Overnight Baked Wild Rice

Unlock the essence of cozy autumn flavors with this Overnight Baked Wild Rice recipe, a stress-free dish perfect for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. This hearty, make-ahead recipe combines nutty wild rice with a rich infusion of chicken or vegetable stock, aromatic sautéed onions, and garlic. Accented by sweet bursts of dried cranberries, crunchy sliced almonds, and fragrant thyme, this warm and rustic dish is baked to tender perfection after an overnight soak. With just 15 minutes of prep and an irresistible blend of textures, this recipe makes for a sophisticated side or a satisfying vegetarian-friendly main course. Perfect for holiday tables or meal prepping, this dish marries convenience and decadence in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 0.5 cup sliced almonds
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the wild rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

In a large oven-safe baking dish, combine the rinsed wild rice, cooked onion and garlic mixture, chicken or vegetable stock, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight to allow the rice to begin absorbing the liquid.

Step 6

When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats.

Step 7

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake, still covered, for 75-90 minutes, or until the wild rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir halfway through the cooking time for even cooking.

Step 8

Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently stir in the dried cranberries and sliced almonds. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes, covered, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side or a light main dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1106.1 grams (1106.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1710

Total Fat 60.50g	78%
Saturated Fat 15.70g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.70g
Cholesterol 66mg	22%
Sodium 3549mg	154%
Total Carbohydrate 260.90g	95%
Dietary Fiber 31.80g	114%
Total Sugars 102.60g
Protein 42.40g	85%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 283mg	22%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 1395mg	30%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.0%

Protein: 9.6%

Carbs: 59.4%