Apple Walnut Rice Stuffing
A flavorful rice stuffing with tart apples, walnuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for holiday dinners or as a savory side for autumn-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine or butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, and poultry seasoning.
- Cook and stir until the onion is tender.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in chopped tart apples, uncooked rice, and ground cinnamon; cover.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of butter and olive oil when sautéing the vegetables. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the poultry seasoning. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or almonds, in place of walnuts. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Walnut Rice Stuffing pairs beautifully with roast chicken or turkey and makes an excellent side for holiday meals. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. You could also use it to stuff poultry, like Cornish hens, for a festive presentation. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a protein like grilled chicken or vegetarian protein options.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the stuffing cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to the stuffing in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Walnut Rice Stuffing contains roughly 377 calories, with 20g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (176% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value). At about 377 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 ahead. Follow the recipe until the point of letting it stand after cooking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little broth if necessary to keep it moist.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Tart apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, are ideal for this stuffing as they provide a nice contrast to the richness of the butter and walnuts. You can also experiment with other varieties, but aim for apples that hold their shape during cooking.
Can I use brown rice instead of Minute rice?
While you can substitute brown rice for Minute rice, note that cooking times will vary. Brown rice typically requires longer cooking and additional liquid. Follow the package instructions for brown rice, and adjust the cooking time and broth accordingly to achieve the desired texture.
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).