Delicious Cranberry Apple Wild Rice: 15 Min Prep

Name: Delicious Cranberry Apple Wild Rice: 15 Min Prep
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup wild rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium apple, diced; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted; 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

by inass sped

August 15, 2025

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Cranberry Apple Wild Rice has a way of making any meal feel special, and I’ve loved this dish since childhood. My grandmother used to make a similar wild rice with cranberries and apples for our Thanksgiving gatherings, filling the house with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and toasted nuts. It’s truly a taste of autumn in every bite! I’ve adapted her recipe over the years to create this version, which is not only delicious but also surprisingly simple. This easy cranberry apple wild rice is perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. Let’s get cooking!

It’s no wonder this Cranberry Apple Wild Rice is such a hit! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making and serving it:

* Incredible Flavor Combination: You get the nutty chewiness of wild rice perfectly balanced with the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of apples. It’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
* Quick Prep Time: With just about 15 minutes of prep, you can have this dish on the stove, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights.
* Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fiber from the wild rice and fruit, this dish offers a nutritious boost to your meal. You can learn more about the benefits of whole grains like wild rice on sites like the Whole Grains Council.
* Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Wild rice, apples, and cranberries are generally affordable, especially when in season, making this a cost-effective side.
* Family-Approved: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy the slightly sweet and savory profile, making it a go-to cranberry apple rice side dish.
* Versatile Serving: It works beautifully as a holiday stuffing or a vibrant cranberry apple rice side dish for any occasion.
* Simple to Make: The steps are straightforward, ensuring success even for beginner cooks.
* Seasonal Delight: It truly captures the essence of fall and winter flavors, perfect for any autumn or holiday meal.

Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Wild Rice

Gathering these cranberry apple wild rice ingredients is the first step to a fantastic meal. I love that the components are so approachable and readily available, especially during the fall harvest season. We’ll need:

1 cup wild rice – the star of our show, providing a nutty flavor and chewy texture
2 cups vegetable broth – for cooking the rice and adding depth of flavor
1 medium onion, finely chopped – about 1 cup, it forms the aromatic base
2 cloves garlic, minced – adding that essential savory punch
1 medium apple, diced – I prefer a Fuji or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweet and tart
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries – these burst with tartness when cooked
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted – for a delightful crunch and nutty richness
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins – adding another layer of sweetness and chewiness
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves – for a fragrant, herbaceous note
1 tsp cinnamon – to enhance the autumn spice profile
2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
Salt and pepper to taste – to perfectly season everything
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – for a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Cranberry Apple Wild Rice

Making this delicious Cranberry Apple Wild Rice is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas. Follow these steps for a perfect pilaf every time!

Step 1: Cook the wild rice. Rinse the 1 cup wild rice under cold water to remove any dust or debris. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer for about 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for the rice to be tender and all the liquid to be absorbed. Once done, fluff it gently with a fork and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatics. While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, stir in the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The kitchen will start smelling wonderful!
Step 3: Add the fruits and spices. To the skillet, add the 1 medium apple, diced, 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes. You want the apples to soften slightly and the fresh cranberries to begin bursting, releasing their tart juices. This step is key to how to make cranberry apple wild rice truly flavorful.
Step 4: Combine everything for the pilaf. Now, add the cooked wild rice to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables and fruit. Stir everything together gently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Stir in the 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted for that essential nutty crunch that makes this a fantastic cranberry apple wild rice pilaf.
Step 5: Heat through and season. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the entire dish is heated through. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Properly seasoning is crucial for the best cranberry apple wild rice.
Step 6: Garnish and serve. If you like, garnish your beautiful cranberry apple wild rice with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish!

Delicious Cranberry Apple Wild Rice: 15 Min Prep - Cranberry Apple Wild Rice - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Apple Wild Rice

To elevate your cranberry apple wild rice from good to absolutely spectacular, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. These simple tips ensure a perfect result every time, making this a truly standout dish.

Always toast your nuts! Whether it’s pecans or walnuts, toasting them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant deepens their flavor and adds a wonderful crunch that complements the chewy rice.
Don’t overcook the apples. You want them tender but still holding their shape, adding a slight bite rather than turning to mush. Add them towards the end of the sautéing process.
Rinse your wild rice thoroughly. This step removes any potential bitterness and ensures each grain is perfectly cooked.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end. Wild rice can sometimes absorb a lot of salt, so tasting before serving is crucial for the best cranberry apple wild rice.

What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Apple Wild Rice?

The real secret to perfect cranberry apple wild rice is the balance of textures and flavors. Toasted nuts provide crunch, fresh cranberries offer tartness, and a hint of cinnamon brings warmth. Don’t skip toasting the nuts!

Can I make Cranberry Apple Wild Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can cook the wild rice and prepare the sautéed fruit and vegetable mixture separately a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine and heat through just before serving. For more make-ahead meal ideas, check out our recipes section.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Apple Wild Rice?

A common pitfall is mushy apples; sauté them briefly so they retain a slight bite. Another is blandness; don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper. Also, ensure your wild rice is cooked until tender but not mushy. If you’re looking for other flavorful sides, consider our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Apple Wild Rice

This delightful cranberry apple wild rice pilaf is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many dishes. It truly shines as a Thanksgiving wild rice side dish, bringing a wonderful balance of sweet and savory to your holiday table. I love serving it alongside roasted turkey or ham, as the fruity notes cut through the richness of the meats perfectly. For a similar festive feel, you might enjoy our Romanian Chiftele (Fried Meatballs).

For a lighter meal, consider serving it as a vegetarian main course. It’s fantastic with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad. You could also pair it with grilled chicken or pork chops for a delicious weeknight dinner that feels a bit special. The combination of textures and seasonal flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion. You might also like our Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.

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Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Apple Wild Rice

This Cranberry Apple Wild Rice is a nutritious addition to any meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 250
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For more healthy options, explore our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Apple Wild Rice

Properly storing your delicious Cranberry Apple Wild Rice ensures you can enjoy this delightful seasonal wild rice medley later. Once it has cooled down completely, which usually takes about an hour at room temperature, transfer the pilaf into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap the cooled rice tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This makes it super convenient for future meals!

When you’re ready to reheat, there are a few easy methods. For refrigerated portions, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth to help loosen it up. Alternatively, microwave it in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring halfway. Frozen portions should be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before reheating using either of these methods. Enjoy your perfectly reheated cranberry apple wild rice!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Apple Wild Rice

What is Cranberry Apple Wild Rice?

Cranberry Apple Wild Rice is a savory and slightly sweet pilaf featuring nutty wild rice cooked with tart cranberries, sweet apples, and often toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts. It’s a wonderful combination that captures the essence of autumn flavors, making it a popular side dish for holidays and special occasions. It’s a hearty yet balanced dish. For more information on cooking grains, you can consult resources on serious eats.

Can I make Cranberry Apple Wild Rice vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian. To make it a vegan cranberry apple wild rice dish, simply ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth (which is already called for) and double-check that your dried cranberries or raisins don’t contain any non-vegan ingredients like gelatin or confectioner’s glaze. It’s easily adaptable!

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

For the best flavor and texture in your cranberry apple wild rice, I recommend using apples that hold their shape well when cooked. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady work wonderfully. They offer a good balance of sweetness and a slight tartness, and they won’t turn to mush. Avoid very soft apples like McIntosh, as they can become too mushy.

Why is wild rice often mixed with other rice types?

While this recipe focuses on pure wild rice for its distinct nutty flavor and chewy texture, you might see other recipes that mix wild rice with brown rice or white rice. This is often done to mellow the intense flavor of pure wild rice, reduce cooking time, or create a more budget-friendly option. However, for the authentic experience of a cranberry apple wild rice pilaf, pure wild rice is truly the star. If you’re interested in other grain dishes, consider our Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry.

Variations of Cranberry Apple Wild Rice You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Cranberry Apple Wild Rice, don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. For a completely plant-based meal, you can easily make a vegan cranberry apple wild rice by ensuring your broth and any added sweeteners are vegan-friendly.

You could also swap out the nuts for toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a different crunch, or add some crumbled feta or goat cheese just before serving for a creamy, tangy contrast. If you want to explore different cooking methods, try baking it as a stuffing by adding a bit more broth and baking it in a casserole dish. For a brighter flavor profile, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest when you add the apples and cranberries. Each variation offers a unique take on this delightful dish! For another hearty side, try our Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole.