Rice Stuffing Recipe for Christmas - Veggies Don't Bite (2024)

Last modified: December 11, 2023. Originally posted: December 11, 2023 By Sophia DeSantis

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This rice stuffing recipe is the perfect side dish for Christmas! It's made with nuts and currants for the perfect texture and flavor combo.

We make this rice stuffing as a Greek holiday tradition in my family. It's easy to adapt for both vegetarian and meat eaters so everyone is happy!

This post was originally published on 12/17/2014

Between this rice stuffing and my vegan spanakopita recipe, I don't need anything else on my holiday table! These remind me of my childhood and brings me so much comfort.

Ingredients

When I think of the holidays, this stuffing is top of my list. I didn't grow up eating traditional bread stuffing, my parents are immigrants so our holidays always had a Greek twist, and my mom's stuffing was one of my favorite parts of the holiday season.

Here is all you need to make this awesome rice stuffing:

• Brown rice medley- long grain brown rice, or mixed rice also work, or you can create a wild rice stuffing with a wild rice blend.
• Vegetable broth- you can simply use water, but the stuffing won't have as much flavor. Choose a low sodium veggie broth if needed. If you do not need vegan stuffing you can also use chicken broth.
• Seedless currants - these tart berries give the rice stuffing an incredible pop of flavor. Feel free to substitute them of another dried fruit of your choice.
• White cooking wine - if you do not want to use wine, swap it our for vegetable broth.
• Onion - sweet or yellow onions are best for their mild flavors to not overpower the other ingredients.
• Garlic cloves- fresh garlic gives you the best results, jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Celery - not only does this add a nice crunch, but the aromatics are crucial in any stuffing recipe.
• Parsley - fresh herbs add a beautiful bright component to the dish, both in color and flavor.
• Nuts- because you can never have too much crunchy texture! We love pine nuts and slivered almonds, but pecans, walnuts, or cashews would be great too.
• Sea saltand Ground black pepper

How to Make Greek Rice Stuffing

This gluten free rice stuffing has a few steps but totally worth the amazing end result!

1. Partially cook the rice in a saucepan.
2. Sauté the other ingredients in a large skillet with olive oil, butter, or veggie broth.
3. Add in the rice, stir, and transfer to a baking dish.
4. Bake and serve!

What to Serve with Rice Stuffing

Since we make this dressing during the holidays, I have loads of other side dishes, and a few main dishes, that we eat this with. Here are some of our favorites:

• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
• Vegan Broccoli Casserole
• Gluten Free Vegan Stuffing
• Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Gluten Free Gravy
• Healthy Cranberry Sauce
• Vegan Broccoli Salad with Cranberries
• Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes
• Smoky Maple Carrots with Lemon Thyme Drizzle
• Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Vegan Scalloped Cauliflower
• Peas with Scallions and Dill
• Greek Vegan Moussaka
• Vegan Lentil Meatloaf
• Sautéed Spinach

Rice Stuffing Variations

This recipe is based on my family's version. There are many different types of rice stuffing with all sorts of flavor combinations. As long as the rice and liquid ratios stay the same, you can adjust the mix ins to fit your taste.

Get creative and try adding in or substituting for any of these ingredients in your gluten-free stuffing:

• Dill
• Thyme
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Mushrooms
• Carrots
• Peppers
• Apples
• Bacon - use Coconut Bacon or Mushroom Bacon to keep it vegan!
• Walnuts
• Pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Pomegranate arils
• Parmesan - this Homemade Vegan Parmesan grates wonderfully!

How to Prepare Stuffing in Advance

Since the holidays are usually filled with craziness, it's great to have a few things you can make the days before. This Greek rice stuffing is one of those recipes. In fact, I'd say that it almost tastes better the next day!

Here is what you can do to prep ahead of time:

• Chop all of the veggies and herbs.
• Partially cook the rice.
• You can also follow all of the directions up to baking, cover the dish and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve take it out about 20 minutes early then pop it in the oven.

Storage and Reheating Suggestions

• Seal the rice stuffing in an airtight container.
• It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
• You can also keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• When you are ready to eat it again, it can easily be heated in the microwave.
• Or you can put it in a casserole dish and warm it in the oven. You may need to add some broth so it doesn't dry out, but don't put too much liquid because it will get mushy.

History of Greek Rice Stuffing

In Greece there is no such thing as Thanksgiving, so stuffing is always made for Christmas. This particular version is one that my yiayia (grandmother in Greek) made and my own mom adapted throughout the years.

Growing up my mom didn't have a lot of money, in fact there were times they weren't sure if food would last long enough, so when it came time for Christmas they used what they had. This stuffing used the parts of the turkey you wouldn't eat otherwise, liver and giblets.

I know, not my idea of yum. LOL But such was life in a poor Greek village. Other people were able to use ground beef and chestnuts, but those cost money.

My mom's version started out using it to stuff our thanksgiving turkey as we adapted to American traditions, and then at Christmas she would make it as a side dish to lamb (another Greek Christmas tradition).

As time went on it has evolved into a purely vegetarian side dish. It's now at the table every Christmas, and often Thanksgiving as well, which means we always have something we love to eat!

More Vegan Rice Recipes

Rice is one of the most versatile grains! You can really dress it up with any flavor and it's amazing. Here are a few more plant based rice recipes that are regulars in our house: