Readers love this wild rice stuffing recipe for two reasons: The wild rice adds a wonderful toasty flavor to traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, and it’s a good way to use the turkey’s giblets. The giblets (heart, liver, kidneys, gizzard and neck) are the secret to wild rice stuffing’s rich and savory flavor. Remove the giblets from the bird’s cavity, simmer on the stovetop until tender, then chop and add right to the stuffing.

Gone are the days of tossing the giblets in the trash. Keep them, because this wild rice stuffing will become your go-to recipe!

What is wild rice?

It’s a semi-aquatic grass that grows natively in North America’s Great Lakes region. While it mimics other types of rice in texture and appearance, wild rice isn’t a true rice. It belongs to a separate but related species called Zizania and is one of only a handful of grains native to North America. People like wild rice for its nutty flavor and for being healthier than conventional rice—it’s higher in both protein and fiber. It’s also a rich source of vitamin B, antioxidants, folate, phosphorus, niacin, magnesium and zinc.

Ingredients for Wild Rice Stuffing

• Turkey giblets: The giblets refer to the small package of organ meat stuffed inside a turkey during processing. This package usually contains the bird’s heart, liver, kidneys, gizzard and neck.
• Wild rice blend: This recipe calls for a store-bought wild rice blend, but you can create your own blend of wild rice, white rice and brown rice for the perfect flavor and texture.
• Celery: This aromatic gives the stuffing flecks of green color along with a fresh vegetal flavor.
• Onion: Use white, yellow or sweet onions to make this recipe.
• Seasoned stuffing: This recipe takes a shortcut and uses preseasoned crushed stuffing.
• Chicken broth: The broth adds moisture and rich poultry flavor. Pick up a good store-bought chicken broth or use homemade chicken broth.

Taste of Home