sunflower seeds: For a crunchy finish, scatter some toasted sunflower seeds over the stuffing. They add texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These caramelized veggies offer earthy flavors that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the stuffing, making them a perfect sidekick.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic create a comforting pair alongside the stuffing, offering an indulgent option for those looking for heartiness.
• Maple-glazed carrots: Sweet and tender, maple-glazed carrots add both color and sweetness to your plate, enhancing the overall experience of your meal.
• Mixed green salad: A fresh salad tossed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of your stuffing, making it an excellent addition to any dinner table.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your flavorful Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion the stuffing into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the bags with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
• You can also microwave individual portions; heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that readers often have:

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

Absolutely! This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving.

What variations can I try with Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

Feel free to add your favorite nuts, dried fruits, or even different herbs to customize this stuffing to your taste!

Is Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as it contains no gluten ingredients. Be sure to check any packaged items like vegetable broth or rice blends for gluten content if you’re sensitive.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing as much as I do! It’s not only packed with flavor but also accommodates various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking!