Introduction
Christmas meals feel even more comforting when a beautiful rice dish joins the table. Whether you love fruity flavors, savory herbs, or creamy holiday sides, this list brings together delicious options for all tastes. These recipes are easy to follow, perfect for sharing, and full of seasonal charm. Pick your favorites and bring warm joy to your holiday menu.
1. Cranberry Herb Christmas Rice
This dish offers a lovely mix of tart berries and fresh herbs for a bright holiday flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- Heat oil in a pot, add rice, and toast lightly for 1 minute.
- Add broth, cranberries, salt, and orange zest.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and stir in herbs.
How to Serve It
Top with extra cranberries and a sprinkle of thyme for a festive look.
2. Holiday Vegetable Rice Pilaf
A classic pilaf made festive with bright vegetables and light seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup peas
- ½ cup green beans, chopped
- ¼ cup almonds, toasted
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Sauté onion and carrot in oil for 3 minutes.
- Add rice and stir to coat.
- Pour in broth and salt.
- Add peas and green beans.
- Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Rest 10 minutes, then fluff and add almonds.
How to Serve It
Add chopped parsley or toasted nuts for crunch.
3. Creamy Christmas Mushroom Rice
Earthy mushrooms bring comfort and warmth to this creamy rice dish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups arborio rice
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion and mushrooms in oil until tender.
- Add rice and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add broth, one cup at a time, stirring often.
- When rice is soft, mix in coconut milk, thyme, and salt.
- Simmer 5 more minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with extra sautéed mushrooms and thyme.
4. Golden Turmeric Holiday Rice
A colorful rice bowl with gentle seasoning and sweet touches.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ cup peas
- ½ cup golden raisins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in pot and stir in rice.
- Add turmeric and water.
- Add peas, raisins, and salt.
- Cover and simmer 15 minutes.
- Rest 10 minutes before fluffing.
How to Serve It
Garnish with toasted nuts or herbs.
5. Pomegranate Winter Rice
Fresh and crisp, this rice is perfect for adding brightness to the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- ¾ cup pomegranate seeds
- 2 tbsp mint, chopped
- ¼ cup pistachios
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Combine cooked rice with oil and salt.
- Stir in pomegranate seeds, mint, and pistachios.
- Mix gently to avoid crushing seeds.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled or room temperature for a refreshing side.
6. Cinnamon Almond Christmas Rice
A warm, lightly sweet dish perfect for holiday tables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup almonds
- 2 tbsp honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add rice, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to pot.
- Cook covered for 15 minutes.
- Stir in honey and almonds.
How to Serve It
Top with orange zest or extra nuts.
7. Christmas Citrus Rice
Citrus adds a refreshing twist to a classic rice side.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups broth
- Segments of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp parsley
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice in broth.
- Stir in olive oil, citrus segments, and zest.
- Add parsley and salt.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with toasted seeds for crunch.
8. Holiday Spinach Rice
This simple green rice brings both color and flavor to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 3 cups broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté garlic in oil.
- Add rice and stir.
- Add broth and salt.
- Cook 15 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cover 5 minutes to wilt.
How to Serve It
Add lemon zest for a fresh finish.
9. Caramelized Onion Christmas Rice
Sweet onions bring depth and richness to this simple dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook onions slowly in oil for 15–20 minutes until golden.
- Cook rice in broth.
- Mix onions into rice and add salt.
How to Serve It
Top with extra caramelized onions.
10. Rosemary Lemon Christmas Rice
Herb lovers will enjoy this fragrant, citrusy dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice in water with salt.
- Add oil, lemon zest, and rosemary.
- Stir gently.
How to Serve It
Add a rosemary sprig on top for aroma.
11. Sweet Corn Christmas Rice
Sweet and savory, this rice pairs well with many holiday mains.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup corn
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine warm rice with oil.
- Stir in corn, parsley, salt, and pepper.
How to Serve It
Add chopped green onions on top.
12. Cashew Pea Christmas Rice
Cashews add crunch while peas bring fresh sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1 cup peas
- ½ cup cashews
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions**
- Cook rice normally.
- Toast cashews in a pan.
- Add peas and cashews to rice, mix with oil and salt.
How to Serve It**
Sprinkle more cashews on top.
13. Apple Cinnamon Holiday Rice
A cozy, lightly sweet dish to complement winter flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup raisins
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Cook rice with cinnamon and water.
- Stir in apple, raisins, and honey.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with extra apple slices.
14. Nutty Brown Christmas Rice
A hearty, wholesome option full of seasonal textures.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- ½ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix rice with oil and salt.
- Add walnuts and cranberries.
How to Serve It
Top with chopped parsley.
15. Ginger Carrot Holiday Rice
Fresh ginger gives this dish a warm, comforting kick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté carrot and ginger in oil.
- Add rice, water, and salt.
- Cook 15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add chopped cilantro or parsley.
16. Holiday Coconut Rice
Creamy and tender, this rice pairs well with many festive dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in pot.
- Cook covered for 15 minutes.
- Rest before fluffing.
How to Serve It
Add toasted coconut flakes.
17. Winter Herb Rice
A simple herbal blend perfect for holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 tbsp rosemary
- 1 tbsp parsley
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Mix all ingredients together while rice is warm.
How to Serve It
Add fresh herbs right before serving.
18. Maple Pecan Christmas Rice
Lightly sweet and comforting with crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ½ cup pecans
- 2 tbsp oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook rice.
- Stir in maple syrup and salt.
- Fold in toasted pecans.
How to Serve It
Top with extra syrup or nuts.
19. Tomato Basil Holiday Rice
Fresh and aromatic with classic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Mix ingredients and adjust seasoning.
How to Serve It
Add basil on top for color.
20. Christmas Wild Rice Blend
Wild rice adds nutty flavor and a beautiful look to the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked wild rice blend
- ¼ cup dried cherries
- ¼ cup nuts
- 1 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
How to Serve It
Add herbs or seeds for crunch.
21. Garlic Butter-Style Rice
Simple but full of comforting holiday flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups water
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp parsley
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Sauté garlic in oil.
- Add rice and stir.
- Add water and salt.
- Cook 15 minutes.
- Add parsley.
How to Serve It
Top with fresh herbs.
22. Sweet Holiday Raisin Rice
A warm and simple sweet dish that fits beautifully into holiday menus.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups water
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Cook rice with water and cinnamon.
- Stir in raisins and honey.
How to Serve It
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Conclusion
Christmas meals feel even more joyful when a comforting rice dish joins the table. Whether you enjoy sweet bowls, herb-filled sides, or colorful blends, these recipes bring warmth and flavor to every festive gathering. Save your favorites, share them with friends, and enjoy creating something delicious for the holiday season.
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