Wild Rice Cranberry Stuffing
Learn how to make wild rice cranberry stuffing with herb seasoned stuffing, celery, onion, cranberries, stock, and simple seasonings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday meal.
Holiday Wild Rice Cranberry Stuffing
This wild rice cranberry stuffing is a festive twist on traditional stuffing. It combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with herb seasoned stuffing, sweet cranberries, celery, onion, and savory stock.
Serve it with turkey, chicken, ham, roast chicken, or enjoy it on its own as a warm holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinner, or family gatherings.
Wild Rice Cranberry Stuffing Ingredients
- 1 box Rice A Roni, 4.3 oz
- 1 bag herb seasoned cubed stuffing, 12 oz
- 1 celery stalk, chopped small
- 1/3 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup cranberries, whole or chopped
- 2 to 3 cups turkey stock or chicken stock
- Pepper, to taste
- Mrs. Dash seasoning blend, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice A Roni according to the package directions.
- Dice the onion and chop the celery into small pieces.
- Add the herb seasoned cubed stuffing to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooked rice mixture to the bowl with the stuffing cubes.
- Stir in chopped celery, diced onion, and cranberries.
- Season with pepper, Mrs. Dash, and garlic powder.
- Pour in 2 cups of turkey stock or chicken stock and gently mix.
- Add more stock as needed until the stuffing is moist but not mushy.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake until hot, lightly golden, and set.
- Serve warm with turkey, chicken, or your favorite holiday meal.
Why This Stuffing Works
The wild rice adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture, while the herb seasoned stuffing gives the dish that classic holiday stuffing taste.
Cranberries add sweetness and color, and the celery and onion bring a savory flavor that makes this side dish perfect for holiday dinners.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Add stock slowly. This keeps the stuffing from getting too wet.
- Chop vegetables small. Small pieces mix better throughout the stuffing.
- Use turkey stock for holidays. It gives the stuffing a deeper Thanksgiving flavor.
- Use chicken stock anytime. Chicken stock works great for everyday meals.
- Let it rest. Resting helps the stuffing set before serving.
What to Serve with Wild Rice Cranberry Stuffing
- Roasted turkey
- Baked chicken
- Honey ham
- Green bean casserole
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
Recipe FAQs
Can I make wild rice cranberry stuffing ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready.
Can I use chicken stock instead of turkey stock?
Yes. Chicken stock works great and still gives the stuffing a savory flavor.
Should stuffing be moist or dry before baking?
Stuffing should be moist but not soggy. Add stock slowly until the texture looks right.
Can I add more cranberries?
Yes. Add more cranberries if you want a sweeter holiday flavor.