28 Flavorful Christmas Rice Recipes for a Festive Feast

Christmas is the perfect time to gather with loved ones and indulge in a delicious spread that warms the heart and fills the home with joy. While traditional dishes like roasts and pies often take center stage, rice is a versatile and flavorful addition that can elevate your holiday feast to a whole new level.

From savory to sweet, there’s no end to the creative ways you can incorporate rice into your Christmas menu. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 28 Flavorful Christmas Rice Recipes for a Festive Feast—each one brimming with holiday cheer and easy enough to whip up for your celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for something elegant for a formal dinner or a cozy side dish for a casual gathering, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive into these mouthwatering recipes!

1. Classic Christmas Pilaf

Aromatic and elegant, this dish is perfect for any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté the onion until translucent.
3. Add cinnamon, cranberries, and almonds, stirring for a minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Stir in the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

2. Herb and Parmesan Risotto

Creamy, cheesy, and full of fragrant herbs, this risotto is a Christmas favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken stock, warmed
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and toast the rice for 2 minutes.
2. Deglaze with white wine, stirring until absorbed.
3. Gradually add warm stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly.
4. Once the rice is creamy and cooked, stir in butter, Parmesan, and herbs.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

3. Cranberry and Pecan Wild Rice

This festive dish is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the wild rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
2. Stir in cranberries, pecans, maple syrup, and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

4. Christmas Jambalaya

Spice up your Christmas dinner with this Creole-inspired favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, cook the sausage and onion until browned.
2. Add the bell pepper, tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning.
3. Stir in the rice and bring to a boil.
4. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, adding shrimp during the last 5 minutes.

5. Gingerbread Rice Pudding

This sweet treat is perfect for ending your holiday meal on a festive note.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 cup molasses

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, milk, and brown sugar in a pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Cook until the rice is tender and creamy, about 25 minutes.
3. Stir in spices and molasses.
4. Serve warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream if desired.

6. Lemon Herb Rice with Roasted Garlic

Bright and refreshing, this dish pairs perfectly with roasted meats.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 bulb roasted garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
2. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the rice and mix well.
3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and parsley.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7. Coconut Curry Rice

A warm and creamy dish with a hint of spice for a cozy Christmas dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp yellow curry powder
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and curry powder in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Stir in green peas and shredded coconut, and cook for 5 more minutes.
4. Fluff with a fork and serve.

8. Mushroom and Chestnut Rice

Rich and earthy, this dish is a show-stopper for holiday feasts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant, then add mushrooms and cook until tender.
2. Stir in rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add stock, stirring constantly until rice is creamy.
4. Fold in chestnuts and season with salt and pepper.

9. Pomegranate Rice Salad

A vibrant, tangy dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, pomegranate seeds, mint, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice.
3. Toss to combine, then season with salt and pepper.

10. Sweet Potato and Sage Rice Bake

Comforting and hearty, this dish is perfect for a cold Christmas evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Toss sweet potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20 minutes.
3. Cook rice in vegetable broth and mix with roasted sweet potato and sage.
4. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 10 minutes.

11. Spiced Apple Rice Casserole

This sweet and savory dish brings the cozy flavors of the season to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in apple cider until tender.
2. Stir in diced apple, raisins, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes and serve warm.

12. Cilantro Lime Rice with Jalapeños

Zesty with a kick, this dish is great for balancing rich Christmas mains.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 small jalapeño, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in water according to package instructions.
2. Stir in lime juice, zest, cilantro, jalapeño, and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and serve.

13. Christmas Red Rice

A bold and colorful dish that’s bursting with holiday flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook red rice in vegetable broth until tender.
2. Sauté tomatoes and red bell pepper in olive oil.
3. Mix in cooked rice, smoked paprika, and green onions.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

14. Saffron Rice with Golden Raisins

This aromatic dish brings elegance and warmth to your Christmas spread.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 tsp saffron threads
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat broth and add saffron threads to infuse for 5 minutes.
2. In a pot, melt butter and toast rice for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in saffron-infused broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked.
5. Stir in golden raisins and fluff with a fork before serving.

15. Festive Green Rice with Spinach and Basil

Packed with flavor and color, this rice dish is a fresh addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in water until tender.
2. Blend spinach, basil, olive oil, and garlic into a smooth paste.
3. Stir the green mixture into the rice and heat gently.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

16. Maple Bacon Fried Rice

A savory-sweet twist on classic fried rice, perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cooked rice and maple syrup, stirring well.
4. Fold in bacon and green onions.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

17. Orange and Pecan Rice

Bright citrus flavors and nutty pecans make this rice dish a festive delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tbsp butter
• Zest of 1 orange
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in orange juice until tender.
2. Stir in butter, orange zest, and chopped pecans.
3. Season with salt and serve warm.

18. Roast Vegetable Rice Medley

A hearty and colorful dish that’s perfect for the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup roasted carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup roasted Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in vegetable broth until tender.
2. Toss the roasted vegetables with olive oil, then fold into the rice.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

19. Sweet Cranberry Almond Rice

This subtly sweet dish complements any Christmas entrée beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in water until tender.
2. Stir in butter, honey, cranberries, and almonds.
3. Heat gently, then fluff and serve.

20. Pineapple Coconut Rice

A tropical twist to liven up your Christmas table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz)
• 1 cup diced pineapple
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar in a pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Cook until rice is tender and creamy.
3. Stir in diced pineapple and shredded coconut.
4. Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.

21. Garlic Butter Rice with Thyme

Simple yet luxurious, this buttery rice is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until rice is tender.
4. Stir in fresh thyme and season with salt.

22. Spiced Lentil Rice

Earthy lentils and warming spices make this a comforting side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup cooked lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in vegetable broth with cumin and coriander.
2. Stir in cooked lentils and olive oil.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

23. Honey Glazed Rice with Carrots

Sweet, savory, and absolutely festive!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in water until tender.
2. In a separate pan, melt butter and stir in honey and grated carrots.
3. Combine the mixture with the rice and heat gently.

24. Festive Red and Green Rice

A vibrant holiday dish with fresh veggies and bold colors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in water until tender.
2. Sauté red bell pepper and spinach in olive oil until softened.
3. Fold the vegetables into the rice and season with salt and pepper.

25. Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf

Bright and zesty, this rice pilaf is the perfect addition to a holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and toast the rice for 2 minutes.
2. Add broth, lemon zest, and juice, then bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is cooked.
4. Stir in parsley and dill, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

26. Mushroom and Truffle Oil Rice

Rich and earthy, this decadent rice is a showstopper.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 2 tbsp truffle oil
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté mushrooms in butter until golden.
2. Add arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly, until rice is creamy and tender.
4. Drizzle with truffle oil, stir in Parmesan, and season with salt.

27. Pomegranate and Pistachio Rice

A vibrant and crunchy dish with a hint of sweetness, perfect for festive gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice in water until tender and let cool slightly.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and fluff the rice with a fork.
3. Gently fold in pomegranate arils and pistachios.
4. Season with salt and serve at room temperature or warm.

28. Vanilla Rice Pudding with Cranberries

A sweet and creamy dessert that doubles as a festive treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, milk, water, and sugar in a pot.
2. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until rice is soft and creamy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and dried cranberries.
4. Serve warm or chilled for a delightful end to the meal.

Conclusion

Christmas is a time for gathering, sharing, and enjoying delicious food with loved ones. These 28 rice recipes bring festive flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting warmth to your table. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, there’s a dish here to delight everyone. Celebrate the season with unforgettable meals and cherished memories!