Thanksgiving dinner is usually filled with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and comforting casseroles, but a flavorful rice dish can be the perfect addition to the holiday table. Rice is versatile, budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and works beautifully with seasonal ingredients such as cranberries, mushrooms, pumpkin, butternut squash, pecans, herbs, and roasted vegetables.

Whether you’re looking for a simple Thanksgiving rice side dish, a festive rice pilaf, a creamy rice casserole, or a hearty rice recipe for a large family gathering, these 21 easy Thanksgiving rice recipes offer plenty of delicious options.

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1. Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf

Wild rice pilaf is a hearty and flavorful Thanksgiving side dish filled with herbs, cranberries, and pecans.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly.
2. Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan.
3. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer according to package directions.
4. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet.
5. Add onion and celery and cook until softened.
6. Stir in thyme and sage.
7. Add cooked rice to the skillet.
8. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Serving Tip

Toast the pecans before adding them for extra flavor and crunch.

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2. Garlic Butter Rice

Simple garlic butter rice is an easy side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear.
2. Melt butter in a saucepan.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add rice and stir for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in broth.
6. Add salt and pepper.
7. Bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender.
9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
10. Fluff with a fork.
11. Garnish with parsley.

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3. Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf

Sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans make this rice dish perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati or long-grain rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in broth.
5. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer until rice is tender.
7. Fluff rice with a fork.
8. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
9. Serve warm.

Serving Tip

Add fresh parsley for a pop of green color.

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4. Mushroom Rice Pilaf

Earthy mushrooms and herbs give this rice pilaf a cozy Thanksgiving flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain rice
• 4 cups broth
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ¼ teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until golden.
3. Add onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and herbs.
5. Add rice and toast briefly.
6. Pour in broth.
7. Bring to a boil.
8. Cover and simmer until rice is tender.
9. Fluff and season.
10. Serve warm.

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5. Thanksgiving Vegetable Rice

This colorful rice dish is packed with vegetables and works especially well for a family-style dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups white or brown rice
• 4 cups broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup peas
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup corn
• ½ cup onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
3. Add onion, carrots, and bell pepper.
4. Cook until vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add peas and corn.
6. Stir in cooked rice.
7. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

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6. Butternut Squash Rice

Roasted butternut squash adds natural sweetness and beautiful autumn color.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ teaspoon sage
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Toss squash with olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes.
4. Combine cooked rice and roasted squash.
5. Add cranberries and pecans.
6. Sprinkle with a small amount of cinnamon.
7. Toss gently.
8. Serve warm.

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7. Parmesan Herb Rice

Parmesan and fresh herbs transform simple rice into an elegant Thanksgiving side.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Warm cooked rice in a skillet.
2. Add butter.
3. Sprinkle in garlic powder.
4. Stir in Parmesan.
5. Add parsley and thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
8. Serve warm.

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8. Wild Rice with Mushrooms and Cranberries

This hearty combination brings together earthy mushrooms, tart cranberries, and nutty wild rice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 8 ounces mushrooms
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Add onion and thyme.
4. Cook until the onion softens.
5. Add cooked wild rice.
6. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

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9. Creamy Parmesan Rice

Creamy Parmesan rice is comforting and rich without requiring complicated ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons parsley

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add minced garlic.
3. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add cooked rice.
5. Pour in heavy cream.
6. Stir in Parmesan.
7. Cook until creamy.
8. Season with pepper and salt.
9. Garnish with parsley.

Serving Tip

This rice is especially delicious with turkey gravy.

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10. Apple Cranberry Rice Pilaf

Apples add a subtle sweetness to this festive Thanksgiving rice recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild or brown rice
• 1 apple, diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add onion and cook until soft.
3. Add diced apple.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cooked rice.
6. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
7. Add cinnamon and thyme.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

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11. Garlic Herb Brown Rice

Brown rice adds extra texture and a hearty flavor to the Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add garlic.
3. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add cooked brown rice.
5. Sprinkle with thyme and rosemary.
6. Stir well.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Garnish with parsley.
9. Serve warm.

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12. Thanksgiving Rice Stuffing

This rice-based stuffing is a delicious alternative to traditional bread stuffing.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked wild rice
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• ½ cup carrots
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sage
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet.
2. Add onion, celery, and carrots.
3. Cook until softened.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Stir in cooked wild rice.
6. Add cranberries and pecans.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer to a baking dish.
9. Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

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13. Rice with Roasted Garlic and Herbs

Roasted garlic gives this rice a deep, slightly sweet flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 whole garlic bulb
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Slice the top from the garlic bulb.
2. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Wrap in foil.
4. Roast at 400°F for 35–40 minutes.
5. Squeeze roasted garlic into a skillet.
6. Add butter and cooked rice.
7. Stir in thyme and parsley.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve warm.

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14. Sweet Potato Rice Pilaf

Sweet potatoes and rice create a hearty fall-inspired side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1½ cups diced sweet potatoes
• ½ cup pecans
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Roast sweet potatoes at 425°F until tender.
2. Melt butter in a skillet.
3. Add cooked rice.
4. Stir in roasted sweet potatoes.
5. Add cranberries and pecans.
6. Season with cinnamon and thyme.
7. Toss gently.
8. Serve warm.

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15. Lemon Herb Rice

For a lighter Thanksgiving rice option, this bright lemon herb rice is an excellent choice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Warm rice in a skillet.
2. Add butter.
3. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
4. Add parsley and dill.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
7. Serve immediately.

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16. Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice

This rich wild rice dish is perfect for a cozy Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• 8 ounces mushrooms
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add mushrooms.
3. Cook until golden brown.
4. Add garlic and thyme.
5. Pour in heavy cream.
6. Add Parmesan.
7. Stir until the sauce thickens.
8. Add cooked wild rice.
9. Toss well.
10. Season with salt and pepper.

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17. Cranberry Orange Rice

Fresh orange flavor and dried cranberries make this rice colorful and festive.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add cooked rice.
3. Stir in cranberries and pecans.
4. Add orange juice and zest.
5. Sprinkle with thyme.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
8. Serve warm.

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18. Rice and Roasted Vegetable Casserole

This colorful casserole is ideal for feeding a Thanksgiving crowd.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup roasted carrots
• 1 cup roasted broccoli
• 1 cup roasted cauliflower
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• ½ cup Parmesan
• 1 cup cream sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine cooked rice and roasted vegetables.
3. Stir in cream sauce.
4. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar and Parmesan.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

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19. Sage Butter Rice

Sage and butter bring classic Thanksgiving flavors to a simple rice dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 8 fresh sage leaves
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup Parmesan
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add sage leaves.
3. Cook until the butter becomes golden and fragrant.
4. Add cooked rice.
5. Stir in garlic powder.
6. Add Parmesan.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Remove crispy sage leaves and use them as a garnish.

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20. Thanksgiving Vegetable Brown Rice

This wholesome brown rice recipe is packed with colorful vegetables.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup peas
• ½ cup corn
• ½ cup diced bell pepper
• ½ cup onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Add onion and carrots.
3. Cook until slightly tender.
4. Add bell pepper.
5. Stir in peas and corn.
6. Add cooked brown rice.
7. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Cook for 4–5 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

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21. Thanksgiving Cranberry Wild Rice with Pecans

This colorful wild rice dish brings together the best flavors of fall in one easy recipe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked wild rice
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• ½ cup diced celery
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon sage
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet.
2. Add celery and onion.
3. Cook until softened.
4. Add sage and thyme.
5. Stir in cooked wild rice.
6. Add cranberries and pecans.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley.
10. Serve warm.

21 Roasted Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving

25 Best Sweet Potato Casserole Recipes for Thanksgiving

21 Garlic Mashed Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving

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Best Thanksgiving Rice Recipes for a Crowd

If you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner for a large family, these recipes are especially easy to scale:

Best Overall

Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf

Best Easy Recipe

Garlic Butter Rice

Best Festive Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf

Best Vegetarian Option

Thanksgiving Vegetable Rice

Best Creamy Recipe

Creamy Parmesan Rice

Best Fall Flavor

Butternut Squash Rice

Best Make-Ahead Recipe

Thanksgiving Rice Stuffing

Best Casserole

Rice and Roasted Vegetable Casserole

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Tips for Making Thanksgiving Rice

Use Broth Instead of Water

Cooking rice in chicken or vegetable broth adds much more flavor without requiring complicated ingredients.

Add Seasonal Ingredients

Cranberries, pecans, apples, squash, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, sage, and thyme can transform basic rice into a Thanksgiving-worthy side.

Don’t Overcook the Rice

Follow the cooking instructions for your specific rice variety and allow cooked rice to rest before fluffing.

Toast the Rice

For pilaf-style recipes, briefly sautéing rice in butter before adding the broth gives it a deeper nutty flavor.

Make Rice Ahead

Most rice dishes can be prepared earlier in the day. Reheat gently with a small splash of broth to restore moisture.

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How to Keep Thanksgiving Rice Warm

If you’re preparing several Thanksgiving dishes at once, keep cooked rice covered in a serving dish or slow cooker on a low/warm setting.

Add a small amount of broth or butter if the rice begins to dry out.

Avoid leaving cooked rice at room temperature for extended periods; refrigerate leftovers promptly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What rice is best for Thanksgiving?

Wild rice, basmati rice, long-grain white rice, brown rice, and rice blends all work well. Wild rice blends are especially popular for fall and Thanksgiving dishes because of their nutty flavor and hearty texture.

Can I make Thanksgiving rice ahead of time?

Yes. Many rice dishes can be prepared a few hours ahead and reheated before dinner. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if necessary.

What can I add to rice for Thanksgiving?

Great additions include:

• Dried cranberries
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Apples
• Mushrooms
• Butternut squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Celery
• Sage
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Parmesan
• Fresh herbs

Is wild rice actually rice?

Wild rice is technically an aquatic grass seed rather than traditional rice, but it is commonly prepared and served like rice. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor make it excellent for Thanksgiving pilafs.

What rice goes well with turkey?

Wild rice pilaf, cranberry pecan rice, mushroom rice, garlic butter rice, sage butter rice, and vegetable rice all pair beautifully with turkey.

Can I make Thanksgiving rice vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose vegetarian cheese if your recipe contains Parmesan.

How do I reheat rice without drying it out?

Add a small splash of water or broth and cover the rice while reheating. Gently stirring in a little butter can also help restore moisture.

Can I freeze Thanksgiving rice?

Many cooked rice dishes can be frozen in airtight containers. Allow them to cool properly before freezing and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

What herbs go best with Thanksgiving rice?

Sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and chives all work particularly well with Thanksgiving rice recipes.

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Final Thoughts

These 21 easy Thanksgiving rice recipes are a delicious way to add variety to your holiday dinner table. From comforting garlic butter rice and creamy Parmesan rice to festive cranberry pecan rice pilaf, hearty wild rice dishes, and colorful roasted vegetable casseroles, there is an option for every Thanksgiving menu.

If you’re looking for a classic holiday side, try Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf. For something simple, Garlic Butter Rice is an excellent choice. For a festive presentation, Cranberry Orange Rice or Cranberry Wild Rice with Pecans brings beautiful seasonal color to the table.

And if you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu around leftovers, Thanksgiving Rice Stuffing and Turkey-friendly wild rice dishes are easy ways to make the most of your holiday ingredients.

These rice recipes are simple enough for a busy Thanksgiving kitchen, flavorful enough for a special occasion, and easy to customize with your favorite seasonal ingredients.