Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty dish that will make your dinner table shine, then this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is just the ticket! This stuffing is packed with vibrant flavors from fresh herbs, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s a recipe I cherish and turn to often, whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a busy weeknight meal. Plus, it’s vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free—perfect for everyone at the table. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

This stuffing is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special. So grab a spoon and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed goodness: The combination of apples, cranberries, and nuts creates an explosion of flavors that everyone will love.
• Easy prep: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly even on busy nights.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve—perfect for stress-free entertaining!
• Family-approved: It’s so tasty that even picky eaters will enjoy every bite.
• Nutritious benefits: With protein-rich quinoa and fiber-filled wild rice, this stuffing adds great nutritional value to your meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing. These are easy to find at your local grocery store and will make your kitchen smell amazing!

For the Stuffing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing the baking dish and drizzling on 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 (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

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add different nuts: Swap in walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on texture and flavor.
• Mix in seasonal vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper if you like a little heat in your stuffing.
• Use different fruits: Dried cherries or raisins can replace cranberries for a sweet surprise.

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 it’s hot, toss in the onions and celery. Cook them until soft—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally. This step is important because sautéing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor of the stuffing.

Step 2: Add Apples and Herbs

Next up, add the diced apples, minced garlic, thyme leaves, and kosher salt. Stir frequently for one more minute. The aroma will be intoxicating! Then stir in the grape juice before adding in the vegetable broth. Bringing everything to a boil helps meld those wonderful flavors together.

Step 3: Cook the Rice Blend

Once boiling, stir in the wild rice blend and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover it up and let it simmer until tender—this usually takes about 35 minutes. After that time has passed, stir in your rinsed quinoa. Cover again and cook until the quinoa is fluffy—about another 15 minutes.

Step 4: Mix in Cranberries & Nuts

When both grains are cooked through, take off the heat and gently fold in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, half a cup of parsley, and minced sage. Give everything a taste here; if you think it needs more salt or seasoning, now’s your chance!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare your casserole dish by rubbing it with olive oil. Lightly scoop that beautiful rice mixture into your prepared dish—it should look lovely mounded instead of mashed down! Bake until golden brown for about 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once baked to perfection, drizzle with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle with remaining chopped parsley before serving! Enjoy every delicious bite of this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing—it truly is comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating the perfect stuffing can be a delightful adventure, and with a few insider tips, you can elevate your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing to new heights!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and sage truly shine in this recipe. Their vibrant flavors bring your stuffing to life and enhance the overall taste, making it much more aromatic and delicious.

• Don’t skip the rinsing: Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps remove its natural coating called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. This simple step ensures that your stuffing has a clean, nutty flavor.

• Experiment with textures: Feel free to mix different types of nuts or seeds into your stuffing! Adding walnuts or sunflower seeds can provide an extra crunch and nutritional benefits.

• Adjust sweetness: Depending on your personal preference, you might want to add more or less dried cranberries. A touch of sweetness balances out the savory flavors beautifully, so taste as you go!

• Let it rest: After baking, allowing your stuffing to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving helps it firm up slightly. This makes for easier serving and enhances the overall texture.

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is not just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece that deserves a little attention when served! Here are some ideas to help present this flavorful dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Toasted pecans: A few extra toasted pecans on top not only enhance the presentation but also boost the crunch factor!
• Sliced apples: Thinly sliced apples arranged on the side offer a lovely contrast in texture and add an appealing visual element.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These crispy veggies complement the stuffing’s flavors perfectly while adding a satisfying crunch.

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting balance to the texture of the stuffing, making for a heartwarming meal.

• Maple-glazed carrots: The sweetness from the glaze contrasts nicely with the savory notes of your stuffing and brings vibrant color to your plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing will surely impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance to save time during busy weeknights or festive gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the stuffing thoroughly, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Label each bag/container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• 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, or until warmed through. Drizzle with olive oil before serving for extra flavor!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

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

Absolutely! You can prepare this stuffing a day or two in advance. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

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

If you can’t find wild rice, you can use brown rice or even a blend of other whole grains like farro or barley. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times as needed.

Is Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing gluten-free?

Yes! This stuffing is completely gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

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

You can include additional nuts like walnuts or pumpkin seeds, or even toss in some cooked lentils for an extra protein boost.

Can I customize the herbs in Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

Definitely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite herbs. Rosemary, oregano, or dill would also work wonderfully in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing as much as I do! It’s a delightful dish that’s not only comforting but also filled with vibrant flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a hearty side during the week, I’m sure it will be a hit. Happy cooking!