Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious dish that everyone will love, you’ve come to the right place! My Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this stuffing is sure to impress. The combination of fresh herbs, sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans makes each bite an absolute treat.

What I adore most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s vegetarian, vegan, AND gluten-free—making it a wonderful choice for accommodating various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Plus, the addition of protein-rich quinoa gives this stuffing enough heartiness to stand proudly on its own or as a side dish. Trust me; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Unique: This stuffing bursts with the delightful flavors of fresh herbs and seasonal fruits.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, making this dish is a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the comforting taste and texture in every bite.
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• Healthy Twist: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is easy! These wholesome components come together beautifully to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

Grains & Extras

• 2 cups uncooked wild rice blend (I prefer a blend of 50% wild rice and 50% brown rice)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed well)
• 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 my Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is how flexible it is! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Change Up the Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or sunflower seeds if you want a different crunch.
• Mix Up the Fruits: Try using dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries for a unique twist.
• Herb Substitution: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or dill to customize the flavor profile.

How to Make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in your finely chopped onions and celery. Cook them until they soften—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally. This step enhances their sweetness, creating a lovely base for your stuffing. Next, add in the diced apples, minced garlic, thyme leaves, and salt. Continue cooking while stirring frequently for another minute. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 2: Add Liquids and Grains

Now it’s time to stir in your grape juice followed by the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil before adding the wild rice blend. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it up! Let it simmer until the rice is tender—this should take around 35 minutes. When that’s done, stir in your rinsed quinoa, cover again, and cook until tender—about an additional 15 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

After both grains are cooked perfectly, remove from heat and stir in those vibrant cranberries, chopped pecans, parsley, and sage. Give it a taste here; feel free to add extra salt if needed! The mix should be fragrant and inviting.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare your casserole dish by rubbing it with olive oil. Lightly scoop your flavorful rice mixture into the dish without mashing it down; let it mound gently. Bake until golden brown—this takes about 25-30 minutes. When it’s done baking, drizzle with just a touch more olive oil and sprinkle on some extra parsley before serving.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! It’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating the perfect Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is all about attention to detail, and with these tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and sage add a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match. They bring brightness and freshness to the stuffing, making it taste incredibly aromatic.
• Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can tweak the amount of dried cranberries or swap in other dried fruits like apricots or raisins. This allows you to customize the sweetness level to perfectly complement the savory elements of the dish.
• Don’t rush the cooking process: Allow both the wild rice blend and quinoa to cook thoroughly before combining them. This ensures that each grain is tender and fluffy, resulting in a delightful texture throughout your stuffing.
• Experiment with nuts: While pecans provide a lovely crunch, feel free to substitute them with walnuts or sliced almonds for a different flavor profile. Nuts not only add texture but also healthy fats that enhance the overall richness of your dish.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance, letting the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just reheat it in the oven before serving for an easy stress-free meal.

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Presenting your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing beautifully can be just as gratifying as preparing it. Here are some creative ways to showcase this delicious dish at your next gathering!

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Sprinkling some fresh green onions over the top adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor that brightens up the stuffing.
• Pomegranate seeds: Adding pomegranate seeds gives a beautiful contrast with their jewel-like quality and provides a burst of tartness that complements the stuffing’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, roasted Brussels sprouts become crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside—a perfect contrast to your stuffing.
• Maple-glazed carrots: Sweet and savory maple-glazed carrots add additional warmth to your meal, balancing out flavors while keeping everything plant-based.
• Garlic green beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic create a crunchy side that pairs well with the hearty stuffing without overpowering its flavors.

With these serving suggestions, your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing will shine on any table, becoming a star dish everyone will rave about! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, making your meal planning a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this delicious recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare this stuffing a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

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

You can use a different rice blend or even brown rice if wild rice isn’t available. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.

Is Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to the wild rice and quinoa. It’s a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing as much as I do! It’s not only hearty and flavorful but also packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, I’m sure this stuffing will become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!