Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious addition to your dinner table, you’ve found it! This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is my go-to recipe for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or even just a comforting weeknight meal. The combination of flavors from fresh herbs, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans makes this stuffing truly special. Plus, it’s vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free—everyone can enjoy it without a worry!

What I love most about this recipe is how hearty and satisfying it is. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something warm and filling but don’t feel like cooking meat. Trust me; even the turkey lovers will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this stuffing comes together quickly—perfect for busy cooks!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The delightful mix of flavors means that kids and adults alike will enjoy every bite.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this stuffing in advance, making it a great option for holiday meal prep.
• Deliciously Flavorful: Fresh herbs and sweet apples elevate this dish to comfort food status that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is easy! You’ll find that they are all simple and wholesome, ensuring a tasty dish that you can feel good about serving.

For the Stuffing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing the baking dish and drizzling)
• 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 (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 cup dry-ish white grape juice
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups uncooked wild rice blend
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed well)
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1 cup raw pecans (chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley (plus 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 its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Change the Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Try swapping cranberries with raisins or apricots for a unique twist.
• Herb Swaps: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano to personalize the flavor profile.

How to Make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by placing a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, letting it warm up before tossing in the onions and celery. Sauté them until they’re soft—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The onions will turn translucent and sweeten as they cook! Next, add the diced apples, minced garlic, thyme, and salt. Cook everything together for another minute to bring out those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Grains

Stir in your white grape juice followed by the vegetable broth. It’s important to bring this mixture to a boil before adding in the wild rice blend. Once added, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover. Let it simmer until the rice is tender—this should take around 35 minutes. Afterward, stir in the rinsed quinoa and cover again; you’ll want to cook until that quinoa is fluffy—about another 15 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to get creative! Stir in those lovely dried cranberries, chopped pecans, half of your parsley, and minced sage into the pot. Give it all a taste test—add more salt if needed! This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you grease a large casserole dish with olive oil. Lightly scoop your flavorful grain mixture into the dish without mashing it down—let it mound up for extra texture! Bake until golden brown on top—around 25-30 minutes will do nicely. When done, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle on the remaining parsley before serving.

And there you have it—a delightful Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing that’s sure to impress at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating the perfect Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is easy with just a few helpful tips in your back pocket!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and sage will elevate the flavor profile of your stuffing, providing vibrant notes that dried herbs simply can’t match.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter stuffing, consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan) to balance the flavors from the apples and cranberries.

• Experiment with nuts: While pecans offer a lovely crunch, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a different texture and taste.

• Make ahead: You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge after assembling and bake it right before serving for convenience!

• Don’t skip resting time: Allow the stuffing to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes serving easier.

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Serving this delicious stuffing is all about presentation and pairing. Whether it’s for a festive occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, here’s how to make it shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, making your dish more appealing.

• Cranberry sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce on top gives an extra burst of flavor that complements the stuffing perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, these crispy sprouts provide a savory element that pairs beautifully with the stuffing’s sweetness.

• Maple-glazed carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots bring a touch of warmth to your meal and harmonize well with the herbed stuffing.

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that balances out the texture of the stuffing.

• Mixed green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch alongside your hearty dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing will be a hit at any table. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious stuffing:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• For best quality, let it cool before sealing.

Freezing

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal; just cover to retain moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing:

Can I use brown rice instead of wild rice in the Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Just ensure both rice and quinoa are tender before serving.

How long will Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing will remain fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I add other vegetables to this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

Yes! Feel free to incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms based on your preferences. Just sauté them along with onions and celery for a delightful twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing as much as I do! It’s a special recipe that’s not only packed with flavor but also caters to various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Whether you serve it alongside your favorite dishes or enjoy it on its own, this stuffing is sure to impress your friends and family. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience!