Rice stuffing brings cozy comfort to the table, packed with buttery sautéed onions, celery, and garlic, plus the warm aroma of thyme and rosemary. Tender long grain rice gets bright pops of sun dried apricots and tart cranberries, while toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch. A splash of apple cider vinegar and rich vegetable broth deepen the flavor, then everything bakes until the top turns lightly golden. Serve rice stuffing as a festive side or an anytime comfort dish, and let every savory bite feel like a warm gathering around the table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Rice stuffing
- It’s a versatile dish that pairs perfectly with any meal.
- Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices.
- Easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
- Can be customized with your favorite vegetables and nuts.
- Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a cozy family dinner.
Rice stuffing
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it get nice and bubbly!
- Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped celery stalk to the skillet. Sauté until they are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 3 cups of cooked rice, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together!
- Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in ¼ cup of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It’s looking good!
- Use the stuffing immediately to fill your poultry or transfer it to a covered dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbs | 28g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make delicious rice stuffing!
- 2 cups cooked white rice – the base of your stuffing
- 1 small onion – finely chopped for flavor
- 1 celery stalk – finely chopped to add crunch
- 1/4 cup butter – for richness
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth – for moisture
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – for freshness
- 1 teaspoon dried sage – to enhance the flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – for seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – a touch of spice
How to Make Rice Stuffing
This delightful rice stuffing is perfect for any occasion! With a preparation time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful side dish ready in no time. If you choose to bake it, add an extra 20 minutes for a warm, comforting finish.
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it get nice and bubbly!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped celery stalk to the skillet. Sauté until they are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Mix in the Rice
Stir in 3 cups of cooked rice, 1 teaspoon of dried sage, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together!
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth. Cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Parsley
Remove from heat and mix in ¼ cup of chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It’s looking good!
Step 6: Stuff or Bake
Use the stuffing immediately to fill your poultry or transfer it to a covered dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Extra Time | 20 minutes (baking) |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Warm as a side dish |
Pro Tips for Making Rice Stuffing
- Choose a mix of rice for varied texture and flavor.
- Toast the rice in a bit of olive oil for a nutty taste.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor.
- Let the stuffing sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
How to Serve this Rice stuffing
- Serve it as a hearty side dish alongside roasted chicken or turkey.
- Pair with grilled vegetables for a colorful, healthy plate.
- Use it as a filling for bell peppers or zucchini boats.
- Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor.
- Mix in some dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet twist.
- Enjoy it as a base for a warm grain bowl with your favorite proteins.
- Serve it with a side of tangy cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and preparing your rice stuffing ahead of time is simple and convenient:
Storing Rice stuffing Leftovers
- Allow the rice stuffing to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Rice stuffing
- Cool the rice stuffing completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Rice stuffing
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth for moisture if needed.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can you make stuffing with rice?
Absolutely! Rice stuffing is a delicious alternative to traditional bread stuffing. It absorbs flavors beautifully and can be customized with various herbs, vegetables, and spices to suit your taste. Whether you’re using it to stuff a turkey or as a side dish, rice stuffing is a fantastic option for any meal.
2. What is the best rice to use for stuffing?
For stuffing, long-grain rice varieties like basmati or jasmine work wonderfully due to their fluffy texture and ability to hold their shape. However, you can also use medium-grain rice or even wild rice for a nuttier flavor and unique texture. Choose the type that best complements your other ingredients and personal preference.
3. Is it possible to make puffed rice at home?
Yes, you can make puffed rice at home! Simply heat a pan and add a small amount of rice. As the rice heats up, it will expand and puff up. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Puffed rice can be a fun addition to snacks or as a crunchy topping for dishes.
4. Is rice dressing the same as stuffing?
Rice dressing and stuffing are similar but not exactly the same. While both can include rice as a base, rice dressing often has a more pronounced flavor profile with additional ingredients like vegetables and spices, and it may be served as a side dish rather than being used to fill a protein. The terms can vary by region, so it’s always good to clarify what’s included in each dish!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this rice stuffing recipe as we are! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any gathering. Picture the warm, comforting aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this delightful dish. Enjoy every bite, and remember, the best meals are those shared with loved ones. Happy cooking!