Special occasions call for special dishes, and this wild rice casserole fits the bill perfectly. Our contest-winning recipe combines the nutty flavors of wild rice with earthy mushrooms and almonds in a creamy sauce that will have your guests asking for seconds.
The best part? It requires just 15 minutes of prep time, making it the ideal choice for busy hosts who want to impress during the holidays without spending hours in the kitchen. This wild rice casserole brings comfort and satisfaction to any table, ensuring your guests leave happy and well fed.
Ingredients for Wild Rice Casserole
- Wild rice: As the casserole’s star ingredient, wild rice provides a nutty flavor. Wild rice is also healthy, as it’s rich in antioxidants and nutrient dense.
- Mushrooms:Â Sliced button mushrooms add an earthy, umami-rich flavor and meaty texture to the dish.
- Onion:Â Chopped onion lends a subtle sweetness to the base of the casserole.
- Butter: Butter is used to saute the mushrooms and onion, adding richness to this wild rice casserole.
- Long grain rice:Â A cup of uncooked long grain rice complements the wild rice and provides the dish with a varied texture.
- Almonds:Â Sliced almonds provide a necessary crunch.
- Chicken broth: The chicken broth infuses the rice as it cooks.
- Heavy whipping cream:Â Heavy cream add a creamy, luxurious texture and helps to bind all the ingredients.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami finish to this wild rice casserole.
Directions
Step 1: Soak the wild rice
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the uncooked wild rice in a large bowl and cover it with boiling water. Soak it for one hour, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the vegetables
In a large skillet, saute the mushrooms and onion in butter over medium heat until they’re tender and the mushrooms have released their moisture, five to seven minutes.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t rush the cooking process—properly sauteed mushrooms will add depth and richness to this wild rice casserole.
Step 3: Combine the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mushroom mixture, soaked wild rice, uncooked long grain rice, almonds, chicken broth and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Bake the casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-1/2 quart baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake for 75 minutes.
Step 5: Add the cheese
Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Editor’s Tip: For a golden brown crust, broil the wild rice casserole for the last two minutes. Make sure to watch it closely to avoid burning.
Wild Rice Casserole Variations
- Make it vegetarian:Â Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this wild rice casserole recipe.
- Add protein:Â Stir in cooked shredded chicken, turkey or ham to make the wild rice casserole heartier.
- Include more vegetables:Â Add diced bell peppers, celery, carrots or spinach to the casserole for extra color and nutrients.
- Add more nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts and pine nuts can all be added for extra crunch. For even more flavor, lightly toast the nuts before adding them to the casserole.
- Herb it up: Stir in fresh herbs like chopped thyme, rosemary or sage for an aromatic twist to your casserole.
- Top with more cheese: For an even cheesier crust, mix in sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese with the Parmesan before adding it to the top of the casserole.
How to Store Wild Rice Casserole
Leftovers of this wild rice and mushroom casserole can be separated into single servings and stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can you freeze wild rice casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this wild rice casserole recipe. After baking, let the casserole cool completely. Separate it into single servings in freezer-safe zip-top bags, then freeze them flat for up to three months. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can you make wild rice casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble this wild rice casserole recipe a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge, and add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if you put it in the oven straight from the fridge.
Wild Rice Casserole Tips
What’s the best type of mushroom to use in wild rice casserole?
While button mushrooms work well, you can enhance the flavors of this wild rice casserole recipe by using a mix of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster or cremini.
What can you serve with wild rice casserole?
Serve this wild rice casserole on your holiday table alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh apple salad or mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with roasted meats like roast chicken, turkey and pot roast.
How do you make wild rice casserole creamier?
For a creamier wild rice casserole, stir in a cup of sour cream before baking. This will make the finished casserole richer, flavorful and more indulgent.
Can you use different types of rice in this casserole?
For a unique flavor, swap out the long grain rice for brown rice or basmati rice. The cook time in the oven will need to be adjusted based on the rice varieties used in your wild rice casserole.
