Enjoy the flavors of the season with these Holiday Rice Recipes.

As the holiday season approaches the majority of home cooks and culinary enthusiasts look to warm and festive foods to share the joy with family and friends. Rice is an ingredient that can be used in many cuisines around the world. Rice offers a variety of options to create memorable and delicious holiday meals. From colorful Christmas rice, to pilaf with savory flavor and delicious casseroles, let's look at a range of holiday rice recipes which will bring the warmth and taste to your dinner table. Learn more at RiceArray.org

Christmas Rice: A Colorful Celebration

Christmas rice is a vibrant and festive dish that brings festive cheer to any meal. This recipe pairs delicious rice with vibrant peppers for a tasty and visually attractive side dish.

To make Christmas rice, begin by cooking long-grain or basmati rice in accordance with the instructions on the package. While the rice is cooking, saute diced green and red bell peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil. Add Bouillon powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of mixed spice for more warmth. After the rice has been cooked, mix it with the vegetables that have been sauteed and seasonings.

Try adding raisins or dried cranberries to the mix of rice for an extra festive flavor. The sweet ingredients are not just a part of the festive appearance of the meal, but can also add a zing of flavor.

Cilantro Lime Rice: A Zesty Holiday Side

Although not usually associated with the holidays the rice of cilantro lime is an exciting and zesty alternative to heavy holiday fare. This rice is a great match for many main dishes and adds an orange, bright and vibrant note to your holiday menu.

To prepare cilantro lime rice, cook long-grain rice in water or vegetable stock. After the rice is cooked, you can fluff it and then add finely chopped cilantro as well as lime zest and lime juice. The result is a delicate and sweet rice dish that can balance richer holiday foods and can add a cleansing element to your meal.

Momma's Holiday Rice: A Comforting Casserole

Momma’s Holiday Rice will satisfy those seeking a comforting, rich rice dish. This casserole-style recipe combines rice with a delicious mixture of beef consomme, French onion soup and mushrooms. It's an extremely satisfying and filling dinner dish.

To prepare this delicious dish, melt butter in a casserole dish and add canned soups, uncooked rice and water. Add chopped almonds and mushrooms to the mixture, and bake until liquid has been absorption. The result is a smooth rice casserole with a delicious flavor that is sure to become a holiday favorite.

Wild Rice Pilaf - A Nuts and Festive Side

Wild rice pilaf provides an amazing combination of textures and flavors that is ideal for holiday dinners. The dish usually combines wild rice with dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic herbs to create an interesting and delicious side dish.

To create a festive wild rice pilaf, boil a blend of white and wild rice in vegetable or chicken broth. While the rice cooks, sauté onions, carrots and apples in butter. Once the rice is tender add it to the vegetables that have been sauteed and add dried pecans, cranberries and chopped pears as well as fresh herbs such as rosemary and parsley. The rice dish is delicious and visually appealing.

Consider substituting dried cherries for cranberries, and adding sauteed mushrooms for a more earthy taste. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and will be a great accompaniment to any main dish.

The crowd-pleasing classic Cheesy Broccoli, Cheesy Rice and Cheesy Broc Casserole

No holiday spread is complete without a comforting, cheesy casserole. This classic dish combines broccoli, rice as well as a delicious sauce made from cheese. It is adored by both adults and children.

For this recipe that is sure to please, cook rice and broccoli separately. Make a cheese sauce in an enormous pan with onions, butter and cream of chicken soup. Transfer the broccoli and rice into a casserole dish then combine the sauce with the cooked rice. Add more cheese and crushed potato chips for an extra crunch. Bake until the rice is golden brown and bubbling.

This dish is not only tasty, but it's also a good way to include vegetables into your holiday feast. It's also a great option for kids. The creamy texture and the cheesy flavor make it a great option for any holiday dinner.

Louisiana Dirty Rice - A Spicy Southern Tradition

If you prefer an energizing, more flavorful rice dish, Louisiana Dirty Rice is an excellent choice. This classic Southern recipe blends rice with vegetables, ground meat, as well as a mix of spices for a flavorful and satisfying side dish that can easily be served by itself as a main meal.

Begin by browning ground sausages and beef in a large skillet. Add celery, bell peppers and onions - the "Holy Trinity" of Louisiana cooking. Include a mix of spices and herbs, including cayenne, oregano and thyme to the mixture for heat. Stir flour into chicken broth to make a Roux. In the end, mix in the cooked rice as well as fresh parsley.

The result is a richly flavorful rice dish that has a slightly "dirty" appearance from the spice mix and the brown meat which is why it's called. Dirty Rice is a delicious side dish that can complement various main dishes or even stand on its own as a hearty main dish.

Brazilian Christmas Rice A Taste of Tropical Festivals

Take a look at Brazilian Christmas Rice to get a unique approach to holiday rice. This festive meal combines cashews, raisins, and champagne to make a sweet and salty mix. It is a popular dish in Brazil during the Christmas season.

Begin by making sure that the raisins are soaked in champagne. Sauté chopped onions and garlic in olive oil. Then, add rinsed rice and lightly toast it. Rice is cooked using champagne and water from the raisins that have been soaked in wine. Add the raisins and cashews after the rice has been cooked.

This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with the sweet raisins, balancing the nuttiness of the cashews and the subtle bubbly from the champagne. This is a wonderful way to add a touch of Brazilian Christmas traditions to your holiday menu and add an exotic new twist.

Tips to Make Perfect Holiday Rice Dishes

Whatever recipe for holiday rice you decide to use, here are some tips to make sure your rice dish comes perfect:

1. Rinse the rice Rinse your rice prior to cooking it in order to remove excess starch to achieve a fluffier result.

2. Use the correct ratio to cook rice properly.

3. Let it sit After cooking, let your rice sit for 5-10 mins before fluffing and serving to allow for even distribution of water.

4. Experimenting with grains Don't be afraid to mix different rices or grains to get different flavors and textures.

5. Season rice Rice is a great food that absorbs flavors well and is a great choice for cooking, so don't shy away from seasonings.

6. Prepare ahead Prepare ahead: You can cook numerous rice dishes ahead of time. This will save you time during your Thanksgiving meal.

Conclusion

Holiday rice recipes are a great way to create festive, delicious dishes that will be a perfect match for any holiday meal. Whether you prefer a colorful Christmas rice, a cozy casserole, or even a spicy Southern classic There's a rice recipe to satisfy your any style and taste.

These rice recipes will add new flavors and textures to your holiday menu while preserving the culinary traditions of around the world. From the bright Christmas rice to the indulgent Momma's Holiday Rice and the exotic Brazilian Christmas Rice These recipes are guaranteed to provide warmth, comfort, and delicious tastes to your holiday dinner table.

This Christmas season, why not take advantage of the endless possibilities of rice to create a memorable dish which could soon be a new family tradition? With these recipes and tips in hand, you're well-equipped to make the perfect holiday rice recipe that will impress your guests and family members and make your meal extra special.