Thanksgiving Rice Recipes

Why Rice Dishes Belong on Your Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is about tradition, warming foods, and comforting textures—and rice dishes bring all that and more. While mashed potatoes and stuffing are classics, rice-based sides offer variety and are often lighter or more vibrant.

Wild rice adds a nutty bite. Pilafs bring herbs and aromatics. Mediterranean flavors offer citrusy freshness. These dishes are gluten-free friendly, vegetarian (as presented), and easy to prep in advance—perfect for holiday gatherings.

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Essentials for Great Rice Side Dishes

Choosing the Right Rice

• Wild rice: Earthy, chewy, perfect for festive dishes

• Long-grain white rice: Neutral base, light and fluffy

• Brown rice: Adds nuttiness and fiber

• Basmati or jasmine rice: Aromatic and delicate, ideal for Mediterranean flavors

Key Aromatics and Add-Ins

• Onion, garlic, celery, carrots, bell peppers

• Fresh herbs: parsley, thyme, rosemary, dill

• Dried fruits: cranberries, raisins, chopped apricots

• Nuts/seeds: almonds, pecans, pine nuts

• Seasonal veg: roasted squash, zucchini, spinach

Cooking Liquids & Fats

• Use vegetable or chicken stock (no alcohol)

• Olive oil or butter enhances flavor

• Spices: cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon (optional for variation)

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Classic Wild Rice & White Rice Pilaf

A rustic and hearty side that balances chew and fluff. Perfect for pairing with turkey or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

• 1 cup wild rice

• 1½ cups long-grain white rice

• 4 tbsp butter or olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp rosemary

• ¾ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup toasted sliced almonds

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse both wild and white rice separately until water runs clear.

2. In a large pot, heat butter or oil. Sauté onion, celery, and carrot for 5 minutes.

3. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1 minute.

4. Stir in rice. Toast gently for 2 minutes.

5. Add stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes, or until tender.

6. Stir in dried cranberries. Season to taste.

7. Garnish with almonds and parsley before serving.

Tips

• Use warm stock to prevent temperature shock.

• Make ahead: Reheat with a splash of stock or water.

• Mix brown rice for added texture if desired.

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Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Herbs & Lemon

This refreshing, herb-packed rice bowl brings lightness to the Thanksgiving spread. Great warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice

• 3½ cups vegetable stock or water

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 zucchini, diced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or almonds

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• Fresh parsley, mint, and dill (chopped)

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: pinch of paprika or cumin

Instructions

1. Rinse rice and drain.

2. In a large skillet, heat oil. Sauté onion for 3 minutes, then add garlic and bell pepper.

3. Add zucchini and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until soft.

4. Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute.

5. Add liquid, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

7. Stir in lemon juice, zest, herbs, salt, and pepper.

8. Garnish with pine nuts or almonds before serving.

Variations

• Substitute zucchini with roasted eggplant or mushrooms.

• Add chickpeas or lentils for protein.

• Serve on a bed of spinach or arugula for a salad-style side.

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Autumn Harvest Rice Pilaf

A sweet and savory dish featuring roasted butternut squash, apples, herbs, and toasted pecans. Colorful and cozy.

Ingredients (Serves 8–10)

• 2 cups long-grain rice or brown rice

• 4 cups vegetable stock

• 3 tbsp olive oil or butter

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small butternut squash, cubed

• 1 apple, peeled and diced

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts

• 1 tsp sage

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss squash with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.

2. Rinse rice and set aside.

3. In a pot, heat remaining oil or butter. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic.

4. Stir in rice. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

5. Add stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until rice is tender.

6. Fluff rice, then fold in roasted squash, diced apple, cranberries, and pecans.

7. Season to taste and garnish with thyme before serving

How to Serve Rice on Thanksgiving

Rice side dishes are incredibly flexible. Here’s how to incorporate them into your menu:

• Pair with roasted turkey or chicken

• Complement with roasted root vegetables or Brussels sprouts

• Offer as a vegetarian main when served with added legumes or tofu

• Keep warm in a covered casserole dish or slow cooker

• Use vibrant garnishes (fresh herbs, nuts, citrus zest) for color and contrast

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Sample Thanksgiving Menu with Rice Sides

Here’s a balanced holiday spread featuring rice:

Appetizer:

• Butternut squash soup or citrus kale salad

Main:

• Roast turkey with herb gravy

Sides:

• Classic Wild Rice Pilaf

• Autumn Harvest Rice

• Green beans with garlic

• Sweet potato casserole

• Cranberry orange relish

Dessert:

• Pumpkin pie

• Apple crisp

This approach brings color, texture, and warmth to every bite.

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Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these recipes gluten-free?
Yes! Rice is naturally gluten-free. Just check that your stock and add-ins are also gluten-free.

Can I make rice dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook rice ahead, store in airtight containers, and reheat with a little stock or water before serving.

How long do leftovers last?
Cooked rice dishes last 3–4 days in the fridge. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I freeze rice sides?
Yes. Cool completely before freezing. Freeze in portions and reheat gently. Add garnishes (herbs, nuts) after thawing.

Is wild rice healthier than white rice?
Wild rice is higher in fiber and protein. It’s also gluten-free and adds texture and flavor variety to your dishes.

How do I keep rice fluffy, not sticky?
Use the right ratio of liquid, don’t overcook, and always let rice rest before fluffing with a fork.

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Final Thoughts

These Thanksgiving rice recipes offer beautiful, nourishing alternatives (or additions) to traditional sides. Whether you opt for the hearty Wild Rice Pilaf, the vibrant Mediterranean bowl, or the Autumn Harvest mix with squash and apples, each dish brings flavor, color, and character to your table.

They’re easy to prep in advance, flexible for dietary needs, and just unique enough to stand out—without stealing the turkey’s thunder. Add one or two to your holiday menu and enjoy the compliments that follow.