Wild Rice-Apple Stuffing
A flavorful wild rice stuffing with apples, raisins, and herbs, perfect for holiday meals or vegetarian main courses, offering a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- vegetable cooking spray
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped unpeeled Granny Smith apples ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked wild rice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple juice ⓘ
- 1/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried rubbed sage ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 6 slices cracked wheat bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine over medium heat in a large skillet coated with cooking spray.
- Add chopped onion and celery; sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add chopped apples; sauté for 5 minutes or until apple is tender.
- Combine the apple mixture, cooked wild rice, chicken broth, apple juice, raisins, salt, sage, thyme, and nutmeg in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Stir well to combine.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. You can also use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor. If you prefer a nutty texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans. Remember to adjust the salt if using salted broth. This stuffing also works well with leftover turkey or chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this wild rice-apple stuffing as a delicious side dish alongside roasted chicken or turkey. It pairs beautifully with Golden Ginger Chicken for a festive meal. Consider adding a light salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the stuffing. It's also a great accompaniment to a holiday feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil, warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wild Rice-Apple Stuffing contains roughly 566 calories, with 7g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% of the Daily Value).
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 prepare this stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I freeze this stuffing?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked stuffing for up to 2 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This is a great way to have a homemade dish ready for unexpected guests.
What can I use instead of wild rice?
If wild rice isn't available, you can substitute it with brown rice or quinoa for a different texture. Keep in mind that the cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Both alternatives will still provide a hearty base for this apple stuffing.
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).