Apple Brown Rice Stuffing
A sweet and savory stuffing that blends crisp apple, toasted almonds, and fragrant herbs, perfect for poultry or as a comforting side dish for any season.
Ingredients
- 1 medium red apple, cored and diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/3 cup seedless raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp dry thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp margarine ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked brown rice, cooked in apple juice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup rice bran ⓘ
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
- 1/4 cup apple juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook apple, onion, celery, raisins, poultry seasoning, thyme, and pepper in margarine in a large skillet until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in cooked brown rice, rice bran, slivered almonds, and apple juice.
- Use as stuffing for poultry or pork roast, or serve as a side dish, heating until thoroughly warmed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider substituting the margarine with olive oil or butter. You can also mix in other nuts, like walnuts or pecans, if slivered almonds aren't available. If you're short on time, pre-cooked brown rice can be used to speed up the process. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, especially if using a store-bought poultry seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This apple brown rice stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted poultry or pork roast, making it a perfect complement for holiday meals. Serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of Corn Bread Meat Loaf for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Brown Rice Stuffing contains roughly 574 calories, with 16g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (338% of the Daily Value), iron (200% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 35g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, reheat it thoroughly before stuffing the poultry or serving as a side dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this stuffing is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. You can serve it as a side dish or use it to stuff a roasted vegetable, making it a versatile option for a vegetarian meal.
Can I freeze the stuffing?
Absolutely! The stuffing can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and heat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).