Savory Turkey and Rice Stuffing

Name: Savory Turkey and Rice Stuffing
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice; 1 cup diced onions; 1 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups turkey broth; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Recipes

When it’s time to gather around the table, I love preparing a hearty stuffing that complements my turkey perfectly. This Savory Turkey and Rice Stuffing is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. I find that the use of rice makes it light yet filling, and the herbs create an aromatic base that’s just irresistible. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this stuffing always gets rave reviews, and I can’t wait to share this treasured recipe with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-05T17:05:27.583Z

During one of our Thanksgiving preparations, I had a lightbulb moment—why not use rice as a base for stuffing? It worked wonders! The rice absorbed all the savory flavors of onions, celery, and turkey broth, creating a moist and delectable dish.

What sets this stuffing apart is the addition of fresh herbs. I’ve experimented with different combinations, but the thyme, sage, and parsley give it a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. Each bite sings with warmth and comfort, making it a must-have at our festive table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Comforting and hearty, perfect for family gatherings
Balanced flavors with fresh herbs that enhance the taste
Versatile enough to be served with any poultry or on its own

The Role of Rice in Stuffing

Using cooked rice in this stuffing recipe not only lightens the overall texture but also helps to absorb the flavors from the turkey broth and herbs. Unlike bread-based stuffing, rice provides a unique chewiness and prevents the dish from becoming overly dense. I recommend using long-grain rice, as it tends to stay fluffy when cooked. If you need a gluten-free option, rice is an excellent choice, allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy a festive stuffing without compromising flavor.

Another advantage of incorporating rice is its ability to act as a canvas for your flavors. The grains soak up the savory turkey broth, and when paired with the fresh herbs, each bite is a delightful experience. If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of saffron or some toasted nuts to elevate the flavor profile further. Rice also reheats beautifully, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs play a pivotal role in this savory stuffing, and their aromatic qualities bring depth to each bite. The combination of parsley, sage, and thyme not only offers a traditional flavor but enhances the overall dish's freshness. I like to chop the herbs just before incorporating them to capture their full essence. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used, but keep in mind they’re more concentrated; reduce the quantities to one-third. However, the brightness of fresh herbs is hard to beat and truly elevates this dish.

For a variation, try introducing other herbs such as rosemary or tarragon; these can complement the turkey beautifully and bring a unique twist to the stuffing. Remember to mix and match according to your preferences, keeping in mind that stronger herbs like rosemary should be used sparingly since their flavor can overpower the more delicate ones.

Making and Storing Stuffing Ahead of Time

If you're planning a big meal, you can prepare this Savory Turkey and Rice Stuffing ahead of time to lighten your cooking load on the day of your gathering. After mixing all the ingredients, transfer the stuffing to the greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. On the day of serving, it’s essential to remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it into the oven — this helps it bake evenly.

If you have leftovers, storing them is quite simple. Place any remaining stuffing in an airtight container, and it can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the stuffing in a baking dish covered with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can freeze the stuffing for up to a month; just make sure to cool it completely first before sealing it in a freezer-safe container.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your savory stuffing.

Stuffing Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
1 cup diced onions
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups turkey broth
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Preparation Steps

Follow these steps to create your savory stuffing.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked rice, turkey broth, parsley, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

Bake the Stuffing

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown on top.

Let the stuffing cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans before baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When preparing stuffing, one common issue is that it can become too dry, especially if baked too long. To avoid this, keep an eye on the cooking time, especially during the final uncovered baking phase. If you find your stuffing seems dry when you check it, you can drizzle a little extra turkey broth over the top and cover it again to steam it back to moistness.

Another trouble spot can occur if the stuffing seems too wet. This can happen if you add too much broth. If you encounter this, consider baking it uncovered a little longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a better texture. Remember, it's all about finding that perfect balance!

Serving Suggestions

This Savory Turkey and Rice Stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, but you can also get creative. Consider using it as a base for stuffed bell peppers or as a side dish alongside baked chicken or pork. It also complements vegetables well, making it a great option for vegetarian meals if served alongside hearty dishes.

If you want to put an even more personal touch on the dish, try adding additional ingredients like cranberries for a sweet note or nuts for a crunchy texture. Serving with a rich gravy on top can transform this stuffing into a true centerpiece of the meal. Whichever way you choose to serve it, this stuffing will certainly shine!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this stuffing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat before serving.

→ Can I use other types of rice?

Absolutely! You can use brown rice, wild rice, or even a mix of different rice types for added texture.

→ Is this stuffing gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free turkey broth.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.