Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty stuffing that everyone can enjoy, you’ve come to the right place! My Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is one of my all-time favorites. It’s packed with vibrant flavors from fresh herbs, crunchy apples, tangy cranberries, and nutty pecans. It’s a dish that not only shines during Thanksgiving but also makes an appearance at family gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners alike. Plus, it’s vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free—making it perfect for anyone at your table!

What I love most about this recipe is how nourishing it feels. The combination of wild rice and quinoa adds plenty of protein, allowing it to stand alone as a main dish if you choose to skip the turkey. Trust me; you’ll want to make this stuffing again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: Each bite bursts with the goodness of fresh herbs, sweet apples, and tart cranberries.
• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows you to create a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare this stuffing in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Family-approved: Even the pickiest eaters will love this comforting dish—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• Versatile: This stuffing pairs beautifully with so many meals or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for our Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! You’ll find everything here is easy to obtain and full of flavor.

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

For 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 the Add-ins

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Switch up the nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds would be great alternatives.
• Change the fruit: For a twist, try dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries.
• Herb swap: Use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand—rosemary or oregano could add a lovely touch.

How to Make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, letting it warm up before adding in your finely chopped onions and celery. Sauté until they soften, about five minutes. This step is crucial because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness! Next, stir in your diced apples, minced garlic, thyme leaves, and kosher salt. Cook everything together for just another minute to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Grains

Now it’s time for some liquid magic! Stir in your grape juice followed by vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil before adding in your wild rice blend. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover it up, and let it simmer until tender—this should take around 35 minutes. Once that’s done, stir in your rinsed quinoa and cover again for another 15 minutes until fluffy. Don’t forget to mix in cranberries, pecans, parsley, and sage at the end! Taste it first; you might want a pinch more salt.

Step 3: Bake Your Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you grease a large casserole dish with olive oil. Gently scoop that beautiful rice mixture into your dish. Rather than packing it down tightly, lightly mound it up so that it bakes evenly! Bake until golden brown on top—this usually takes about 25–30 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil before serving and sprinkle on those extra herbs for freshness!

And there you have it—a wholesome Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing that’s sure to become a cherished part of your recipe collection! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating the perfect stuffing can be a delightful adventure, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing to a whole new level!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and sage add vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match. They bring a garden-fresh aroma to your dish, making every bite feel special.

• Don’t rush the cooking: Letting the wild rice blend simmer fully ensures it’s tender and fluffy. This patience rewards you with a stuffing that has great texture and taste.

• Experiment with nuts: While pecans are delightful, feel free to substitute with walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch. Each nut adds its own unique flavor profile!

• Adjust seasoning to your palate: Tasting as you go allows you to tailor the saltiness and sweetness to your liking, ensuring everyone at your table enjoys it just right.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffing to sit for about 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more cohesive dish.

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

This stuffing is not just a side dish; it can take center stage on your dining table! Here are some creative ways to present it that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color that enhances the presentation.
• Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds introduce a burst of tartness and sweetness, creating a visually stunning contrast against the stuffing.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and sea salt, these crispy veggies provide a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with the soft stuffing.
• Maple-glazed carrots: The natural sweetness of roasted carrots drizzled with maple syrup complements the earthy flavors of the stuffing perfectly.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort alongside this hearty stuffing, making for an irresistible combination.
• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stuffing and adds freshness to your plate.

With these serving suggestions, your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing will shine as a delicious centerpiece at any gathering! Enjoy every flavorful bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making it a convenient side dish for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Portion the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, consume within 1-2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen stuffing in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the stuffing in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil before serving.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Let’s dive into some common queries!

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

Absolutely! You can prepare this stuffing a day or two in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

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

If you don’t have wild rice on hand, you can use brown rice or a rice blend as an alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Is Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing gluten-free?

Yes, this stuffing is gluten-free as it uses quinoa and wild rice, making it a wonderful option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How do I add more flavor to my Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

Consider adding additional herbs like rosemary or thyme, or incorporate spices such as smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this cozy Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! It’s not just a delightful side dish — it’s a heartwarming blend of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it on a quiet weeknight, it’s sure to bring smiles around the table. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your experiences with me; I’d love to hear how it turns out!