Wild Rice Stuffing

This dish is everything you want in a holiday side: cozy, flavorful, and full of seasonal flair. A nourishing twist on classic stuffing, it combines hearty wild rice with roasted butternut squash, sweet apples, caramelized onions, and savory sausage. Wild rice isn’t just delicious—it’s a whole grain rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making this more than just comfort food. Butternut squash and apples add a gorgeous touch of sweetness and a dose of vitamins, like beta-carotene and vitamin C, to support immunity and digestion through the colder months.

Whether you're gathering around the table for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or just an excuse to host a cozy fall dinner, this stuffing is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s got that sweet-and-savory thing going on, it’s easy to prep ahead, and it’ll make your kitchen smell like a hug.

✨ Bonus Points: This recipe is super customizable—use turkey sausage or go vegan with a plant-based version. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and nourishment to the table. Either way, this dish is a total main character moment in side dish form.

Wild Rice Stuffing

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups butternut squash, chopped into small cubes
  • 1 bunch of celery, chopped
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 red apples, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup wild rice blend (I use Lundberg’s)
  • 1 lb smoked turkey sausage (or sausage of choice)
  • Bone broth (optional, for cooking rice)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for roasting
  • Optional: Fennel seeds (for sausage flavor), chopped pecans for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until caramelized (about 25–30 minutes).
  2. Cook the wild rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, use bone broth and a bay leaf.
  3. Sauté sausage (removed from casing) in a pan until browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté chopped celery, onion, and salt/pepper until softened. Add apples and cook until tender.
  5. Combine roasted squash, rice, sausage, and sautéed veggies in a large bowl or baking dish. Mix well.
  6. Top with chopped pecans before serving, if desired. Enjoy warm!