When oven space is a hot commodity, it’s time to call in Crockpot Wild Rice Stuffing! A hearty, savory stuffing made with wild rice, cranberries, mushrooms, and almonds for crunch, it’s a refreshing twist on the same old stuffing and can pair well with a wide variety of your favorite mains.
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This crockpot wild rice stuffing is especially helpful at Thanksgiving and Christmas, or really anytime you need a stellar dinner party side but don’t have space in your oven.
Further, this stuffing can be cooked in advance, making it a busy host(ess)’s BFF.
Unlike a bread and wild rice stuffing, this one is naturally gluten free (be sure to check your rice blend, as oddly not all of them are).
It’s also naturally dairy free and vegan (the creaminess of the stuffing comes from the starches in the rice).
If you have guests with different dietary restrictions, this recipe is an ideal choice to make sure everyone can enjoy a serving.
Every forkful delivers the euphoric feelings of carby indulgence that make Thanksgiving great *but* it won’t weigh you down nearly as much as classic bread-based stuffings. (Translation: more tummy space for Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes and Slow Cooker Brussels Sprouts with Maple Syrup, Cranberries and Feta.)
It’s taste and texture is part rice pilaf, part classic stove top stuffing, and entirely scrumptious.
5 Star Review
“The smell of it alone was enough to make me salivate! And it was a HIT for our Thanksgiving dinner last night. Not only that, but it’s gorgeous to look at! It worked perfectly.”
— Sophie —
How to Make Crockpot Wild Rice Stuffing
The nutty wild rice and cranberries taste of everything autumn, the almonds add a pleasing crunch, and the mushrooms give the stuffing savoriness and depth. If the flavor alone doesn’t convince you, let the simplicity of the prep.
This is quite possibly the easiest Thanksgiving stuffing you will ever make!
The Ingredients
- Brown + Wild Rice Blend. Using a blend of brown and wild rice not only gives the stuffing a unique and delicious flavor, but it also makes it a gluten-free wild rice stuffing. You won’t miss the bread!
- Celery. A stuffing essential!
- Mushrooms. Wild rice mushroom stuffing is scrumptious. The mushrooms taste hearty and pair perfectly with the savory flavors in this recipe.
- Dried Cranberries. Plump jewels of sweet goodness.
- Fresh Sage + Thyme. Make sure to use fresh herbs here. They add a subtle earthiness and autumnal coziness that shouldn’t be missed.
- Slivered Almonds. Toasted almonds are my favorite final flourish. They’re nutty, crunchy, and instantly give the dish an elevated appearance. Toasted pecans would be scrumptious too.
The Directions
- Sauté the onions and celery. Add the mushrooms. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Stir the rice blend and vegetables together in a slow cooker. Add the broth. Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Turn off the slow cooker, then add the cranberries and herbs.
- Cover and let stand for a few minutes. Finish with the almonds, then ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Traditional Stuffing. While I would argue that “traditional” means something different to everyone, if you are looking for the most delicious way to make bread stuffing in the oven, try my Chestnut Stuffing. SO GOOD.
- Slow Cooker Stove Top Stuffing. And by “stove top” I mean the infamous box, which two of my friends swear are their families’ standard. While I don’t use a mix myself (I love making and eating Thanksgiving stuffing from scratch), my Crock Pot Stuffing recipe will give you a similar experience, with an amped-up flavor and superior texture.
- Crockpot Stuffing with Sausage. For those who can’t have their stuffing without it (and sausage stuffing is certainly delicious), begin this recipe by sautéing 1 pound of ground turkey or pork sausage in a skillet. Remove it with a slotted spoon, then use the same skillet to sauté the mushrooms, onions, and celery in Step 1. Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker with the other ingredients and cook as directed. (Or try my Cornbread Stuffing with sausage instead.)
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate stuffing in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm stuffing in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip
The celery, mushrooms, and onions can be sautéed up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add all the ingredients to the crock pot just before cooking.
You can also make this entire recipe one full day in advance. Rewarm it in the crockpot or covered in the oven with a splash of additional chicken or vegetable broth to keep it from drying out.
Pair this with
While on Thanksgiving you may choose to make this wild rice stuffing for duck or turkey, it can be served with many other dishes any night of the week.
Recommended Tools to Make Wild Rice Stuffing
- Slow Cooker. If you use a 3-quart slow cooker (as I did), it will be VERY full. Don’t panic—everything fits, you just need to stir gently.
- Skillet. A high-quality skillet is a must-have kitchen tool.
- Measuring Spoons. These are magnetic, making them easy to store.
Related Recipes
If you’re looking for other holiday side dishes, this dish is just one of the many healthy Thanksgiving sides on my site.
Crockpot Wild Rice Stuffing with Cranberries
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 ribs celery finely sliced
- 16 ounces cremini baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 ½ cups uncooked brown and wild rice blend rinsed and drained
- 5 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ⅔ cup reduced sugar dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ cup slivered almonds toasted
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onions and celery and let cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and lightly brown, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high, then add the mushrooms. Let cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a 3- or 4-quart slow cooker, stir together the wild rice blend and sautéed vegetables. Carefully pour in the chicken broth (if using a 3-quart slow cooker, it will be full nearly to the top). Gently stir, then cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours, until the rice is tender. Turn off the slow cooker, then stir in the cranberries, sage, and thyme.
- Taste and add additional salt and/or pepper as desired. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top. Serve warm.
Notes
- TO MAKE AHEAD: The celery, mushrooms, and onions can be sautéed up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Add all the ingredients to the crock pot just before cooking.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate stuffing in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm stuffing in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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Thank you for brightening my day with this stuffing recipe❤️, looks yummy
And your sweet comment brightened MY day, Laura! Thank you so much!
This stuffing is so gorgeous and colorful! Loving the wild rice :)
I love it too! Thanks, Medha!
WOW so much incredible flavor in here! I normally surpass the stuffing on Thanksgiving because it looks no where near as good as yours!
I absolutely LOVE the sound of this! Wild rice is my thing. Beautiful recipe, Erin.
I only have a 6 qt crock pot. Will that be a problem? I hope not because this sounds so delicious!
Hi Anne! I haven’t tested the recipe this way, so I can’t say for certain. I would recommend checking early to see if it’s done since it probably will cook faster in a bigger crock pot.
I used a 6 at and was over cooked at 4 hours. Never thought it would not take as long. Still was done in less than 4. Some okay but on mushy side. It will be even worse when reheating?
Linda, I’m sorry this didn’t turn out! The recipe was, however, designed for a 3-quart crockpot. Generally if you take a recipe designed for a smaller crockpot and put it in a bigger one, it will cook more quickly. I hope reheating goes better than expected!
Even after reheating everyone loved it. I will definitely make again. Thanks
I’m so happy to hear it, Linda! Thank you for reporting back!
Is there anything I could use instead of the mushrooms? This look so good but I don’t care for mushrooms.
Hi Mandy! If you don’t care for mushrooms, you can simply leave them out. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
how about roasted chestnuts
Thanks for weighing in, JoAnn!
‘Tis the season for fresh cranberries. Why use dried cranberries?
Hi Deb, I personally prefer the sweeter flavor of dried cranberries. Fresh would be more tart, but if you don’t mind the tartness, you can definitely make the substitution!
Is there any change in the recipe I should make if I substitute fresh cranberries? Add them at a different time? Add a little sweetener? Thanks!
Hi Jen! I actually don’t recommend fresh cranberries for this recipe (and I LOVE fresh cranberries), because they will be very, very tart and throw off the flavor of the dish. Adding more sugar will give the dish a strange flavor, so I wouldn’t go that route either. I also think fresh cranberries risking making the casserole too moist. If you are looking for a fresh cranberry recipe, this cranberry chicken is delicious: https://www.wellplated.com/cranberry-chicken/.
I am thrilled wiith the recipes on here. Simple yet sophisticated. I can’t print them out so I am hand writing them. I never do that, Consider this a compliment! ?
Lacey, what an AMAZING compliment! It means so much that you take the time to write out my recipes. Thank you!
How would this be with quinoa instead of rice?
Hi Randi, if you wanted to make a quinoa substitution, the liquid ratio will need to be adjusted. I’d suggest comparing it with other quinoa-based crock pot recipes and make the liquid and cooking time adjustments based on what you see in those!
I am going to try this recipe with quinoa rather than rice also. I just need to research the ratio of water to quinoa.
Exactly Gail! I just sent a similar note to CJ. If you decide to experiment, I’d love to hear how it comes out!
I wonder if I can put both quinoa and wild rice in together. Any suggestions?
Hi CJ! I actually would not do this, because quinoa and wild rice have different cooking times, so the quinoa will be done before the rice. If you really want to try quinoa, I’d see if you can find a slow cooker quinoa recipe online, follow its guidance for the liquid ratio and cooking time, then add in the other stuffing ingredients (mushrooms, cranberries, etc.) from this recipe. Use your best judgement, and if you decide to experiment, I’d love to hear how it comes out!
Based on my research 1 cup of quinoa to 2 cups of liquid. I am going to use vegetable broth.
Hi! Does the rice soak up all of the broth or is the dish watery?
Hi Karen! For this recipe, the rice will soak up the broth.
Made this recipe in a 6qt crockpot and it was perfect! It was done in about 2 hours on high. The smell of it alone was enough to make me salivate! And it was a HIT for our thanksgiving dinner last night. It provided a gluten and dairy free altenative for my celiac mother, too!
Not only that, but it’s gorgeous to look at! We stuffed the turkey with it AND had some left over as a side. I couldn’t find a wild rice blend at my grocery store so I ended up with Uncle Ben’s boxed rice mix and left the flavoring pack out. It worked perfectly. Thank you for sharing this!
I’m so glad to hear the recipe was a hit at Thanksgiving, Sophie! And thank YOU for leaving this nice comment!
Thank you so much for this recipe, it was such s cool addition to Thanksgiving this year. I made the following changes and it was AMAZING:
-Omitted the mushrooms
-Used pine nuts instead of almonds
– After it was cooked and slightly cooled, I added fresh pomegranate seeds and diced green apples for some color, texture, and sweetness
Super yummy, Thank you again!
Hi Elnaz, adding pomegranate and diced apples sounds delicious! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for leaving such a nice review.
Made this easy and delicious dish for my son who’s a vegan for Thanksgiving. He loved it and at this moment I’m about to make him another crockpot of it for the week! Thanks for a simple, easy and delicious dish…
Thank you so much for this nice comment, Michelle! I’m so glad your son enjoyed the recipe!
This looks so yummy!! I’m going to try halving the recipe and making it in a bean pot. Any suggestions?
Hi Emily, I think the recipe would halve well! I haven’t tried baking this in an oven before, so I’m afraid I can’t offer specifics. Similar wild rice stuffing recipes I found online suggest baking at 350*F and start at 40 minutes or so of cooking time. It’d be an experiment, but if you decide to give it a try, I would love to know how it goes!
Thank you! I’ll let you know how it turns out. Can’t wait to try it!
I plan to make this Tuesday for Thanksgiving. What is the best way to reheat it since I’m not making it day-of?
Hi April, I would reheat it covered in a casserole dish in the oven at 350 degrees until hot! I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Hi Erin,
I’ve made this casserole before and am in love with it. I’m hosting a smaller group this year and would want to halve the rice portion only, along with the liquid. Do you think that would work out with the same success?
Hi Isabelle, I think that should work! You’ll want to check for doneness on the earlier side, as it may cook faster since the slow cooker won’t be as full.
Do you have to soak the wild rice before you add the broth?
No need to soak Britt! You can give the rise a quick rinse, but it will cook fully in the slow cooker. I hope you love it!
Can you use Uncle Ben’s. Long Grain and Wild rice by itself in this recipe, omitting the brown rice?
Kathleen, I think that would be fine!
So…my “smaller” crock pot is 2.5 quart. I think that would be easier to use than my big one. Any thoughts on how to scale it down easily?
Hi Heidi, I would start by scaling the recipe down by half. In a different size crock pot, you’ll want to watch the cooking time as it may be done in a different time than listed in the recipe. I hope that helps!
This recipe sounds perfect for all my allergies without making everyone else suffer on flavour because of me.
Just wondering, could I use the juices from the turkey to cook the rice? Or maybe mix it with some vegetable broth if I don’t have enough?
I am also assuming a crock pot is a slow cooker? (I am in Australia so terms are different).
Thank you so so much.
Hi Mel! I think your suggestions sound great. (FYI, the rice goes into the slow cooker, which is a crock pot UNCOOKED, so you don’t need to cook it first). Just make sure the total liquid amount you add (be it a mix of turkey juices and veggie broth or just the juices) matches the recipe. Also, if your juices are salty or your broth isn’t low sodium, I’d hold back on the amount of salt in the recipe to make sure it doesn’t get too salty. You can always season the final dish later.
hi Erin! thank you for the recipe! I liked it a lot so I am going to make it for my christmas dinner. I also added your recipe to my latest blog. You can see it here: https://omdetox.com/21-vegan-christmas-recipes/
Merry christmas!
Dominique, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much!
Hey Erin, I have a 6 quart and over 20 people coming. Think this would work if I double it? What would you suggest for cooking time?
Hi Shirlene, I haven’t tried doubling the recipe, but you could give it a try. Since I haven’t tried it myself, I don’t have a specific time to recommend for cooking, but I would check it according to the listed time here and keep cooking as needed. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
The crockpot is a Thanksgiving lifesaver!
So excited to make this!! I struggle with food allergies along with my grandson. He has 28 allergens and I have 29. Along with being gluten and dairy free!
I hope you love the recipe, Janis!
This was a dinner saver for my sister in law and niece who were both diagnosed with gluten allergies last year right before Thanksgiving and another sister in law who is a vegetarian. I have also made it for meal prep and added sausage to it. I will say I added the cranberries and almonds early by mistake and it still turned out great.
Hooray! I’m glad it was a success, Erica. Thanks so much for taking the time to report back!
Hi Erin, I am wondering on this and other slow cooker recipes whether you have ever tried the Instant Pot on slow cook, with the glass lid. Granted it makes sense to use a dedicated device if you have it, but seeing how IP is supposed to be a “multi cooker,” I’d like to know how well it works for this type of cooking… (we’re planning to get one). Thanks!
Hi Kip, I’ve actually never tried using my Instant Pot as a slow cooker yet. I bet there are some tips if you do an online search!
Hi Erin! Would I be able to use my Instant Pot??? Gave my slow cooker to my daughter
Hi Faith, I have not attempted this recipe in the Instant Pot, and I’m guessing there would need to be some modifications. If you do decide to experiment, I’d love to hear how it goes. You could also try a stovetop version as well if you have a large pot or dutch oven. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi,
After cooking, could I stuff it in a turkey or Cornish hens? do you think baking further would dry it out too much? It looks amazing!
Hi Bernadette, I would recommend leaving this as a side dish. I haven’t tried stuffing this myself, but if you decide to experiment, I would love to hear how it goes.
Hi! I’m hosting Thanksgiving for the 4th time this year. My mom has celiac, so I wanted to do this for her, and I’m already using my crockpot for something else. I’m tempted to buy another one but before I do, is there a way to make this on the stovetop?
Hi Jen, I haven’t tried it myself, but I think you could adapt this to the stovetop. Use a large pot or dutch oven, and for cook time once you stir in the rice and chicken broth, I’d follow the cooking timing on your package of rice.
Wow this dish is beautiful! I don’t typically like stiffing but this is one I would try for sure.
Made the mistake of using a 6 qt size crock pot. I didn’t know the size of the crock pot would alter the cooking time. I added sausage and it would have been good prior to it turning into wall paper paste. I will try again by either altering the cook time (I did 5 hours on low) or purchasing a smaller crockpot. It ended up in the trash can.
Hi Shannon, the size definitely affects the cook time, and I’m sorry you found that out firsthand! I hope you enjoy it when you give it another try.
I would like to double this recipe for my vegan friends potluck luncheon/baby shower. It will be a large group of people. Anyone have any suggestions about larger crock pot and doubling the recipe? cook time?If I make it in the morning, Would it be done by lunchtime as a side dish?
Hi Joan, I haven’t tried doubling the recipe, but you could give it a try. Since I haven’t tried it myself, I don’t have a specific time to recommend for cooking, but I would check it according to the listed time here and keep cooking as needed. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
I’ve made this recipe several years in a row now and cook up the breast of a wild grouse with the mix of mushrooms and onions.
Its amazing and adds a unique spin on the dish. I also throw in one Granny Smith apple, cut into small pieces. YUM!
I’m so happy to hear that this recipe was a hit, Lisa! Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review!
Made this recipe yesterday for Thanksgiving and it was super easy and everyone loved it!!? A definite one to make again.
I’m so happy to hear that this recipe was a hit, Dawn! Thank you for taking the time to share this kind review!
Delicious!!! Comfort food!!! Thank you for this wonderful recipe! My husband was recently put on a Vegan diet by his doctor. He was a “meat and potatoes” man, so I have been trying to research and find creative dishes that are pleasing to his taste-buds. We both really loved this dish! It was easy to make and cooked quickly in my crock-pot. My husband gave it a “10”! He said it was a nice, warm and satisfying dinner! I loved it as well, it was so, so good! Hive five and thanks again!
Thank you for sharing this kind review, Tracy! I’m so happy the recipe was a hit!
I am about to make this for a dinner,and want to make sure I have the timing down right as I will bring using a 5qt. Crockpot. Would about 2.5 to 3 hours be about the time it should cook on low?
Hi Marcie! Since I haven’t tried it myself, I don’t have a specific time to recommend for cooking, but I would check it according to the listed time here and keep cooking as needed. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Is there a substitute for almonds? My son has is allergic.
Hi Tara! Another reader reported using pine nuts with success instead. I hope you enjoy the recipe if you try it!
Have you tried this in an instant pot? How long should it cook for if using this instead of a crockpot?
Holly, I have not and I’m honestly not sure how/if it would work out so I’m afraid I can’t offer you advice there!
This looks so delicious. Do you have directions for stovetop? Thank you!!!
Hi Lori! I haven’t tried it myself, but I think you could adapt this to the stovetop. Use a large pot or dutch oven, and for cook time once you stir in the rice and chicken broth, I’d follow the cooking timing on your package of rice.
Made this for thanksgiving yesterday and it was amazing! Hard to believe it was rice-based :-) A crowd-pleaser for all. Thank you so very much!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Laura! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Heck, I may just add some lentils or something and make this a dinner main dish any time in the fall/winter. Looks absolutely delicious, hearty and healthy.
I hope you enjoy it, Catharine!
We did not care for this one. The rice did not stay firm in the slow cooker which made the dish very mushy. If you make this, keep a very close eye on the rice so you don’t overcook.
I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste, Jamie. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not enjoy it, so I truly wish it would have been a hit for you.
One granddaughter WTH Celia and a great niece with a severe dairy allergy. This was a definite winner
Hi Linda! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
This is one of the most difficult recipes I have ever tried to read and I’ve wasted SO MUCH Time trying to read the recipe, find the ingredients and complete this. It’s been ridiculous.
Hi Janan! I’m so sorry to hear you are having trouble navigating the website. Did you see the “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page? This takes you right to the recipe! Hope this helps!
I made this for Thanksgiving yesterday. I used a wild rice blend from “Rice Select”. I did not use mushrooms – husband is allergic and I cut the recipe in half – there were only three of us. I should have looked at the water : rice ratio on the container because the stock/water in the recipe is way too much. It came out wonderful but a little softer than I would have preferred. I also cut the cooking time way down to two hours. A definite repeat but check your rice blends for the water : rice ratio – they are all different.
Hi Karen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
I agree I think the liquid ratio was too much when I cooked it on high
I’m considering making this for the holidays this year. Would you mind sharing what brown and wild rice brand you recommend for this recipe? I’ve tried to make similar recipes like this in the past and have had mixed results that I believe is related to quality of the rice I found/bought.
Thank you! Also, discovered you about a year ago and the family has loved almost every recipe I’ve made of yours :)
Hi Jenn! I’ve made it with Rice Selects Royal blend and Bob’s Red Mill’s Country Rice Blend. Both are yummy! Hope you enjoy it!
We had this with our Christmas goose. I was super nervous, as I’m use to making traditional stuffing. My husband had issues with bread so I thought I’d try something different. It turned out FANTASTIC, flavors complimented the goose perfectly. Thank you!
Hi Darby! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This sounds wonderful, and plan to make it for Thanksgiving dinner. Just wondering, would it work with fresh cranberries instead of dried.?
It should be ok. Enjoy Nancy!
I want to make this for Thanksgiving but I am concerned that many hours will produce a mushy rice. Can this be made on the stove? I saw one review that said it was a mushy mess and I worry about that happening. Any advice? You don’t give exact time on how long to keep it in slow cooker?
I think it sounds and looks delicious and I have vegetarian guest will enjoy another option.
Hi Michelle, if that’s a concern, I would recommend looking up a recipe for wild rice pilaf, then adjusting it to use some of the flavors and ingredients from this recipe.
I love the recipe. I was asking a question on the cook time. I don’t want the rice to over cook in the crock pot. I have never used a slow cooker for rice and am a bit nervous about it. Can this be made the day before and reheated for Thanksgiving day? Perhaps I try it out tomorrow Wednesday. I really would like to try this recipe and love the idea.
Sure, you can definitely make it the day before. If you reheat it in the slow cooker, you can add some chicken or vegetable broth if it starts to look dry. Give yourself some time though for it to heat slowly.
Can you use baby portobello mushrooms?
Yes, that’s exactly right!
Made this for Thanksgiving adding crumbled pork sausage and it was a huge hit! I am lamenting not having more of it so I’m thinking of cooking a half batch and making a meal of it. Have you tried cooking chicken breast in the crock pot with it?
Yay! So happy to hear Alli!